RMS North America, a provider of cloud-based reservation and property management systems, recently launched its 2024 State of the Industry Report. The report, an annual publication, provides critical insights into the camping preferences and behaviors of various adult generations, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.
This detailed study serves as a tool for campground and RV park owners to better understand and cater to their respective markets. With data gathered from campers aged 18-60+, RMS aims to bridge the knowledge gap in how different generations engage with outdoor activities.
According to Frederic Dominioni, chief revenue officer at RMS North America, the company has committed itself to delve into the generational trends within the camping and outdoor recreation sector.
“Building on our research from 2023 and our work with OHI, our goal is to equip our outdoor property partners and the industry at large with the data to make informed decisions that deliver elevated experiences for all campers and RVers,” said Dominioni.
The report highlights a persistent strong demand for camping and outdoor travel, debunking earlier speculations that interest might wane after the pandemic. Even amidst inflation concerns, the overall positive sentiment towards camping has risen from 56% to 62%.
In particular, Millennials have shown a marked increase in their enthusiasm for incorporating technology into their camping experience, with a significant rise from 19% in 2023 to 57% in 2024. This demographic’s tech-savviness underscores a crucial point for campground operators: the importance of integrating modern technology to attract younger visitors.
The preferred method of communication with campgrounds has remained consistent, with 61.7% of campers favoring email. Understanding these communication preferences is vital for improving customer service and engagement strategies.
Nature continues to be the dominant factor influencing campers’ destination choices, with 47% of respondents citing it as their primary reason for selecting a location. This statistic reinforces the need for campgrounds and RV parks to highlight and preserve their natural surroundings to attract more visitors.
The research also indicates that word-of-mouth and online searches are the most common methods campers use to learn about new destinations. This trend suggests that maintaining a robust online presence and positive customer reviews are essential for attracting new guests.
According to Dominioni, the research not only confirms the high frequency of camping but also highlights the ongoing need for convenience and personal interaction in technology usage. Campground and RV park owners need to keep in mind that campers’ relationships to technology still reflect a desire for convenience while having access to a real person when needed,” he said.
The 2024 State of the Industry Report also sheds light on the types of camping that are preferred, with tent camping topping the list. This preference impacts how campgrounds design their sites and services to cater to the desires of their clientele.
The report offers campground owners and managers insights into what factors influence booking behaviors, including the importance of the natural environment of the campsite. This information can guide operators in marketing their unique attributes and improving guest satisfaction.
For more information about the tools and services provided by RMS North America, or to view the full 2024 State of the Industry Report, visit americas.rmscloud.com.
