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| Volume 2, Issue 1 | January 2013 |
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BUD SURLES' CONSULTING GROUP NEWSLETTER
 Greetings!
Happy New Year! With the Snowbirds settled, many resorts are reflecting on 2012 and setting goals for the new year. This edition of the newsletter includes industry statistics and research, decisions that resorts face and the latest trends in amenities. |
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CHINA
By Bud Surles
Bud Surles Consulting Group was honored to be selected to design China's largest and finest RV Resort. It was a process that began last August and we have just recently completed. The Tangshan Bay International RV Resort Master Plan was full of exiting new concepts and bold approaches in a budding industry. It was an exciting time for our team, and hopefully the beginning of a wonderful long-term relationship with the Outdoor Hospitality Industry in China.
Development of the RV Industry in China is not without its hurdles. But the principle lesson we learned is that there is a desire to make the outdoor opportunity experiences as real to the Chinese people as they are to Americans. Some of the hurdles are infrastructure issues. The roads, toll ways, and bridges are not currently equipped to handle high volumes of large RV's. Haul vehicles (even half ton pickups) require commercial permits to travel on the roads. Holidays tend to be national in nature, thus not giving an even flow to visitation patterns. And a small percentage of people have access to long distant travel. However, with that being said, the flexibility of the developers and the deep rooted desire for growth and economic development by the government allowed us to address those issues in creative ways.
Tangshan Bay International RV Resort is located on an island in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of a three-island development scheme envisioned by the government planners, which includes tourism, cultural preservation, and economic development. The resort will be the centerpiece of the largest island and will become a staging area for enjoyment of the entire project. While this will be a wonderful asset for the Chinese citizens to enjoy, the developers envision an international project that would be part of the itinerary of large numbers of international recreational visitors to the nation.
Space does not allow a full description of the project, or the excitement of its future, but we would be happy to discuss it with any of our readers who are interested in knowing more. I would just close by saying that the parting words of Mr. Lu, the principal developer were, "Congratulations, you have just designed the largest and finest resort in China." We consider that a profound honor to be in the infant stages of a potentially explosive industry. |
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2012 ENDED WITH POSITIVE RV INDUSTRY NEWS
January 2, 2013
By Woodall's Campground Management
Editor's Note: Robert W Baird & Co. issued a newsletter to its clients following release late last week of the November wholesale shipments report by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Excerpts from the Baird report follow.
November RV shipments up 25%. Wholesale shipments improved 25% on strong growth in all categories. Key categories drove the robust growth, with motorhome shipments (Class A and C) growing 69% and towable (travel trailer and fifth-wheel) shipments increasing 22% in the month. The growth is driven by better retail, lean inventory and strong dealer sentiment. Class A and C shipments are now up 12% YTD, and travel trailer and fifth-wheel shipments have grown 14% YTD.
Towable (TT and 5W) shipments up 22%. Travel trailer shipments grew 23%, while fifth-wheel shipments jumped 18%. We note that November growth came against the most difficult comparison of last year (+32%), and followed robust shipments in July (+30%), August (+15%), September (+13%), and October (+31%). Combined, travel trailer and fifth-wheel shipments were up 14% YTD.
Motorhome (A and C) shipments grew 69%. Robust motorhome growth continued for the fifth consecutive month as Class A shipments grew 70% while Class C shipments jumped 68%. Class A and C shipments are now up 12% YTD.
Thor. November marks the first month of Thor's fiscal Q2. Manufacturer-specific data is not available on a monthly basis, but we model Thor's towable shipment growth at +15% for the quarter (vs. +22% industry growth reported in November). Industry motorhome shipments grew 69% vs. our +120% full-quarter estimate for Thor motorhome shipments.
Winnebago. November marks the final month of Winnebago's fiscal Q1. Winnebago reported quarterly results on Dec. 20 - Winnebago's motorhome shipments surged 48%. RVIA data indicates industry shipments increased 44% over the same period.
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KOA MARKS STRONG YEAR; ADDS 18 PARKS IN 2012
January 7, 2013
By RV Business
Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) marked its 50th year in 2012 by adding 18 more locations to its 489-campground system in North America.
KOA, the world's largest system of family-oriented campgrounds based in Billings, Mont., experienced 3.3% growth in short-term camper nights in 2012, the highest percentage of growth since KOA's record year in 2007. Registration revenues also increased nearly 6 percent from 2011 figures.
"It was a pretty exciting year, start to finish," said KOA CEO Jim Rogers. "Celebrating our 50th Anniversary was very special, and it was just fantastic that we saw an increase in camping this year, too."
