Whatever opinion you have of the United States, it cannot be said that they are not attentive to the world of outdoor tourism. In fact, American President Donald Trump has just signed a law called Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which is defined by RVIA (the American association of recreational vehicle manufacturers) as “the best thing to happen to our community in six decades”. GAOA will invest up to $9.5 billion of nontaxpayer funds to address the infrastructure within the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal agencies. The bill will also fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide $900 million per year in investment in the public lands, parks, and trails that are the backbone of the outdoor recreation economy.
“Thank you to those Members of Congress who voted in favor of this landmark legislation that will direct significant funds toward critical deferred maintenance and campground modernization needs on our public lands and waters,” said Craig Kirby, RV Industry Association President. “Twenty million RVers across the country depend on our iconic state and federal lands for recreation, conservation, enjoyment, and overnight camping. Enactment of this milestone legislation will mean increased recreation access for all no matter where they live, allowing more Americans to find fulfillment in living an active outdoor lifestyle.”
The bipartisan legislation, which had overwhelming support from the House and Senate RV Caucuses, will achieve the dual goals of protecting America’s special places and repairing deteriorating infrastructure. Funds provided in the GAOA will help improve outdoor recreation-related facilities that RVers rely on – like campgrounds, roads, bridges, parking lots, restrooms, visitor centers, trails, docks, and more – which have desperately needed updating or repairs for decades.
Between March and May, Italy lost over 80 million tourists