Introduction
The Lake Havasu City Visitation Study was initiated by the
Lake Havasu City Community Development Department to identify visitor
characteristics and activity preferences. The study was conducted, in Lake
Havasu City (LHC), from June to October 2000 by the Northern Arizona University
Parks and Recreation Management Program. Visitors were interviewed at four
locations in LHC, Site Six, Lake Havasu Marina, Lake Havasu State Park, and the
London Bridge Resort.
Lake Havasu City History
In 1964, Robert P. McCulloch purchased 26 square miles of
property in western Arizona, at a cost of $73.47 per acre, which became Lake
Havasu City.
A 100-unit mobile home park at Site Six, the Best Western,
and the Nautical Inn were the first developments. The London Bridge was
purchased in 1968 from the City of London and transported to Lake Havasu.
It was used to link the mainland of Lake Havasu City with the island that
was formed by dredging a channel to Thompson.
Lake Havasu City was incorporated in 1978. It is a planned
community, designed to reflect a balanced economy based on 40% light industry,
40% resort and recreation, and 20% commercial services.
Lake Havasu City's population has grown to more than 48,000
residents with a winter population exceeding 68,000. It has over 1,000 business
establishments. It has over 27 hotels/motels/condos accounting for over 1,630
room accommodations and 118 restaurants and eateries. The Lake Havasu Tourism Bureau estimates that 1.5 million
people visit Lake Havasu City each year.
Recreation in the Lake Havasu area, including three18-hole
golf courses and a 9-hole course, five commercial marinas, 13 RV parks and
campgrounds, a public boat launch area, four public parks (Community Recreation
Aquatics Center, Rotary Community Park, Jack Hardy Park, Island Ballfield, and
the London Bridge Beach Park), Lake Havasu and Cattail Cove State Parks, and 47
miles of shoreline within the city limits.
This proposal outlines the scope of work and budgetary
needs for collecting a visitation profile and database for Lake Havasu City from
June to October, 2000.
Lake Havasu City Visitor Survey
Scope of Work
1. Prepare a tourism questionnaire (Appendix A) focused on the tourist’s origin, residency at Lake Havasu City, on-site activities, length of stay, on-site expenditures, frequency of visitation, and type of on-site lodging.
2. Conduct the survey on a rotation of Saturdays and Sundays at the three boat launch areas on a bi-monthly basis from June through October 2000.
3. Compile
data into a visitor profile and final report by November 30, 2000.
Time Line
June Initiate Project & Prepare survey instrument
On-site data collection Saturday, 24th
July On-site data collection Sunday, July 9th & Saturday, 22nd.
August On-site data collection Sunday, 13th & Saturday, 26th.
September On-site data collection Saturday, 9th & Sunday, 24th.
October On-site data collection Saturday, 14th & Sunday 29th.
November
Complete final report by November 30.
Methodology
Northern Arizona University Park and Recreation Management
students, conducted interviews with visitor’s to Lake Havasu City at three
local boat ramps and the London Bridge Resort. The interviews were conducted
between June 24th and October 29th. The boat ramps were Site Six,
Lake Havasu Marina, and Lake Havasu State Park. Two of the three boat ramp sites
were selected for survey collection on a rotating schedule. London Bridge Resort
was also included in each survey date.
In order to randomize the participant sample one out of
every three visitor groups were invited to participate in the Visitation Survey.
A total of 381 surveys were completed. The majority of visitor’s (89%)
come from cities in Southern California (Appendix B). Arizona (8%) and All Other
States (3%) account for the remaining visitation.
*Total
Number |
24-Jun |
9-Jul |
22-Jul |
13-Aug |
26-Aug |
9-Sep |
24-Sep |
14-Oct |
29-Oct |
Total |
Surveyed |
47 |
83 |
57 |
36 |
59 |
38 |
15 |
39 |
7 |
381 |
The results of the Visitation Survey are presented in the
following sections.
Visitor Profile
From the data collected in this survey the following
visitor profile was developed.
