Marketing

Communication and Marketing Tools For Your Hospitality Business

As hospitality businesses work to recover from a global pandemic that drastically affected travel behaviors, hotel and campground owners need a software solution that supports their post-pandemic recovery by enabling effective integrated marketing communications with guests. Look for a property management system (PMS) with the following tools to help you communicate re-opening dates, COVID-19 precautions, protocols and policy updates, and upcoming promotions at your property.

Sustainability

Migrating Your Property Management System? Here Are 4 Change Management Tips!

It’s time to switch your property management system (PMS). But now that you made the decision to change your PMS, the reality of actually migrating your system is setting in… and the pressure is on.

Hotel Management System

Prepping Your Reservation Management System for Your Busy Season

Busy season is an exciting time for your property every year — you have the opportunity to welcome new and returning guests with an incredible experience. But how do you make sure you’re prepared?

Sustainability

Five Ways to Use Your PMS to Accelerate Sustainability

How can I advance my property’s sustainability efforts right now? “Sustainability is still a big priority for my hotel’s leadership team and our guests, but the current environment has made it nearly impossible to make additional investments in this area. What are some ways that I can use the technology we already have to make our operations more sustainable?”

Webinar

The Best Social Media Networks for Marketing Your Campground

Adding social media to your campground’s marketing strategy can seem like a no-brainer, but actually executing that plan might be more difficult. It can be hard if you don’t know where to start or which platforms you should use.

Travel Trends

3 Camping Trends To Attract Millennials at Your Campground

Travel trends are changing, and so are camper preferences when it comes to making campground reservations. Based on statistics from the RV Industry Association, nearly 40% of RV owners are from the millennial or Gen Z generations. With nearly half of your campers likely to be from this tech-savvy era, adapting to generational trends is key to prioritizing the camper experience.

RMS Launches Web Builder as Hotel Industry Rebounds and Outdoor Hospitality Seeks to Leverage Record Growth

[San Diego, CA, April 6, 2021] – RMS North America, a leading provider of property management systems to the hospitality industry, announced the launch of RMS Web today. Designed to serve what has been a tale of two travel markets – the hotel industry’s efforts to rebuild with the anticipation of increased vacation travel and the campground’s spike as a local, outdoor, remote destination – RMS Web is a website development service that is available to all hospitality businesses looking to grow their brand and online presence.

Marina

3 Ways to Ready Your Marina for Winter

Now that the summer season is over and autumn is underway, it’s time to get started on winter planning. In colder climates, this is when many boaters leave their vessels in your care for storage—and you need to ensure they’re secure and ready for next season. So, what exactly do you need to do? Here are three key things for boaters and staff to focus on. FOR BOATERS Experienced boat owners should know boat storage protocol, but a gentle reminder never hurts and can prevent mishaps later on. A great way to spread the word is to post a pre-storage to-do list in your common area or email it to customers.

Press Release

RMS Latest Features

At RMS, we’re always moving forward — innovating and improving to give our customers a powerful edge in the industry. With all of that in mind, we’re excited to share our newest features. The addition of these seriously outstanding new elements will be indispensable to a lot of our clients and we can’t wait for you to check them out. Take a look! New Guest Portal The Guest Portal recently debuted at RMS and promises to be an asset for both guests and your staff. This feature changes the game and delivers a better experience for everyone. Plus, you can customize it to reflect your brand so it fits seamlessly with your business model.

Advanced Accounting Webinar Part 1 Recap

Thank you for attending Advanced Accounting Webinar Part 1. Below are the questions and answers from the webinar. Q. Will a recording be available after the webinar? A. Unfortunately, this is a complimentary webinar which will not be available for distribution. If you have access to RMS University, the Advanced Accounting Course is available for staff training and contains the same information that was covered in the webinar. Another resource option is the Night Audit Report help file within the RMS Knowledge Base. https://helpcentre.rmscloud.com/night-audit-reports/night-audit-report?from_search=36040014

Travel Trends

What Is Revenge Travel and How Can Outdoor Properties Prepare For It?

