The Province

2018 Earlybird RV Show & Sale

If you’re new to the lifestyle or a veteran RVer, this event has something for you

- ANDREW MCCREDIE

The recent improved weather has got many of us thinking about road trips, making the timing of the 2018 Earlybird RV Show & Sale ideal.

The annual showcase of all things recreation­al vehicles runs tomorrow through Sunday at the Tradex exhibition centre in Abbotsford, offering something for RV veterans and newcomers alike.

The four-day event holds the reputation of being the premier event of its kind, showcasing informativ­e travel seminars, and the latest in RV trends and products, including the newest and best RV models. With over 150,000 square feet of exhibition space, B.C.’s RV season, no matter lifestyle or budget, starts at this how.

British Columbia’s most renowned recreation­al vehicle show is once again returning to Tradex — Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre from Feb. 15 to 18.

The Earlybird RV Show and Sale is Greater Vancouver’s one-stop resource for those looking to plan a family getaway, road trip or even just a weekend getaway.

Catering to all different needs and lifestyles, the show has answers for those just beginning to plan their RV journey or RV veterans who have an abundance of mileage under their belts.

Some RV facts and figures about the economic spinoff of the industry:

According to the most recent

Canadian recreation vehicle industry economic report, Canadians annual direct spending associated with recreation vehicles equalled $11.5 billion. Those expenditur­es generated a reported $8.0 billion in net economic activity and a total of 98,800 jobs.

The latest Statistics Canada occupation report shows the number of jobs available in British Columbia is up substantia­lly in 2018.

For the third quarter period in 2017, the total number of job vacancies for the province were up by 20.2 per cent from the previous time period for 2016. This increase put the rate at 4.2 per cent — the highest in the country.

There are approximat­ely 1,020 RV service technician­s employed

across Canada (for more on this see page 30).

The RV industry in Canada is expected to grow at a steady pace for the next five years due to a number of factors including an increase in consumer confidence and people retiring. The interest in the industry by the millennial­s is also adding to the boom.

Employment prospects in this trade are reported to be stable and well positioned for future growth — largely due to the fact the industry has experience­d steady growth resulting in high demand for competent, qualified recreation vehicle service technician­s.

Currently there are only 56 designated Red Seal trades in Canada. Designated trades are governed by regulation­s under the Provincial and Territoria­l Apprentice­ship Acts.

The RV Service technician trade is a recognized trade in every province.

 ??  ?? The 2018 Earlybird RV Show & Sale at Tradex includes will feature travel seminars and the latest in RV trends and products, including the newest models.
The 2018 Earlybird RV Show & Sale at Tradex includes will feature travel seminars and the latest in RV trends and products, including the newest models.

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