Outdoor Hospitality News
For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.
News for September 10, 2024
Menu
Oasys Mini Hollywood, the iconic theme park in Spain’s Tabernas Desert, is expanding its Western-themed attractions with a new camper van park, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of classic Hollywood Westerns while enjoying the desert landscape.
OHI has announced that Vital Germaine, president of ENGAGE Teams 360, will deliver the keynote address at OHCE 2024 on Monday, November 4. Known for his expertise in team dynamics and leadership, Germaine will focus on enhancing creativity, team development, and leadership within the outdoor hospitality sector.
Forest River, a North American recreational vehicle manufacturer, has renewed its partnership with the Care Camps Foundation after surpassing $1 million in cumulative donations, a milestone achieved through its commitment to contributing a portion of proceeds from every product sold since 2019.
Airxcel has returned as a silver partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, which will be held from November 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas. Sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the event will provide networking and educational opportunities for RV dealership professionals across North America.
Crystal Lake Township will hold a public hearing on September 25 to review updates to the Camp Nearby multi-use campground proposal. The revised plan, submitted in August, addresses community concerns by reducing the number of campsites, limiting RV types, removing glamping sites, and preserving more natural areas.
Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor has achieved Gold-level certification from the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to sustainable and resilient landscape development, with a focus on enhancing sustainability, implementing green infrastructure strategies, and improving resilience.
Modern America Campgrounds, an RV park owner in the Northeast, has announced the acquisition of Lone Oak Campsites in East Canaan, Connecticut, effective December 1. This marks the company’s 27th park acquisition in the past two years, with plans to grow its portfolio to 29 parks by year-end.
Greg Emmert steps in as guest host for the next MC Fireside Chats, leading an insightful discussion with industry experts on the latest glamping trends. Tune in for an engaging session and discover what’s shaping the future of outdoor hospitality!
The RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set for November 11-15 in Las Vegas, will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the RV rental industry, with a key session on November 14 dedicated to best practices, legal updates, and insurance issues.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) has appointed Cassandra L. Elrod as its new Program and Administrative Director, bringing with her extensive legal expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability in outdoor recreation. Elrod’s appointment marks a significant step for ORR as it continues to advocate for enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities across the nation.
Oasys Mini Hollywood, the iconic theme park in Spain’s Tabernas Desert, is expanding its Western-themed attractions with a new camper van park, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of classic Hollywood Westerns while enjoying the desert landscape.
Winding Stair in Franklin, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of nature, agriculture, and hospitality through its retail nursery, organic farm, and campground, embodying sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
OHI has announced that Vital Germaine, president of ENGAGE Teams 360, will deliver the keynote address at OHCE 2024 on Monday, November 4. Known for his expertise in team dynamics and leadership, Germaine will focus on enhancing creativity, team development, and leadership within the outdoor hospitality sector.
Crystal Lake Township will hold a public hearing on September 25 to review updates to the Camp Nearby multi-use campground proposal. The revised plan, submitted in August, addresses community concerns by reducing the number of campsites, limiting RV types, removing glamping sites, and preserving more natural areas.
Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor has achieved Gold-level certification from the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to sustainable and resilient landscape development, with a focus on enhancing sustainability, implementing green infrastructure strategies, and improving resilience.
Modern America Campgrounds, an RV park owner in the Northeast, has announced the acquisition of Lone Oak Campsites in East Canaan, Connecticut, effective December 1. This marks the company’s 27th park acquisition in the past two years, with plans to grow its portfolio to 29 parks by year-end.
Winding Stair in Franklin, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of nature, agriculture, and hospitality through its retail nursery, organic farm, and campground, embodying sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
OHI has announced that Vital Germaine, president of ENGAGE Teams 360, will deliver the keynote address at OHCE 2024 on Monday, November 4. Known for his expertise in team dynamics and leadership, Germaine will focus on enhancing creativity, team development, and leadership within the outdoor hospitality sector.
Crystal Lake Township will hold a public hearing on September 25 to review updates to the Camp Nearby multi-use campground proposal. The revised plan, submitted in August, addresses community concerns by reducing the number of campsites, limiting RV types, removing glamping sites, and preserving more natural areas.
Modern America Campgrounds, an RV park owner in the Northeast, has announced the acquisition of Lone Oak Campsites in East Canaan, Connecticut, effective December 1. This marks the company’s 27th park acquisition in the past two years, with plans to grow its portfolio to 29 parks by year-end.
