Lake Havasu City Tourism Study

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%).

Figure 4

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.

  Figure 5

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.

  Figure 6

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.

Figure 7

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

$491

$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

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

  [Class] [Module 7]

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