In the wake of the global pandemic, many travelers were forced to cancel or reschedule their plans. Now, they are coming back in surges. This fierce return to travel has been coined revenge travel.

Property Management System

Ways for Campgrounds to Stay Engaged with Guests During the Off Season

Our industry comes with inevitable changes through high and low seasons, but it’s important to keep guests connected all year long through your hospitality marketing strategies.

Webinar

4 Ideas for Campground Marketing All Summer Long

As a property owner or manager, it can be hard to juggle marketing efforts on top of your day-to-day operations, especially during your busy season.

Campground & Holiday Park

Bring Your A-Game: How to Make Your Campground a Standout

With the rush of new year activities over, there’s no better time to plan for the months ahead to make this year your property’s best yet. The strategy? Making the most of your reservation management system to maximize revenue, capture more bookings, and increase camper satisfaction. Here are three key ways to achieve your goals. BRING IN THE MONEY The best reservation management systems are packed with features that can not only help you streamline tasks like bookings and payments, but actually help you make money. The Dynamic Pricing feature built into RMS is a great example. Many parks find it complicated and time consuming to change rates throughout the year, leaving them stuck with a flat rate model. Flat rate pricing may be easy, but will cause you to miss out on revenue growth opportunities.

Property Management System

5 Ways to Upgrade Your RV Park to Attract More Visitors

As RV Travel and camping becomes more popular, competition for visitors can come down to which park has more attractive amenities. Travel trends show that parks that invest in upgrades show an increase in revenue as well as higher ratings and online reputation scores. It's important to know your customer base, collect and respond to their feedback, and keep up with the competition. Here are some upgraded amenities that some campgrounds and RV parks are offering to attract more visitors:

Property Management System

4 Steps to Streamline Your Rates With Property Management System (PMS) Software

The hospitality industry immediately comes with a lot to manage: guests, calendars, property upkeep, customer service, special events, and so much more. Time is an important factor for making sure everything runs smoothly; the more time you can save, the better your property and guest experience can be.

Property Management System

4 Security Benefits of a Cloud Based Reservation Management System

Putting guests first should be the foundation of your business strategy — however, protecting your data is equally important. It can impact your business reputation, bookings, and revenue if you fall victim to malware or other cybersecurity concerns.

RMS Software Update

RMS is continuously updating and enhancing our system to meet client needs. This software release includes updates to a number of features within the system. Go to Help > Release Notes in RMS 9+ for additional information on the enhancements included in this release.

Travel Trends

The New Campground Generation Is Coming

Millennials and Gen Z teens are taking their free-spirited (but always connected) route back to nature, and that can be a major boon for outdoor hospitality businesses. You just need to make sure your campground/park is up to par and ready to rock when they roll into town.

Campground & Holiday Park

5 Tips To Prioritizing Camping Safety at Your Campground

You want every camper to have a great experience at your campground, which is why it’s crucial to consider the safety of your guests — and staff — above all else. In fact, Public Risk Management (PRMP) — an initiative by the National Park Service (NPS) — states that “...safety is a shared responsibility between park staff, park partners, and park visitors.”

March Tips and Tricks

Interested in learning more about how RMS can help your property? Check out these features being highlighted. RMS Help Centre The new and improved Help Centre is designed to work like a search engine. Enter in a keyword or phrase and the algorithm behind the scenes will filter results, enabling you to find exactly what you are looking for. Even better, the more you search, the smarter it gets.

Marina

4 Things To Consider as a New Marina Owner

Did you recently invest in a marina? Congratulations! Managing a marina can be a challenge but with the right tools and best practices, you can set your outdoor property up for success.

E-Book

End-Of-Summer Marketing Tips for Your Outdoor Property

As the slow season approaches, you may be wondering how to keep your outdoor property thriving. The good news is that you don’t have to wave your end-of-summer business goodbye just yet.