Oasys Mini Hollywood, the iconic theme park in Spain’s Tabernas Desert, is expanding its Western-themed attractions with a new camper van park, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of classic Hollywood Westerns while enjoying the desert landscape.
Jellystone Park locations across North America are gearing up for a series of fall and Halloween-themed weekends, offering families a variety of seasonal activities such as scarecrow making, apple bobbing, and haunted trails. Running from early September through late October, these events are among the most popular of the year, drawing visitors for festive fun and spooky adventures, all while extending the family camping season into the cooler months.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) has appointed Cassandra L. Elrod as its new Program and Administrative Director, bringing with her extensive legal expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability in outdoor recreation. Elrod’s appointment marks a significant step for ORR as it continues to advocate for enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities across the nation.
Winding Stair in Franklin, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of nature, agriculture, and hospitality through its retail nursery, organic farm, and campground, embodying sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
Crystal Lake Township will hold a public hearing on September 25 to review updates to the Camp Nearby multi-use campground proposal. The revised plan, submitted in August, addresses community concerns by reducing the number of campsites, limiting RV types, removing glamping sites, and preserving more natural areas.
Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor has achieved Gold-level certification from the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This recognition highlights the resort’s commitment to sustainable and resilient landscape development, with a focus on enhancing sustainability, implementing green infrastructure strategies, and improving resilience.
Greg Emmert steps in as guest host for the next MC Fireside Chats, leading an insightful discussion with industry experts on the latest glamping trends. Tune in for an engaging session and discover what’s shaping the future of outdoor hospitality!
Oasys Mini Hollywood, the iconic theme park in Spain’s Tabernas Desert, is expanding its Western-themed attractions with a new camper van park, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of classic Hollywood Westerns while enjoying the desert landscape.
Winding Stair in Franklin, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of nature, agriculture, and hospitality through its retail nursery, organic farm, and campground, embodying sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
Jellystone Park locations across North America are gearing up for a series of fall and Halloween-themed weekends, offering families a variety of seasonal activities such as scarecrow making, apple bobbing, and haunted trails. Running from early September through late October, these events are among the most popular of the year, drawing visitors for festive fun and spooky adventures, all while extending the family camping season into the cooler months.
Fernwood Glamping has been recognized as one of the top 150 Outstanding Sites for 2024 by Campsites.co.uk. Located in Ringwood and just 20 minutes from Bournemouth and the coast, Fernwood Glamping offers a unique retreat with a rustic shepherd’s hut and a traditional gypsy caravan.
Modern Campground and Cairn Consulting Group’s latest MC Hospitality Highlights report, “Search Evolution: The New Ways Campers Are Deciding Where To Stay,” reveals a notable shift in search behaviors, with the use of “camping” as a stand-alone search term dropping from 57% in 2023 to 44% in 2024.
Oldham Council has approved plans for a new glamping site on the greenbelt land of Ellenrod Farm in Newhey, aiming to boost tourism in the Crompton area. The proposal includes constructing six timber pods around a reservoir, designed to attract visitors interested in exploring the local landscape while minimizing the impact on the greenbelt.
Myall River Camp secured multiple awards at the North Coast Tourism Awards, including Gold for ‘Excellence in Camping, Glamping and Caravanning’ and Bronze for ‘Excellence in Specialised Tourism’, while staff member Maree Milne wins Gold for ‘Outstanding Tourism Employee’.
Spacious Skies Campgrounds is expanding its fall glamping options across 15 locations, offering cabins, yurts, and retro-style trailers for non-RVers. The campground collection, known for its Fall Color Trail, aims to provide inclusive, unique lodging experiences for autumn adventurers.
Spot2Nite has expanded its campsite marketplace by adding several RV resorts from investment group Four Points RV Resorts, providing campers access to six premium locations across the U.S., including four Jellystone Park destinations known for their family-friendly experiences.
Airxcel has returned as a silver partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, which will be held from November 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas. Sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the event will provide networking and educational opportunities for RV dealership professionals across North America.
The RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set for November 11-15 in Las Vegas, will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the RV rental industry, with a key session on November 14 dedicated to best practices, legal updates, and insurance issues.
Winnebago Industries announced a significant leadership change as Chris West, currently Senior Vice President of Enterprise Operations and Barletta Boats, will take over as President of Winnebago Outdoors businesses starting September 1, 2024. This transition follows the departure of Huw Bower, who has served as President of the Winnebago brand for the past four years, helping steer the company through a period of growth and innovation.