The momentum from 2012 continues to carry into 2013 for KOA. On Jan. 11, Rogers will be featured on the Emmy-award-winning CBS reality series "Undercover Boss." Rogers will go under cover at four KOA locations, learning the day-to-day operations of a campground from front-line staff. "Undercover Boss," now in its fourth season, won an Emmy in 2012 as the top-rated reality series on television.
The "Undercover Boss" episode will air Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific), and 7 p.m. (Central and Mountain). For more on KOA's episode of "Undercover Boss," go to www.KOA.com.
Campgrounds added in 2012 include: Bluffton/Findlay SW, Ohio; Honesdale/Poconos, Pa.; Butler North, Pa.; Jonestown, Pa.; Travelers Rest/Greenville North, S.C.; Buffalo, Wyo.; Ozark/Fort Rucker, Ala.; Lake Panasoffkee, Fla.; Wildwood, Fla.; Lake Bomoseen, Vt.; Victoria/Coleto Creek Lake, Texas; Carbondale/Crystal River, Colo.; Lynchburg NW/Blue Ridge Parkway, Va.; Clinton/Knoxville, Tenn.; Batesville, Ind.; Salome, Ariz.; St. George/Hurricane, Utah.
KOA's 18th additional franchise added in 2012 is a yet-to-be-announced campground in the Southeast U.S.
Other 2012 highlights for the iconic camping brand were a record-breaking 2012 KOA International Convention in Orlando, Fla., in November, with nearly 290 KOA campgrounds represented. More than 800 owners and staff attended the event. The Convention's KOA Expo also set a new record with more than 150 vendors providing their products and services to KOA owners.
KOA's industry-leading Value Kard Rewards program also saw strong growth in 2012, with an increase in membership of more than 7.5% from 2011.
KOA also partnered with 18 major companies in 2012 to offer KOA campers unique deals on products and services to enhance their camping lifestyles. |
 GO RVing CANADA COMPILES TOP 5 TRENDS IN 2012 December 27, 2012 By Woodall's Campground Management Editor's Note: The following is a list of the Top 5 RVing trends in Canada during 2012 compiled by Go RVing Canada. The past year saw growth on many levels for the RV industry. The year kicked off with outstanding RV show attendance figures and moved into the summer with a jump in RV sales. The RV industry has seen a change in ownership trends, overall growth of the industry, a national sales rebound, increased outdoor engagement and an evolution in the economic benefits for the RV traveler. The top 5 RV trends were: - Majority of RV owners under the age of 55: The RV industry is seeing a significant increase in young families, busy career couples, outdoor enthusiasts as well as retirees embarking on their first RV adventure.
- Towable trailers most popular RVs sold in 2012: There are over one million RVs on Canada's roads which translates to 14% of households owning an RV. Starting at just $6,000, consumers are taking advantage of the variety of units available. The most popular RVs sold this year were the towable RVs, which include the folding camping trailer and fifth wheel RV.
- While other travel sectors continue to struggle and see declines, RV sales surged 13% this year: By mid-summer, RV sales had increased on a national level by 13% compared to 2011 with Alberta seeing the largest sales increase of 42%. The biggest factor driving this is the affordability of the lifestyle as RV purchase prices are at historic lows. A number of other factors include intense competition in the industry, increased consumer awareness and a strong Canadian dollar.
- More Canadians are spending time outdoors: 90% of RV owners say RVing is the best way to see the country. Many campground operators have begun the process of upgrading their sites to accommodate the increase of RV travelers to their campgrounds. The Alberta government announced mid-summer that they were investing $24 million this year into modernizing several of its campgrounds, as they noted the increase in number of people using RVs versus tents.
- Raw cost savings: In February, Go RVing Canada released results of a cost comparison study conducted by PKF consulting that proved RV vacations can be up to 78% less expensive than all other forms of travel. This statistic has increased by 3% since the last study, conducted in 2009. The associated savings come from a variety of factors including the flexibility of cooking in your RV, as well as the low cost of accommodation.
"RVers share a great passion for the lifestyle and it's easy to recognize the many benefits associated with it," said Go RVing Executive Director, Chris Mahony. "What the 2012 RV trends show is that RVing clearly remains a popular vacation choice, especially for those who are looking for an affordable vacation that offers freedom, flexibility, and fun." |
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PCOA EXPLAINS WHY TO BELONG TO AN ASSOCIATION
December 27, 2012
By Woodall's Campground Management
Editor's Note: The following article appeared in the recent newsletter published by the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA). It's aimed at PCOA members but has application to every campground owner in the country.
