Exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for guests are timeless factors that are key to success in the campground industry. Especially in recent years, these elements have become increasingly essential as guests have come to expect more from their visits.
In this year’s Canadian Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, Cara Csizmadia, Member Services Director of the Canadian Camping & RV Council (CCRVC), spoke on how campgrounds can exceed their guests’ expectations.
In a highly competitive industry, prioritizing exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences is essential to attract and retaining more guests, as well as growing their businesses. Csizmadia said that effective communication and customer service are keys to a campground’s success.
She said clear and accurate communication is important before, during, and after a guest’s stay since it gives them a realistic understanding of what they can expect from the campground, its amenities, and services.
She added that providing guests with multiple channels to learn and inquire about the campground can enhance their customer experience. Training staff to also effectively communicate and respond to them can provide value to the property’s service.
More so, when the staff is trained to provide guests with warm welcomes and assistance during their stay translates to a positive experience.
Csizmadia said offering a range of amenities and activities that caters to the diverse interests and needs of guests can help attract more and retain them. It also shows them the “niche” of the campground, giving it a uniqueness that stays in their minds.
She said adding accessible amenities like wheelchair ramps and listening devices would help improve the experience of guests with disabilities and special needs. Pet-friendly accommodations can also attract campers with pets.
Campgrounds should also have inclusive policies and procedures. According to Csizmadia, it allows guests and staff to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background and identity.
She said these implementations are crucial to establishing an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
In addition, campground owners should also empower their staff to go above and beyond the bar of customer service.
Csizmadia said providing them with training and incentives will allow them to make independent decisions to improve the experience of guests, like promptly responding to feedback and resolving issues that can identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes.
Another strategy to exceed the expectations of guests is to provide them with opportunities to connect with nature and have access to local events and attractions.
Csizmadia said it creates memorable experiences for guests, leading to success stories that can be disseminated to potential customers.
She said encouraging guests to share their experiences and feedback can allow campground owners to see their business through the “lens of their guests,” showing areas for improvement and taking advantage of certain strengths.
She also said that campgrounds should cultivate new attractions to give themselves a niche and constantly evaluate where they can improve or expand upon. It will give guests more activities and experiences when they visit.
Effectively communicating and creating memorable experiences for guests is essential to the success of campgrounds and differentiating themselves from their competitors.
Ciszmadia said with today’s market, it could be a huge challenge to attract and build loyalty among guests since they have numerous sources of information to learn about different campgrounds.
By building success stories through the experiences they provide, campground owners can build their reputation, increase guest loyalty, and ultimately grow their business.