The March 5, 2025, episode of MC Fireside Chats featured an insightful discussion on key industry trends and challenges, with host Brian Searl joined by recurring guests and new participants. The panel included Miguel Huerta from the Mexican Glamping Association, Simon Neal from Camp Map, Rafael Correa from Blue Water, Matt Whitermore an Outdoor Hospitality Professional, Shari Heilala from Sage Outdoor Hospitality, and Mark Koep, among others. The conversation revolved around the impact of major events, shifting travel patterns, and data-driven strategies for success in the outdoor hospitality industry. Miguel Huerta highlighted the significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., emphasizing the immense potential for campgrounds, glamping sites, and RV parks to capitalize on the surge in tourism. He noted the high demand for alternative accommodations as hotel prices skyrocket, advising operators to begin preparations now. Rafael Correa weighed in on pricing strategies, warning against excessive rate hikes that could deter future guests, and stressed the importance of maintaining value propositions. Simon Neal, offering a European perspective, pointed out that demand for World Cup accommodations will come in waves—early planners booking far in advance and last-minute travelers willing to pay a premium. He emphasized the need for campgrounds to be flexible and ready to accommodate a range of visitors. Rafael added that major events create displacement effects, meaning people who might otherwise visit certain areas could be looking for alternative travel experiences, further benefiting the outdoor hospitality sector. The conversation then shifted to the broader state of the industry. Rafael shared insights from Blue Water’s portfolio, noting a rise in long-term stays, a decline in transient RV bookings, and continued strong demand for vacation rentals and glamping. He attributed the shrinking booking window to guests becoming more accustomed to dynamic pricing and greater availability in the post-pandemic landscape. Shari Heilala supported these observations, highlighting the importance of data in making informed pricing and marketing decisions. A key discussion point was the growing role of long-term stays, not just among full-time RVers but also as a solution to housing affordability issues. Shari pointed out that many people are opting for RV living due to rising housing costs, particularly in regions like Phoenix, where renting a travel trailer is a cost-effective alternative. Brian challenged the assumption that RV owners struggle with housing affordability, but the panelists clarified that many individuals are choosing RV life as a primary living arrangement rather than a leisure activity. Simon Neal provided a European perspective, explaining that while long-term stays are not a major factor in Europe, seasonal migration from northern to southern regions remains strong. However, uncertainty in the market has made travelers more hesitant to book in advance. Mark Koep added that demand for long-term RV stays is particularly high in areas with significant industrial and economic development, such as Texas and Arizona, where workers need flexible, short-term housing solutions. Concerns over international travel trends were also raised, with Miguel revealing that searches for flights from Mexico to the U.S. had dropped by 10%. Similar declines were observed in Canadian cross-border travel, attributed to economic conditions and geopolitical tensions. However, Simon remained optimistic that people will still prioritize travel, even if their habits shift toward regional destinations. Shari emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making, noting that while past data is helpful, predicting future trends remains challenging due to economic uncertainty and external factors such as inflation and potential national park closures. She recommended operators take a...