Spread the Word About Your Park Through Integrated Marketing

When it comes to building and sustaining your rv park or campground’s customer base, marketing is the key to success. Since there are so many ways to reach your audience, you may be wondering what kinds of marketing you need. The answer is simple: ALL of them. And the secret to making them as impactful as possible is an Integrated Marketing Strategy.

Scaling Growth With Your Employees in Mind

As an outdoor property manager or owner, adding to your business may become a priority as the number of campers and boaters continues to increase every year. For any business to be successful — especially during times of growth — there must be a dedicated staff supporting your business goals.

Property Management System

5 Signs Your Property Data Analysis is Lacking Visibility

The path to operational excellence may seem like a daunting one — you know you want to save time and money while improving the guest experience, but how do you get started?

RMS Walks for Hope: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

At RMS, we give back to our community by working with organizations that focus on donation collection, fundraising, and providing social connection. We are dedicated to educating ourselves on the latest, most pressing needs of our local communities as those are ever-changing. Our goal is to serve as a source of hope in our communities and to bring comfort to those in need. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and RMS has chosen to join in the fight against this disease by participating in a virtual walk. Throughout the month of November, RMS staff members will be walking to honor those currently battling, for those who have lost their battle and for loved ones who have been affected by Pancreatic Cancer. With our employees working remotely around the North America region, we will have members walking for hope across the country documenting their journey. Pancreatic cancer currently accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US and about 7% of all cancer deaths with a five-year survival rate in the single digits. Nearly 57,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed this year alone. RMS is raising money for the Lustgarten Foundation, where 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to Pancreatic Cancer research. The Lustgarten Foundation is committed to giving patients a better chance for long-term survival. From basic science to the clinic, their funded researchers are investigating ways to detect the disease earlier, personalize treatment and develop better therapies. Support RMS Walks for Hope by making a donation to our team today. Your donations will allow for more research, identifying new treatments and help make a difference for those affected. Any size contribution is welcome and greatly appreciated. Fundraising will continue through November 22nd. Please use the following link to make a donation: https://events.lustgarten.org/team/323436 Stats from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

Campground & Holiday Park

3 Benefits of the RMS Dynamic Pricing Tool for Your Campground

As an outdoor property manager, being fully booked at your campgrounds is a goal you dream of achieving. However, your reservation rate, as well as your campground’s profitability, could be affected by factors such as seasonality and having a reservation management software that isn’t tailored to your needs.

RMS Webinar Advanced Accounting Part 2 Recap

Thank you for attending RMS Webinar Advanced Accounting Part 2. Below are the questions and answers from the webinar. Q. Will a recording of this webinar be sent out? A. This is a complimentary webinar that will not be available for distribution. If you have access to RMS University, the Advanced Accounting Course is a great resource and contains the same information covered in the webinar. Another resource option is the Night Audit Report help file within the RMS Knowledge Base. https://helpcentre.rmscloud.com/night-audit-reports/night-audit-report?from_search=36040014

Property Management System

Our Favorite Features for Marina Management Software Solutions

Managing marinas can be time-consuming and hectic. Between dealing with the upkeep of your docks, monitoring availability, and other operational business headaches, it’s impossible to do it all without the right tools.

6 Ways Your PMS Can Enhance the Guest Experience

As the hospitality industry recovers, RV park and campground operators need a software solution that supports a convenient, welcoming, and efficient experience for guests. Look for a park management system (PMS) that offers multiple features that can make guests more comfortable staying at your property. Here are six key ways to enhance the guest experience using technology.

Revenue Management

5 Ways To Maximize Your Marina Revenue

As a marina manager or owner, you want your property’s amenities to attract your customers and become the go-to place to dock.

Marina

Continuous Training Opportunities for Your Outdoor Property Staff

Your campground or RV park staff are the lifeblood of your operations: ensuring your guests have an amazing experience at your property time and time again.

Property Management System

5 Challenges You’ll Face Without an RV Park Management Software

Managing an RV park can be complicated, especially when you’re searching for the best ways to streamline and coordinate your day-to-day processes.