Meyer Distributing Canada Inc. announces the opening of a new cross-dock facility in Abbotsford, British Columbia, set to enhance logistics capabilities and improve services for customers in the automotive, RV, and trailer industries.
MBA Insurance will showcase its inaugural MBA Rental Sessions at the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, taking place from November 11-15 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Designed to provide valuable insights and strategies, these sessions will help RV rental businesses enhance their operations and capitalize on the growing RV rental market.
Florida-based Sunshine State RVs partners with Harvest Hosts to offer customers a free one-year membership, providing access to over 5,000 unique overnight stay locations across North America with RV purchases.
Genesis Products partners with AeroTek to distribute lightweight composite panels for RV manufacturing, offering a durable alternative to traditional lauan plywood that addresses industry needs for weight reduction and improved efficiency.
The 2025 RV Industry Association Board of Directors election begins on September 3, with members set to vote on three open seats that will help shape the industry’s future direction. This election, running until September 23, allows members to choose representatives who will influence key areas such as standards, marketing, government affairs, and industry education.
RVDA and Accelerate2Compliance (A2C) will host a 30-minute webinar on September 12 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern to address the hidden capabilities and risks of the Dark Web for RV dealers, focusing on safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining cybersecurity.
Pebble, a California-based startup, has opened a new 60,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance the RVing experience with its all-electric Pebble Flow travel trailer.
The RV industry marked Women’s Equality Day with a gathering at the RV Technical Institute, celebrating progress toward gender equality. Organized by the RV Women’s Alliance and sponsored by Camping World, the event honored the 19th Amendment’s certification and attracted participants from various sectors of the RV industry, including members of the RV Industry Association, RV Technical Institute, and RV Dealers Association.
Ron Wheeler, CEO of Wheeler Advertising, and Annie Wheeler-Rusch, account and social media director, will lead educational workshops at the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. Ron Wheeler will host “Leads, Leads, Leads: What You Need to Know to Create More Leads” on Nov. 12, focusing on lead generation strategies backed by data from 50 dealerships.
Brown & Brown Insurance has increased its sponsorship to the silver level for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, set to take place from Nov. 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas. The event, sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, will gather RV industry professionals from across North America.
The campground and RV industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by increasing demand, technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability, reshaping the outdoor hospitality landscape and offering new opportunities for stakeholders.
After nearly half a century as a cornerstone of Durango’s RV market, Tarpley RV closed its doors at the end of June 2023, marking the end of a family-owned business that had grown from a small operation to a thriving enterprise employing up to 50 workers at its peak.
Lightship, spearheaded by former Tesla innovators, is set to revolutionize the RV industry with its electric, aerodynamically designed trailers that promise sustainability and modern convenience. As the company prepares for imminent production, its breakthroughs signal a significant shift towards eco-friendly and technologically advanced recreational vehicles.
Airxcel has returned as a silver partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, which will be held from November 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas. Sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, the event will provide networking and educational opportunities for RV dealership professionals across North America.
Ron Wheeler, CEO of Wheeler Advertising, and Annie Wheeler-Rusch, account and social media director, will lead educational workshops at the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. Ron Wheeler will host “Leads, Leads, Leads: What You Need to Know to Create More Leads” on Nov. 12, focusing on lead generation strategies backed by data from 50 dealerships.
Campground Views, a camping technology and provider of virtual tours for campgrounds and RV parks, has been selected as part of Google Play’s #WeArePlay campaign. This recognition highlights the company’s work in enhancing the camping experience through advanced virtual tour technology.
As September and October approach, outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for Gauley Season in West Virginia, where Adventures on the Gorge (AOTG), the adventure resort and rafting outfitter, will offer guided rafts, cabins, campsites, and more for an exhilarating whitewater experience on the world-renowned Gauley River.
Campground Views, a provider of virtual tours for campgrounds and RV parks, has launched a major upgrade to their Campground Virtual Tours by introducing audio overlays, including music and voice overs, to enhance the virtual touring experience for users.
Remote work, gap years, sabbaticals, and a desire to escape city life have contributed to a 30-35% increase in solo travelers in the United States, according to The Dyrt and Pinterest. Roadtrippers, an app powered by AI technology, is emerging as a key resource for these adventurers, offering personalized trip recommendations to enhance their travel experience.