Ø Is a male
Ø Resides in Southern California
Ø Employed, earning $70,000/year or more
Ø Visits for 2-3 days
Ø Stays in condos/time shares in LHC
Ø Travels with one to three companions
Ø Primary activity is boating and water-related activities
Ø Spends an average of $474 per visit
Ø Plans on returning to LHC 10 or more times this year
Summary of Findings
A finding that 91% of visitor’s come directly from their
permanent residence to Lake Havasu City indicates that LHC is a travel
destination.
Figure 1
Travel from Permanent Residence
Figure 2
Returning to Permanent Residence
The data suggests that 91% of visitor’s arrive at LHC form their permanent residence and 81% return form LHC to their homes. Only 19% of visitor’s continue to other locations from LHC.
Figure 3
Duration of Visits
LHC is a multi-day destination. Over 65% of visitors’ stay for 2-3 days. The two-day visit is the most popular (36%) with a three-day visit next (29%).
Types of Lodging
A variety of lodging is available in LHC. A majority (45%) of visitor’s stay in Condominiums or Time Shares. The second most popular lodging choice (22%) are Hotels/Motels. Second homes (12%) are the third most popular lodging choice.
Number of People in Travel Group
The most popular group size is four (22%) followed by a
group of two (21%) then three (18%). 46% of visitor’s are male, 34% are
females, and 19% are children.
Primary and Secondary Reasons for Visit
Questions 7 and 8 attempts to determine the attractions
that draw visitor’s to LHC. The primary attraction is the water related
recreational opportunities. Boating, accounts for 90% of the reason to visit LHC.
This is followed by a distant second for Shopping (27%) as a secondary activity.
Visitor Expenditures
Twenty-five percent of visitor groups spend between $400
and $600 dollars during their stay in LHC. The average spent for all
respondent’s is $473.76 per visit.
Figure 8
Average Expenditures Per Travel Group
|
24-Jun |
9-
Jul |
22-Jul |
13-Aug |
26-Aug |
9-Sep |
24-Sep |
14-Oct |
29-Oct |
Average
Expenditures Per Group |
$626 |
$462 |
$289 |
$751 |
$422 |
$410 |
$480 |
$331 |
Figure 9
Planned Future Visits
The vast majority (86%) of visitor’s planned to return to
LHC several times during the year. Only 14% indicated their trip was the only
one to LHC this year.
Figure 10
Respondent’s Employment Status
It would not be a surprise to see that 93% of the
respondent’s were employed, 3% were unemployed, and 4% were retired.
Figure 12
Respondent Income Category
The respondent’s incomes varied from the lowest income
category of less than $10,000 per year (09%) to the largest income category
(58%) of $70,000 or over. 80% of all visitors’ earned over $40,000 per year.
APPENDIX
Appendix
A
Lake Havasu City Visitation Survey
Interviewer: ____________
Location: site 6 / state park / marina
NAU students or staff will conduct the survey
interview. The Interviewer will record all information.
1.
Where is your permanent residence? City ______________________ State
________
*Note:
if the response is Lake Havasu City, thank them for their help and terminate the
interview.
If
the response is anywhere other than Lake Havasu City, go to question #2.
2.
Did you travel directly here from your permanent residence?
Yes
No
3.
Will you be returning directly from here to your permanent residence?
Yes
No
4.
How many days do you plan to stay in Lake Havasu City? (Circle answer)
1
2
3
4
5+
5.
What type of lodging are you using during your stay in Lake Havasu City?
(circle answer)
Hotel/motel
RV house rental
apt. rental
own 2nd home
friends house Other________
6.
How many people are in your travel group?
Senior
Citizens (55+) m___ f ___
Adults m___ f ___ Children
_____
7.
What is your primary reason for visiting Lake Havasu City? (Circle
answer)
Boating
Shopping Gaming
Visit Friends/Family
London Bridge
Other_______
8.
What other activities will you participate in during your visit to LHC?
(Circle answer)
Boating
Shopping Gaming
Visit Friends/Family
London Bridge
Other_______
9.
Approximately how much money will you spend during your stay at LHC? $_________
10.
