Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), an outdoor hospitality leader, has reported an impressive uptick in registration revenue.
During the Fourth of July holiday this year, revenues soared by over 12% compared to the previous year.
Simultaneously, Canada Day holiday registrations rose nearly 7% compared to 2022, pointing to a sustained interest in the outdoor experience the brand provides.
This encouraging performance indicates potential avenues of growth and expansion for private campground owners and operators.
In contrast to the broader camping industry, which saw a marginal increase of less than 1% in camping households compared to 2022, KOA’s growth in popularity is noteworthy.
This divergence offers a blueprint for success to private campground owners: carving a niche brand identity in a flat market could be a game-changing strategy.
The commendable figures unveiled by KOA underline the potential rewards of focusing on enhancing the customer experience.
Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA, attributes this uptick in popularity to the KOA brand’s exceptional customer service.
By delivering superior amenities and services at each KOA campground, the company was able to distinguish itself from the competition and build a strong customer base.
“Our employees and franchise partners provide an exceptional customer experience through their service and amenities at every KOA campground,” said O’Rourke.
This sends a clear message to private campground owners that investing in the customer experience and cultivating a strong brand can pay significant dividends.
Looking ahead, the remainder of 2023 seems promising for KOA. Advanced deposits for their system are up almost 10% from last year, suggesting that the brand’s popularity shows no signs of waning.
Despite the stagnant overall growth in the camping industry, KOA’s success underscores that dedicated efforts to provide a unique and quality customer experience can yield robust results.
The brand’s performance serves as a guiding light for private campground owners and operators, offering hope that with the right strategies and commitment to customer service, they can also attract more campers and increase revenue.
In a market characterized by slow growth, KOA’s performance is a testament to the power of a strong brand and superior service.
As campground operators and owners navigate the challenging landscape, KOA’s success story offers valuable insights: focus on the customer, cultivate a compelling brand, and consistently deliver high-quality service, and growth will follow.