Should I use an Online Travel Agency For My Campground? Trekabout Marketing

Should I Use an Online Travel Agency For My Campground?

The world of camping has taken a giant leap forward in recent years. While the classic charm of pitching a tent under the stars remains, savvy campers are increasingly turning to online resources to discover new destinations and book their getaways. This shift presents a unique opportunity for campgrounds to expand their reach and attract a wider audience – by partnering with Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).

What are OTAs and How Do They Work?

OTAs are online platforms that act as intermediaries between travelers and accommodation providers (or in this case, campers and campground providers). Think of them as giant marketplaces where campers can browse through a vast selection of campgrounds, compare amenities, read reviews, and book their stay directly through the platform. These platforms reach a massive audience of potential campers, many of whom might not have discovered your campground otherwise.

What OTA’s are suitable for campgrounds?

When selecting OTAs to partner with, consider the specific needs and target audience of your campground. Some popular OTAs that are well-suited for campgrounds include:

Hipcamp: Specialises in unique camping experiences, including campsites on private land.
Wikicamps Australia: A popular Australian camping platform with a large user base (note, it does not include an inbuilt booking platform).
Glamping Hub: Focuses on luxury camping experiences and glamping accommodations, including glamping tents, cabins, tiny homes and more.
Airbnb: A well-known platform that also includes options for glamping tents and cabins.
Anycamp: A global platform for finding and booking campsites.
Campermate: A popular Australian camping app with detailed information on campsites and facilities.
Pitchup: A UK-based platform that also includes campsites in Australia.
Findacamp: A comprehensive camping directory for Australia.

By carefully evaluating these OTAs and considering your campground's unique offerings, you can select the most suitable platforms to reach your target audience and drive bookings.

How Can OTAs Benefit Your Campground?

Increased Visibility: Listing your campground on a popular OTA can significantly boost your online presence. Imagine your campground being showcased alongside thousands of others – that's a level of exposure you wouldn't achieve on your own.
Streamlined Booking: OTAs offer a user-friendly booking experience for campers. Potential guests can easily check availability, pricing, and reserve their campsite in just a few clicks. This convenience can lead to a significant increase in bookings.
Targeted Marketing: Many OTAs offer targeted marketing tools that allow you to reach specific demographics of campers based on their interests and preferences. This allows you to tailor your message to the ideal audience for your campground.
Increased Credibility: Being listed on a reputable OTA can add a layer of trust and credibility to your campground. Campers often rely on reviews and recommendations when making booking decisions, and a positive presence on an OTA can be a major advantage.

By strategically incorporating Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) into your distribution strategy, you can not only attract new guests but also encourage direct bookings. OTAs can act as powerful marketing channels, increasing your visibility and reaching a wider audience. Developing a diverse channel mix that includes a variety of OTAs will help you connect with your target market and secure a consistent flow of reservations.

Building a Successful Partnership with OTAs

To maximise the benefits of partnering with OTAs, here are some key points to consider:
Create a Compelling Listing: High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate information are essential for attracting attention on an OTA platform.
Offer Competitive Rates: Price your campsite strategically to remain competitive within the OTA marketplace. Check what other campgrounds in your area are charging campers, and adjust your own pricing based on your unique offering.
Maintain Updated Inventory: Ensure your availability on the OTA platform is always up-to-date to avoid any booking conflicts.
Respond to Reviews Promptly: Address both positive and negative reviews on the OTA platform in a timely and courteous manner. This demonstrates your commitment to providing a great camping experience.
Campgrounds of all sizes can benefit from using an integrated channel manager to connect with multiple Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). A channel manager streamlines operations by sharing your campground's inventory and rates with your booking engine and OTAs. This ensures consistency and prevents overbookings. By using a channel manager, you can implement revenue management strategies to optimise pricing, increase occupancy, and ultimately boost your campground's revenue.

Conclusion:

The rise of OTAs has revolutionised the way campers research and book their getaways. By partnering with these platforms, you can unlock a world of potential guests and propel your campground to new heights of success. By creating a compelling listing, maintaining accurate information, and offering competitive rates, you can attract new campers eager to experience the beauty and serenity of your campground.