To Refund, or Not to Refund?

It is no secret that when the coronavirus arrived it tore down everyone’s plans, policies, and procedures to the core. We all had to stop everything and adapt our lives, not just once but repeatedly as we received new information, protections, and understandings. As we transition from accommodating a pandemic to accommodating an epidemic, our tolerance and policies transition along with it. With the waves and new variants coming and going, some of us may be left wondering, how lenient should we remain to those who are cancelling trips? Is an arriving guest coming down with covid still an acceptable excuse to have penalty fees waived when they cancel last minute? We reached out to our members to find out how they are handling things.

While a majority of parks have returned to their “pre-covid” cancellations policies and are no longer differentiating covid related cancellations from those cancelling for other reasons, several others are still willing to work with guests in these situations. While none of the parks are choosing to come out and advertise it, many have stated that they are still willing to waive penalty fees based on the situation or allow covid positive guests to reschedule their reservations for alternative dates.

Last minute cancelations can really impact your parks expected revenue and not every park is situated to handle those losses, however some feel as though keeping guests satisfied is of higher value than their cancelation fees. There really is no right or wrong answer, as long as you are doing what is best for your particular business model. The good news is that cancelations due to covid now seem to be few and far between. 

DYANA KELLEY OF CAMPCALNOW REPRESENTS CALIFORNIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION AT TOURISM CARES CONFERENCE IN NORTH LAKE TAHOE

by Jeff Crider originally published in Woodall's Campground Magazine

California’s top campground industry official was the lead representative for the California Travel Association (CalTravel) during last week’s Tourism Cares conference in Lake Tahoe.

Dyana Kelley, president and CEO of CampCalNOW RV Park & Campground Alliance, networked with dozens of tourism industry officials from California and across the country at the May 18-20 conference, which took place in the ski resort town of Squaw Valley.

Conference speakers discussed a variety of topics, including diversity in the outdoors, the effects of climate change on tourism in the Tahoe area, and the need for the travel industry to work collaboratively to promote conservation of the Tahoe area’s natural resources and to develop sustainable approaches to tourism development that incorporate the best practices in destination stewardship.

“Since Tahoe is in my backyard, I was particularly interested in the projects Tahoe-area agencies and tourism businesses have regarding environmental issues as well as local tourism issues,” Kelley said, adding, “There were several entities involved and we discussed everything from invasive species (plants and clams and mussels) to over tourism issues such as garbage, traffic, impact on wildlife. It is obviously a difficult task, but a variety of tourism organizations have come together to support the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan as a way to create a path forward.”

Missing Amenities = Missed Revenue

Does your park currently offer propane? Are you considering adding the option but have no idea where to start?

Propane can be a confusing topic, but we have enlisted the experts to help answer your questions. During next weeks Coffee & Connections with CampCalNOW (formerly known as Coffee with the President) we will be joined by Rob Scott, a Safety & Training Consultant with the Western Propane Gas Association.

Because of its versatility, safety, and long shelf life, propane is the go-to energy source for camping trips. The propane system on an RV provides heat and hot water, power for the stove and refrigerator, and fuel for barbecue grills or other small appliances. When travelers are looking for the next park to settle into, choosing a park that offers them the ability to refill their propane tanks may be a make-or-break amenity.

Dispensing Propane Safely program was developed by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and many others as part of the industry’s commitment to promote the safe and efficient use of propane gas as a preferred energy resource. This program is divided into multiple editions, each focusing on different ways members might dispense propane, based on their individual capabilities.

If you are considering adding propane fill up options to your park, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about this program, explore different options your park may have, and get your questions answered straight from the source.

Tuesday June 7th @ 10AM

Join the Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84253248646?pwd=cFJHOXJkc04vQlZqN29qcmQyYXFTQT09

Meeting ID: 842 5324 8646

Passcode: 761190

Find your local number:

https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbEi7HpJa7