RMS Included in Capterra’s Top 20 Hospitality Property Management Software

[San Diego, CA, November 17th, 2020]— RMS announced today that it has been named a Top 20 Hospitality Property Management Software product by Capterra, a free online service that helps organizations find the right software. Top 20 Most Popular Hospitality Property Management Software is an independent assessment that evaluates user reviews and online search activity to generate a list of market leaders in the Hospitality Property Management Software space that offer the most popular solutions. The Top 20 Hospitality Property Management Software report is available at [https://www.capterra.com/hospitality-property-management-software/#top-20].

Property Management System

5 Common RV Management Rules That Might Be Driving RVers Away

E-Book

5 Hospitality Website Trends to Improve Guest Experience

When guests are ready to travel, they research their accommodations and book where they’ll stay long before packing their bags. That means their search for lodging starts online, and oftentimes, it will lead them to a variety of hospitality websites.

Campground & Holiday Park

RV Park Activities That Travelers Love

When you manage an RV park, you’re balancing a number of things at once, including making sure operations are running smoothly, examining reports to make sure your business is successful overall, while still marketing to and engaging with potential customers. Your property is also competing with every other park in your area — so how do you make sure yours stands out to potential guests?

Latest News

What You Need to Know About ADA

Disclaimer - This is not legal advice, please consult your local association regarding your specific website. What You Need to Know About ADA Website Accessibility Requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related to physical access to businesses have begun to be applied to online access to businesses, i.e. websites.

RMS Announces 1st Annual User Conference in 2020!

RMS - The Hospitality Cloud, a leading cloud-based reservation management system provider, has announced its first annual User Conference coming in 2020. The RMS User Conference will take place January 29 - 31 in San Diego, CA. This conference will be for RV park and campground owners and operators who are currently using RMS as their reservation management system. RMS plans to host events for RMS customers in other industries in the future.

Hotel Management System

4 Ways RMS Property Management Can Improve Your Operations

Like any business, your goal is to work towards operational excellence with your properties. You’re likely looking to seamlessly execute your day-to-day processes, ensure your guests are having a consistent, incredible experience, and position your properties for success in the hospitality industry.

Hotel Management System

Reasons Your Marina Management Solution Should Be Mobile

As a marina manager, you need the freedom to walk your properties, manage on the go, and easily access all of your information no matter where you are.

Property Management System

4 Ways a Reservation Management System Can Improve Your Campground’s Website

In order for your outdoor property to be competitive in the industry, your business needs a positive online presence. While there are several reasons your campground needs a well-designed website, reaching potential campers and providing a professional first impression is the most important, as it is the key to increasing your reservations and obtaining a high return on investment (ROI).

Property Management System

How the Lack of Data Visibility Affects Your Operations

You rely on your reservation and property management system to keep things rolling at your outdoor properties. After all, it tracks everything from personal guest information to operational expenses. Your reservation management system stores a lot of data about your guests, operational costs, maintenance tasks, and much more, but do you have access to all of that data?

Campground & Holiday Park

5 Tips for Pet Friendly Lodging at Your Campground

As an outdoor property manager or owner, you prioritize your guests’ experience every day. However, it’s easy to overlook the guest experience for your furry, scaled, or feathered visitors — pets! But with Kampgrounds of America, Inc (KOA) reporting that 62% of their campers bring pets to their locations, this is an opportunity for your outdoor property to provide pet friendly lodging that will have pet-loving campers stampeding to book their reservations.

Reservation Management Software Companies See Uptick in Business

This article was originally published in Woodalls Campround Management written by Ben Quiggle There is no debate that consumers are demanding more out of their vacations and that has trickeld down to the RV park and campground sectors.

Campground & Holiday Park

5 Tips To Make Your Campground Instagrammable

Making your campground or marina truly noteworthy is important in today’s competitive environment — especially for first-time campers who want a “picture perfect” experience at your campground. Having an active and current online presence is key to attracting these tech-savvy travelers who want to evaluate your property before booking a reservation. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of social media and five tips for making your property not just memorable, but Instagrammable.

