Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), a renowned leader in outdoor hospitality, has reaffirmed its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by unveiling its 2023 Outdoor CEO Pledge Report.
This announcement marks KOA’s second signing of the pledge and emphasizes its ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in the outdoor hospitality sector.
In a press release issued on September 26, KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke expressed, “The Outdoor CEO Pledge marked our initial stride in the journey toward learning about and focusing work on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
She further elaborated on the company’s comprehensive CSR initiative, which encompasses Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability, and philanthropy, aiming to ensure the great outdoors remains accessible for future generations.
Significant Milestones and Initiatives
The report highlights several noteworthy initiatives and milestones that demonstrate KOA’s dedication to CSR. Among them is the establishment of the Kampgrounds of America Foundation, funded by 1% of pre-tax profits, with the mission of enriching lives through memorable outdoor experiences.
In collaboration with ANKER, KOA has initiated the “Get Out There Bag” program, designed to encourage minority youth to explore the great outdoors. Additionally, KOA is continuing its DEI work in 2023 and 2024, with a focus on accessibility, producing industry reports, accessible campground designs, and revamped HR initiatives.
The 2023 North American Outdoor Hospitality and Camping Report, cited in the press release, reveals that 40% of campers have some form of physical limitation, underscoring the imperative of making outdoor experiences accessible to all.
Sustainability at the Forefront
KOA is setting sustainability benchmarks by achieving Gold LEED Certification for its new corporate headquarters in Billings, Mont., scheduled to open in October.
The company is also implementing solar-powered “Recharge Stations” across campgrounds and actively working on EV charging solutions to accommodate the global shift towards electric vehicles.
Whitney Scott, head of corporate social responsibility at KOA, stated, “At KOA, corporate social responsibility is not just a duty; it’s a passion that connects us to our overall mission of connecting people to the outdoors and each other.” KOA is dedicated to creating access to the outdoors, preserving it for all, and supporting communities across the U.S. and Canada.
Meeting Evolving Expectations
KOA’s commitment to CSR aligns with its core values and responds to the evolving expectations of campers seeking sustainable, inclusive, and memorable outdoor experiences. As an industry leader, KOA continues to innovate with intention, setting new standards for outdoor hospitality.
For KOA stakeholders, this report signifies the company’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the camping experience while championing diversity, sustainability, and accessibility. The full report detailing KOA’s initiatives can be accessed here: KOA’s Initiatives and Report.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has been a definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for over 60 years, consisting of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds under the brands KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.
