The recreation industry remains in a state of flux. Today's guests expect more than just a nice house. In this article, we list five current trends that will help your park or campground grow with today's expectations.
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Foreign guests keep coming, and they expect quality
In recent years, the number of foreign guests has continued to rise, especially from Germany, Belgium and even France. They are looking for tranquillity, nature and quality. Not only in accommodation, but also in communication and service.
Is your website well translated? Can guests easily pay via their trusted payment method? And is your communication welcoming and clear? Small adjustments make a big difference here.
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Fewer hands, more technology
Finding staff is still a big challenge. Automation is therefore no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Think of smart links for cleaning scheduling, self-check-in, automatic payments and real-time links with OTA's.
Guests expect speed and convenience; you save time and costs. The result: more peace on the shop floor and more satisfied guests.
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Flexible stays are gaining ground
Guests no longer necessarily want to arrive on Fridays or Mondays. They book when it suits them, often at the last minute. You can respond smartly to this with flexible arrival and departure days, nightly rates and dynamic pricing.
This way you increase the occupancy rate outside peak times and offer a guest-oriented experience.
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Experience above all
Recreation is no longer just about sleeping. Guests are looking for experiences: wellness, outdoor activities, local experiences or overnight stays in unique places.
Campsites are developing glamping, vacation parks are building sky cabins or wellness lodges. Day recreation and catering are also being added more often. This way, you prolong stays and increase spending per guest.
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Make proactive choices based on your data
Who exactly are your guests? When do they book, how long do they stay, and where do they drop out? By taking a closer look at your data (or working with it), you can respond more specifically to needs and areas for improvement.
Use data from your PMS or Google Analytics to identify recurring booking patterns, for example. Then, automatically send a reminder email a month before their favourite stay.
Finally, keep innovating your offerings
Guests' preferences are changing rapidly. What was a trend last year is standard this year. Make sure you move with them. Be inspired by fellow entrepreneurs, stay in touch with your target group and dare to make choices that will make your park future-proof.
Are you curious how Booking Experts can support you in this? Feel free to contact us at our website We are happy to think along with you.