One of the most frequently asked questions with regard to PCOA membership is, "What can the association do for me?" The answer, quite frankly, depends on you.
What did you join PCOA and what do you want to gain? What you get out of any association, including PCOA, is directly proportional to what you put in. The greatest benefit of any association is the networking and camaraderie that takes place between members. Time and time again, PCOA staff has been privileged to hear that other associations respect the solidarity of our industry and PCOA members.
It's no secret that PCOA members have an enormous sense of pride in their association and their fellow members. But this benefit is not a given. To experience this camaraderie first hand, you must participate by giving an investment of time and effort in PCOA activities.
There are many benefits that accrue simply by belonging - low cost advertising through our directory and other marketing programs; a presence on pacamping.com, which consistently comes up at the top of web searches; the privilege of meeting with and learning from your peers; conventions, publications and much more. Your greets benefit - networking and association with your peers - comes only from your direct involvement in association activities.
The reason is simple, and it involves the same principles that apply to your campground business. A businessperson invests money, time and energy to make the business successful. The same holds true for association membership, which will reflect on your park's long-term success.
The problems facing our industry today affect every member, no matter how large or small. And, since no one individual could possibly begin to solve these problems alone, it remains that each person needs his or her industry trade association for the collective wisdom, bargaining power and networking opportunities that help create a sustainable successful business.
PCOA members vary tremendously in their level of activity and what they seek from the association. Yet they all find value in PCOA membership and find that their businesses are more successful as a result of being part of PCOA.
Business consultant say 85% of all business failures occur in firms who are not members of their industry trade association. That combined with the fact that most members gave a 500% or more return on membership dues, are two ways to justify the dues you pay as a member of PCOA.
The best reason to be part of PCOA is that your participation ensures a stronger industry for future generations. For that commitment, we applaud you. |
 DOG WASH SYSTEM APPEALS TO CAMPGROUNDS December 26, 2012 By Industry News
People love camping with pets. Pets love exploring the outdoors when camping. The problem is that pets, like kids, often need to be cleaned, fluffed and dried before they can go inside a cabin or RV.
The K9000 Dog Wash System is a self-serve dog wash that lets pet owners clean their pooches quickly, and without messing up their own campsite, according to a news release.
The fully-contained, coin-operated dog wash is a money-maker for campgrounds, said Gary Sherman, with K9000 Dog Wash Co.
The device works very similar to a coin-operated, self-serve car wash. Once users insert their payment, they select disinfectant and sanitize the tub for 10 to 15 seconds. Then they swing open the door to the wash area and place the dog on the wash platform, which consists of a slightly contoured non-skid surface that ensure all hair and water run underneath the platform.
They secure the dog to the platform with a collar loop , and proceed to wash, rinse and dry him off with a professional two-speed dryer. Any dog, any size can be fully washed and conditioned in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, said Sherman.
Campground owners are likely to recover their investment within the first year, he explained. Assuming an average cost of $10 for 10 minutes, washing 40 to 60 dogs per week will generate between $480 and $600. Subtracting costs of $40 per week means the campground could generate $22,800 in profit per year. The cost to wash each dog averages between 90 cents and $1 for utilities and shampoo.
Features of the K9000 Dog Wash System include:
- Aircraft quality stainless steel frame.
- 15 to 20 dogs can be washed without cleaning the drain.
- Contoured platform ensures the dog is never standing in dirty water.
- Six wash selections and two dryer speeds.
- Made in the USA.
- Accepts coins, bills and credit cards.
- Easy installation indoors or out.
For more information, call Sherman at (970) 930-5330, e-mail gary@TheK9000DogWash.com or visit www.TheK9000DogWash.com. |
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 COMPLIMENTARY SITE ASSESSMENT
For some resorts, it is that busy time of year. For others, it is a time to regroup and evaluate needs for the next busy season. Whichever situation you are in, you may feel that it is time for change. Whether design, updating old structures, or a fresh, new marketing strategy, Bud Surles' Consulting Group is here to help. For the month of February, you may enjoy a complimentary site assessment that will be credited towards your master plan or service. (Travel costs are excluded from this offer). Call today at (888) 282-0855 or submit your information online at www.budsurles.com. |
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Bud Surles' Consulting Group provides planning, design and development services for visionary land owners and developers desiring first class utilization of their land. With over 30 years experience, Bud has won national recognition for his management, design, development and leadership accomplishments and offers knowledge and expertise in developing resorts across the nation. Check out our website at www.budsurles.com for more information.
Sincerely,
Amie Mersmann
Bud Surles Consulting Group |
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