OHI is calling on RV park and campground owners to participate in an advocacy event in Washington, D.C. this February. Organized in partnership with the Merchant Payments Coalition (MPC), the event aims to address the impact of credit card fees on small businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector.
The delegation, led by OHI’s Government Affairs Team, will meet with U.S. Senators to advocate for the Credit Card Competition Act, a bill designed to introduce competition in the credit card swipe fee marketplace.
The Credit Card Competition Act, introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) in July 2022, targets the dominance of Visa and Mastercard in the U.S. market.
The legislation would require major banks to offer at least two networks on their credit cards, one of which must be a company other than Visa or Mastercard. This move is intended to lower credit card processing fees, a burden for small businesses such as RV parks and campgrounds.
“Help is on the way for small business owners,” Senator Durbin during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on November 19…The Credit Card Competition Act would break the Visa-Mastercard stranglehold on the market… Small businesses would finally have a real choice” OHI said in a press release.
According to OHI President and CEO Paul Bambei, reducing these fees could lead to significant cost savings for businesses and their customers. “In advocating for the Credit Card Competition Act, our goal is to support legislation that promotes fairness and helps our industry thrive,” Bambei stated.
OHI’s advocacy initiative seeks to amplify the voices of campground owners who have been directly impacted by these fees. “As the national voice of the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, we’re committed to representing our members’ interests in Washington. We encourage campground owners to join us and make a powerful impact on this critical issue,” Bambei said.
To encourage participation, OHI is covering key travel expenses for attendees, including flights, hotel stays, and transportation within Washington, D.C. Participants will be responsible only for their food and beverage costs during the trip.
OHI, formerly known as the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), represents more than 3,000 private campgrounds and RV parks across North America. The organization is dedicated to advancing the interests of its members through education, networking, and advocacy.
Its Government Affairs Team regularly engages with policymakers to address industry challenges, including regulatory issues and business operations.
Featured image by OHI