Travel Trends

What technology should I focus on to welcome guests back safely?

What technology should I focus on to welcome guests back safely? “I have read that where possible, hotels should have technology in place that reduces contact between guests and hotel staff. What technology should I be focusing on in my property right now so that I’m ready to welcome guests back safely once travel starts picking up again?”

Guest Experience

How to Measure Guest Experience: 3 KPIs To Track

As an owner or manager, you already know the importance of improving the guest experience at your outdoor property — but did you know it’s also necessary to measure the guest experience?

Sustainability

5 Ways to Use Your PMS to Accelerate Sustainability

How can I advance my property's sustainability efforts right now? “Sustainability is still a big priority for my hotel’s leadership team and our guests, but the current environment has made it nearly impossible to make additional investments in this area. What are some ways that I can use technology we already have to make our operations more sustainable?”

Property Management System

How To Maximize Your Reservations With a Campsite Booking Software

Your property’s success depends on your occupancy rate, but it can be tough to keep the bookings coming day-after-day if you aren’t taking advantage of new technology available in the hospitality industry.

RMS introduces a refreshed property management system

SAN DIEGO (December 10, 2020) - RMS North America, a provider of fully integrated, cloud-based reservation and property management systems to 6,000 properties in the hospitality industry, unveiled its biggest update yet with highly anticipated features to make life easier for owners and operators. RMS’ revamped property management system was designed to meet property owners needs in three main areas -- distribution, operations and guest marketing -- and features a fresh, user-driven interface. The new version introduces a brand new module market that gives users the ability to activate integrations and expand system functionality themselves, and includes enhancements to other features including advanced security protocols, interactive dashboards and contactless guest solutions. “Over the years, RMS has developed one of the most innovative hospitality technology platforms for properties of all types and sizes. This update increases value for our customers by enabling better access to the information and features they need most to achieve their business strategies,” says Reza Paydar, CEO of RMS North America. “This update is a result of meaningful feedback from our customers and our understanding of hospitality best practices. Software can have a significant impact on a business’ effectiveness, efficiency and profitability, and these new features will empower operators to optimize their operations and do more for their guests.” Key updates to RMS’ property management system include: - A redesigned interface with fresh iconography and a customizable toolbar with shortcuts to frequently used features for more intuitive navigation - OTA and guest upsell information added to the all-in-one reservation screen for greater insight into reservations with less clicks - Advanced dashboards, interactive charts and default templates for front office, financial and marketing users to enable more data-driven business decisions - A brand new market module that reduces reliance on manual system configurations by allowing users browse through and activate more than 50 connected modules including SMS messaging, guest loyalty, revenue management and more - Pre-check-in and self-service check-in functionality through the guest portal for faster, contactless guest experiences that are still personal - Enhanced security protocols for guest data protection including two-factor authentication and better user password management - Quarterly reminders to review scheduled reports and remove any reports that are no longer relevant to keep inboxes uncluttered About RMS As a leading provider of reservation and property management systems to the hospitality industry for more than 30 years, RMS supports over 6,000 properties worldwide and offers business insights, best practices, and innovative software to help hospitality businesses meet their strategic goals and respond to guests’ needs. For more information, please visit rmsnorthamerica.com.

6 Helpful Features of a Supportive Park Management System

The global coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on the value of ongoing support in the hospitality industry. RV park and campground operators need a software solution that equips staff with the tools necessary for ongoing success, even when a crisis affects travel habits. Look for a supportive park management system (PMS) that offers these 6 key features.

Campground & Holiday Park

How To Attract Long-Term Stay Campers at Your Campsite

As a campground manager, maximizing your bookings to generate revenue is a top priority. Bringing in long-term campers can be a great business opportunity for building a loyal customer base. Attracting these long-term campers to your campground can also enable your property to be booked for a guaranteed number of days, which helps increase your overall profit.

