Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) today released its 2023 North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report. The report provides a look at key trends shaping the outdoor hospitality industry.
In its ninth year KOA’s camping report this year broadened its scope to look more holistically at outdoor hospitality and its importance in the larger camping industry. Outdoor hospitality extends across four sectors: accommodation, food and beverage, travel and tourism and entertainment and recreation.
Of those surveyed, 61% of consumers who camp strongly agree that offering services and amenities beyond the campsite or accommodation is pivotal in providing outdoor hospitality. In total, 78% of consumers say outdoor hospitality is important in their travel experiences. In 2022, camping and glamping accounted for 32% of all leisure trips, making camping and outdoor hospitality a crucial travel segment.
“As leisure travelers increasingly choose the outdoors over other alternatives, we need to look more granularly at camping,” said Toby O’Rourke, KOA president and CEO. “A decade of independent research confirms that camping is a preferred way for many to travel, try new things, and connect with what they care about most. The outdoor hospitality segment, growing in importance, offers additional ways for people to connect to the outdoors.”
The report showed the camping and glamping market is evolving post-pandemic. Half of those surveyed said camping was an economical way to vacation. Specific demographics are discovering the great outdoors, the report said, and more campers are looking to connect with friends and family members through shared outdoor experiences.
