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MC Fireside Chats: Exploring How Luxury, Comfort, and Sustainability are Redefining Outdoor Hospitality and Recreation Industry

Don’t miss out on an exciting conversation happening on October 30th, 2024, at 2 PM EST! Brian Searl will sit down with Libby Landry, Owner of Landry Vineyard, Paul Craven, CRO of Airxcel, Ken Barber, Owner of Wildhaven Glamping, and Leslie Taylor-Rharbi, Director of Signature RV Resorts by Zeman. Be part of this insightful event where industry leaders will share their expertise and discuss what’s next for the world of outdoor hospitality.

In this episode, Libby Landry will discuss how Landry Vineyards has grown into a leading agritourism destination, blending wine production with immersive visitor experiences​. Paul Craven will highlight innovations in RV technology at Airxcel, focusing on improving comfort and sustainability. Ken Barber will explore glamping’s eco-friendly appeal at Wildhaven Glamping, catering to travelers seeking nature and luxury. Finally, Leslie Taylor-Rharbi will talk about the rise of luxury RV resorts, offering premium services that elevate the outdoor experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from industry leaders across different sectors. Tune in for a dynamic conversation that will leave you informed and inspired.

October 23rd Episode Recap

In the October 23rd, 2024 episode of MC Fireside Chats, host Brian Searl was joined by key industry leaders to discuss trends and issues in outdoor recreation, focusing on the RV, boating, and hiking industries. The episode featured recurring guests Phil Ingrassia from RVDA of the United States, Eleonore Hamm from RVDA of Canada, Shane Devenish from the Canadian RV Association, and special guests Maggie Peikon from the American Hiking Society and Rick Layzell from the Boating Ontario Association. The conversation navigated the interconnections between these outdoor sectors, addressing challenges, opportunities, and shared interests.

Brian opened the episode by acknowledging the rapid advancements in AI and the pressure to maintain innovation in outdoor hospitality news. This set the tone for a lighthearted but deep conversation about technological changes and their effect on industries, particularly the outdoor space. However, the focus soon shifted back to the core subjects of the RV and boating markets, starting with the recent interest rate drop in Canada, which Phil and Eleonore noted could be a positive boost for both RV and boating sales. Rick echoed this sentiment, explaining that high interest rates had discouraged first-time buyers in the boating sector, especially families looking for affordable payment options.

Rick elaborated on the impact of economic conditions on the boating industry, mentioning how first-time buyers have disappeared due to rising costs, particularly for larger boats that are now subject to a luxury tax in Canada. This has created a gap in the market, which has been difficult to fill. Meanwhile, RV sales have also experienced similar pressures, with rising interest rates affecting family affordability. The participants reflected on how these economic factors are pushing consumers to reconsider their recreational purchases.

The group discussed how both boating and RVing are part of a broader outdoor lifestyle. As Rick pointed out, many boating enthusiasts also use RVs and vice versa, creating crossover opportunities for marketing. Brian asked Phil if there was any data on consumers choosing to purchase RVs over boats, especially as a way to combine their love for the outdoors in a more flexible way. Phil noted that although there are no concrete statistics on this, there is evidence of increased interest in multi-use outdoor recreational vehicles and services.

The conversation then turned to hiking, with Maggie Peikon introducing the American Hiking Society’s role in promoting and preserving hiking trails across the U.S. Maggie described programs like volunteer vacations, where participants help maintain and build trails. She emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that many people enjoy hiking but may not consider the behind-the-scenes work that goes into maintaining the trails they love. Maggie highlighted that the hiking community is diverse and includes RVers, tent campers, and even luxury travelers who seek the benefits of nature.

Shane and Rick were curious about how campgrounds could better cater to hiking groups. Maggie suggested that campgrounds offering group camping for hiking clubs could be a draw. Additionally, she noted that amenities like clean showers and laundry facilities are often a big selling point for hikers who want a little comfort after a long day on the trails.

Brian tied the discussion back to marketing, reflecting on how campgrounds and RV dealers could better target hikers. He realized that creating specific pages on websites tailored to hikers and other niche outdoor enthusiasts could help better align marketing with what potential guests and buyers are seeking. Eleonore and Phil agreed, pointing out that cross-promotion between the RV, boating, and hiking industries could open up new avenues for business and create a more cohesive outdoor experience for customers.

In closing, the panel agreed that outdoor industries like hiking, RVing, and boating need to continue collaborating and adapting to shifting consumer demands. As families weigh their options, it’s crucial for businesses in these sectors to emphasize simplicity, affordability, and the unique experiences that outdoor recreation offers.

This episode was a comprehensive dive into how the outdoor industries are navigating current economic realities, changes in consumer behavior, and the potential for cross-industry partnerships. The conversation underscored the importance of staying innovative and understanding the evolving needs of outdoor enthusiasts in a time of rapid change.

About MC Fireside Chats

MC Fireside Chats is a weekly show devoted to the outdoor hospitality industry. The show is hosted by Brian Searl, the founder and CEO of Insider Perks and Modern Campground. 

Airing live every Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET), MC Fireside Chats features guests from the camping and RV industry who share their take on the current state of the camping, glamping, and RVing sectors as well as upcoming innovations in RV parks, campgrounds, outdoor resorts, glamping, and the RV industry.

To listen to previous episodes of MC Fireside Chats, visit: https://moderncampground.com/mc-fireside-chats/

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: MC Fireside Chats: Exploring How Luxury, Comfort, and Sustainability are Redefining Outdoor Hospitality and Recreation Industry! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/mc-fireside-chats-exploring-how-luxury-comfort-and-sustainability-are-redefining-outdoor-hospitality-and-recreation-industry/