Kent Outdoors, a leader in outdoor adventure products for over 60 years, has appointed Randy Hales as its new CEO. Hales brings extensive experience in consumer products, having previously led companies like Next Level Apparel, ZAGG Inc., and Back to Basics.
Spacious Skies Campgrounds, with 15 properties from Georgia to Maine, offers an ideal family destination, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children. The campground offers tips for keeping kids happy on camping trips, highlighting the vibrant community feel and the wide array of activities, from jumping pillows to pool splashes, which keep kids entertained and create lasting memories.
Campground Views has launched a new virtual tour for Bay Hide Away RV Park & Campground, offering potential guests an immersive and interactive way to explore the park. Located in the picturesque Bay St. Louis area of Mississippi, the virtual tour is now available on the Bay Hide Away website.
The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has opened applications for $13.5 million in land conservation grants, marking its 25th anniversary this year. These grants, aimed at preserving farmland, forestland, historic areas, natural areas, and open spaces, provide crucial support for localities, nonprofits, and state or federally recognized tribes in their conservation efforts.
Green Bay football player, Gilbert Brown, visits Wisconsin campgrounds and bars to raise funds for children’s charities through The Gilbert Brown Foundation.
The Dyrt, a popular app for camping availability, photos, and reviews, has announced its 2024 Best Places To Camp Regional Awards. This year’s awards include some of the trendiest campgrounds of the past year, popular picks from The Dyrt users, and well-established, sought-after properties that continually earn top spots on these lists.
OpenCampground has teamed up with Chekdin to integrate the power of word-of-mouth marketing within its AI-driven reservation management system. This strategic partnership will enable campgrounds and RV resorts to effectively leverage positive guest experiences, sharing them across digital channels to boost their marketing efforts.
June is Parks and Recreation Month, celebrating the numerous benefits of parks and outdoor recreation spaces. This initiative encourages communities to engage in diverse outdoor activities, promoting physical, mental, and community health while supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
USA Camping Company is elevating traditional campgrounds into resort-level destinations by acquiring and upgrading properties with enhanced amenities and community integration. Their growth strategy focuses on providing high-quality guest experiences, prime outdoor locations, and sustainable practices.
Luxe Glamp, an eco-friendly luxury dome glamping project, has begun construction in the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, UAE, promising a sustainable and immersive stay experience. The project, attended by Sheikh Majid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, aims to blend luxury with environmental conservation, highlighting the UAE’s diverse tourism offerings.
National Powersports Auctions (NPA) has expanded its RV and Marine team by appointing Shannon Bennett as the RV+Marine sales and admin coordinator and promoting Tom Wilkinson to production supervisor for RV+Marine and Specialty Product. This strategic move aims to enhance service efficiency and support the growing demand in the RV and Marine industries.
Temporary road closures and changed parking conditions are set for the 2024 Let’s Go Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow from May 30 to June 11. The event will feature the latest models of caravans, motorhomes, and camping equipment, hosted by over 200 exhibitors.
A recent Winnebago Industries survey reveals that more Americans are turning to outdoor activities for health benefits, with 71% acknowledging their positive impact on physical and mental well-being. The survey highlights a growing trend in outdoor participation, which supports increased demand in the RV industry.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro launches the “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” tourism initiative with a weeklong RV tour to promote the state’s attractions and boost its tourism industry. The campaign aims to draw millions of visitors, benefiting local businesses and the outdoor recreation sector.
Campsite reservations in BC Parks’ Okanagan region have decreased this year, with 1,400 reservations for the May long weekend compared to 1,600 last year. Despite this, most parks are fully booked, and several trails remain closed due to wildfire impacts and seasonal conditions.
The 12th annual RV Industry Power Breakfast at the RV/MH Hall of Fame witnessed its highest turnout ever, with industry leaders discussing the robust interest and emerging trends in the RV sector. Key talks highlighted increased outdoor activities spurred by the pandemic and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in enhancing customer experiences.
As the 2024 camping season begins, demand for local campsites in southern Ontario shows significant growth, with facilities like Whistle Bare Campground nearly fully booked. Campground operators are advised to optimize services and facilities in response to the increasing popularity of outdoor activities.
The Campground Conference & Trade Show 2025 announces its return to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, from March 3-5, inviting campground and outdoor hospitality professionals to engage in vital networking and educational opportunities.