Kampgrounds of America (KOA) President and CEO Toby O’Rourke is poised to take a prominent role in representing the outdoor hospitality industry at two pivotal industry events scheduled this week.
O’Rourke’s participation is set to deliver insights and strategies that could influence campground and outdoor hospitality operations nationwide.
On May 7, O’Rourke will engage in a panel discussion at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. The panel, titled “Meeting the New Consumer Outside through Inclusion, Infrastructure & Innovation,” aims to dissect the changing preferences and expectations of outdoor enthusiasts.
The discussion will focus on the integration of affordable housing within gateway communities that lead to major outdoor venues. This approach seeks to support not just travelers but also the staff that service these areas, potentially easing housing challenges that can affect service quality and staffing stability in outdoor hospitality locations.
Further deliberations will extend to enhancing services at resorts, campgrounds, and marinas. By focusing on how to effectively connect with the public and ensure repeated visits, the panel will explore ways to increase consumer engagement through improved amenities and services, which are crucial for maintaining the viability and growth of these facilities.
Modernizing facilities with a conservation ethos is also on the agenda. This topic is particularly relevant for campground operators looking to balance enhancements in infrastructure with environmental sustainability, thus ensuring long-term viability and appeal of outdoor spaces.
Diversity and inclusion will receive particular attention, with strategies aimed at increasing the diversity of both visitors and staff discussed. Such strategies are vital for broadening the appeal of outdoor activities across different demographic groups, thereby expanding the customer base and enhancing the workplace culture.
Another topic to be highlighted is the collaboration with the federal government and Tribes to foster relationships that can lead to enhanced support and development opportunities for campground and outdoor hospitality operators.
On Thursday, May 9, O’Rourke will deliver a speech at the RV Industry Power Breakfast. She will look back over the past decade and discuss current trends. Her speech is expected to outline macro trends that will influence the industry’s approaches in the future.
These insights are anticipated to be particularly valuable for operators looking to align their business strategies with broader industry trends to better position themselves for the future.
In conjunction with O’Rourke’s panel participation and appearances, KOA is also set to release its 10th annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report on May 8. This report, with a newly reimagined look, promises to deliver fresh insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities within the camping and outdoor hospitality industry.
The release of this report is timely, providing campground operators and industry stakeholders with data and analysis that could influence operational strategies and investment decisions.
As the industry continues to evolve in response to new consumer preferences and external challenges, the insights provided by O’Rourke and the forthcoming KOA report will be crucial for those involved in the campground and outdoor hospitality industry.
The upcoming week represents a significant opportunity for industry leaders and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping their market and to adjust their strategies accordingly to embrace a more inclusive and innovative future.