How many times this year would you expect to visit Lake Havasu City?
(Circle answer)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10+
11.
Demographic information:
A.
Are you currently employed?
Yes
No
Retired
(if no, skip 10. B)
B.
Income: (circle answer)
Less
than 10,000
10,000 – 19,999
20,000 – 29,999
30,000 – 39,999
40,000 – 49,999
50,000 – 59,999
60,000 – 69,999
70,000+
Appendix
B
Respondent’s
City of Residence
|
24-Jun |
9-Jul |
22-Jul |
13-Aug |
26-Aug |
9-Sep |
24-Sep |
14-Oct |
29-Oct |
Total |
Arizona |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bullhead City |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
Casa Grande |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Fountain Hills |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Kingman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
Mesa |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Peoria |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Phoenix |
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
6 |
Prescott |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
3 |
Scottsdale |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
3 |
Tucson |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinios |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rockford |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Las Vegas |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
3 |
Rino |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
Henderson |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utah |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salt Lake City |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All other states |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colorado Springs, CO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
Boise, ID |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Washington, OR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belleview,NE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Columbus, OH |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
California |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24-Jun |
9-Jul |
22-Jul |
13-Aug |
26-Aug |
9-Sep |
24-Sep |
14-Oct |
29-Oct |
Total |
Alcahone |
|
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
Aliso Viejo |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Alta Loma |
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
4 |
Anaheim |
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
5 |
Apple Valley |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Arcadia |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Beaumont |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Bishop |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Blade |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
California |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Cameroon |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Canyon Lake |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Chino |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Chino Valley |
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
4 |
Corona |
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Costa Mesa |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Cypress |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Desperia |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Devo Valley |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Esquevido |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Fontana |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
Fresno |
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Fullerton |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
2 |
Garden Grove |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
2 |
Glendora |
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
Guffey |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
Hacienda Heights |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Hemet |
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
Hesperia |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
2 |
Highland Beach |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
Hinekin Beach |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
Huntington Beach |
|
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
1 |
2 |
|
7 |
La Grange |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
La Mesa |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
La Quinta |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Laguna Beach |
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Apple |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Moreno Valley |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Casperice |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Laguna Niguel |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Lake Aster |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
Lake Elsinora |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Lakewood |
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Lancaster |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Lavereu |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Long Beach |
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
Los Angeles |
3 |
5 |
|
|
3 |
5 |
|
5 |
|
21 |
Mammoth Lake |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Moreno |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Menifee |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
Mission Beach |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Mission Viejo |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
MuCulton |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Murrieta |
1 |
|
|
|
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
Nelicunia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
Newport Beach |
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
Oak Hills |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Oakland |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Oceanside |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
Ontario |
|
1 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
Orange County |
2 |
1 |
7 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
5 |
18 |
Oxnard |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Palm Springs |
|
|
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
2 |
8 |
Palmdale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
Polentia |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Pinon |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Pinon Hills |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Pomona |
1 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
Rancha Santa Margarita |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Rancho |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
Rancho Cucamunga |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Redlands |
1 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Rialta |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Rolling Heights |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
Rosemead |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Sacramento |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
3 |
San Bernardino |
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
7 |
San Clemente |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
3 |
San Deigo |
2 |
5 |
|
|
2 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
12 |
Santa Ana |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
3 |
Simi Valley |
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
4 |
Studio |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Sunland |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
Riverside |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
|
22 |
Orange |
|
2 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
5 |
Palm Desert |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Temecula |
|
|
|
|
3 |
1 |
|
1 |
|
5 |
Thousand Oaks |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Torrance |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Tustin |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Ukiah |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Unspecified City |
16 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
Upland |
1 |
2 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
Valencia |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Ventura |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Victorville |
1 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Villa Park |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Vor Coe |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Walnut |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
West Covina |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Westlake Village |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
2 |
Whittier |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
Wildomar |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Yucaipa, |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
Yucon Valley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
North Alba |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Vista |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
San Fernando |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Juanita |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Laguna |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Palm |
|
|
1 |
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