Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) commenced its second-largest annual convention in history, welcoming 376 campgrounds totaling 801 attendees to the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa in Las Vegas (Nevada).
The convention, a cornerstone event for the campground industry, spans November 14-17, marking 60 years of KOA’s leadership in private campgrounds across North America.
The opening session of the convention, themed “Bet on Yellow,” set a vibrant tone for the event.
Toby O’Rourke, CEO and president of KOA, highlighted the company’s strategic vision, emphasizing KOA’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement in the outdoor hospitality industry. O’Rourke’s message resonated with the attendees, comprising campground owners and managers, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of outdoor hospitality.
A significant announcement at the convention was KOA’s achievement of a World-Class Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 70, placing it on par with globally recognized brands such as Starbucks and Costco. This score, a key indicator of customer loyalty and satisfaction, underscores KOA’s dedication to enhancing the camping experience and its growing popularity among campers.
The convention also saw the launch of “Why We KOA,” an advertising campaign aimed at attracting younger millennials and first-time campers.
The campaign, featuring a prominent billboard in Times Square, reflects KOA’s strategy to broaden its appeal and reach new markets, a move that could benefit the entire campground industry by bringing in a new generation of campers.
In line with its commitment to innovation, KOA announced a significant investment in its proprietary campground Property Management System (PMS), K2. This technology-driven approach is expected to drive future growth and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for the industry.
Digital transformation initiatives were also unveiled, including “KOA A.I.,” Enhanced Trip Planning, and Dynamic Site Maps. These tools are designed to simplify and enhance the guest experience, demonstrating KOA’s focus on leveraging technology to stay ahead in the competitive outdoor hospitality market.
The establishment of a commercial strategy team was another key development. This team is tasked with catering to the unique needs of each KOA franchise, highlighting a tailored approach to business development and support. This move is particularly significant for campground owners and operators, offering them customized strategies to thrive in a dynamic market.
KOA’s expansion of strategic partnerships, including collaborations with brands like Holo Shoes and Happy Camper Beer, and a new fuel partnership with Pilot for KOA Rewards campers, was also announced. These partnerships are set to enhance the camping experience, offering more value to campers and potentially driving more business to campgrounds.
The convention’s focus on leadership quality, program excellence, and customer-centric initiatives offers valuable insights for campground owners and outdoor hospitality operators. By adopting similar strategies and embracing innovation, these stakeholders can enhance their service offerings, attract a broader audience, and ensure sustainable growth in the industry.
As the convention continues, attendees are set to gain further insights into KOA’s vision and strategies, equipping them with knowledge and tools to enhance their operations. The event not only celebrates KOA’s 60 years of success but also paves the way for the next era of growth and innovation in the campground and outdoor hospitality industry.
Featured image from Modern Campground.
I’m curious about the convention’s workshops and the impact of the Why We KOA campaign on younger campers’ interests.