Campground & Holiday Park

4 Reasons People Prefer Booking a Camping or RV Experience Online

When guests are looking for a place to stay, the majority turn to the web to book their getaway. Two-thirds of the travel market (66%) book their travel online — and we only expect that number to rise.

The Importance of Media in Marketing

When it comes to growing and sustaining your campground’s customer base, marketing is the key to success. But since there are so many ways to reach your audience these days, you should consider—what kind of marketing generates the most engagement? To answer this question, think about how many of your guests read any signs or rules at your property. Very few people read lengthy content anymore, so it’s important to reach guests through their preferred method of gathering information - photos and videos! Using photos and videos as a main driver for your property’s marketing will allow you to create a visual story that shows people why they should stay with you. Nowadays, your property’s first impression takes place before guests arrive at your park *(it actually happens when they see that first photo or video online!)* which makes it extremely important to ensure you have high-quality images that give an accurate and up-to-date representation of the place they’ll be visiting. Mark Koep, CEO and Founder of Campground Views and recent guest speaker on our On Air with RMS webinar series, shared a stat from a Google report that 73% of affluent travelers (travelers that make more than $120k per year) would book immediately upon seeing a good video of a park. With this in mind, you should make a plan for, creating or updating your property’s visual assets, whether you do it yourself or hire a photographer or videographer to document your park for you. Start by mapping out which areas need to get filmed or photographed, including every available site, views from each site, your entrance, any special offerings, etc. Even if you’re not a confident photographer, any photos are better than no media at all, and will greatly enhance your marketing. 💡 TIP: Any iPhone camera is just as high quality, if not better, than a professional camera. Save yourself the hassle of worrying about equipment and use the mobile device in your hand to start promoting your property. Videos are another great way to get people interested in your park. YouTube is the second most visited website in the world - so use this to your advantage! Create a video promoting your property and share it on YouTube. Koep shared that best practices for naming your video are to include the name of your property, the location of your property and a nearby landmark. For example, “Desert RV Park located in Yucca Valley, CA near Joshua Tree National Park.” This will help your video rank on both YouTube and Google, increasing the number of potential guests that will view it. Once these visual assets have been captured, the next step is to share them everywhere! The most important place to start is your property’s website. Choose one photo that best represents your property to be the main photo on your website’s homepage, the first thing online visitors should see.. Next, create a gallery page with all remaining and relevant media, including descriptions of where on your property those photos and videos were taken. If you were able to obtain images of each site, upload those images to your internet booking engine (IBE) so guests can see exactly what they are booking. Make sure your reservation system provider offers this functionality to help maximize your direct online bookings.. Your reservation system should also offer guests the option to book online through an interactive map, and the likelihood of guests booking a specific site is much higher if it has an image attached to it. Once your website has been updated with fresh property photos and videos, the next step is sharing those visual assets on third party platforms, including your property page on social media (i.e. Facebook) and your listings on search engines (Google) and OTAs (Tripadvisor)There are multiple sites that travelers use to find RV parks and campgrounds that allow properties to list their information. A few to consider advertising your property on include: - Tripadvisor - CampgroundViews - CampgroundReviews - The Dyrt - AllStays Photos and videos are phenomenal ways to entice guests to stay at your property and maximize your reservations. For additional information on using photos and videos to enhance your marketing, watch On Air with RMS: Episode 4 featuring Mark Koep, CEO and Founder of Campground Views, and Erin Philips, RMS Marketing Manager, here: https://www.rmsnorthamerica.com/product/resource/on-air-with-rms-episode-4

Guest Experience

How To Cultivate the Guest Experience While Your Business Is Growing

It’s important to keep your guest experience as a top priority. This requires a balance between meeting your business goals and taking excellent care of your current campers and boaters.

Campground & Holiday Park

5 Tips for New Campground Owners to Maximize Profit

As a new campground owner, you want to set your property up for success. You need the hard work you put in to quickly maximize profits and give you the ability to take advantage of the growth in the travel and tourism industry. But how do you make sure that guests are not only going to book at your campground, but also increase profit margins for each reservation?

Webinar

Should You Add TikTok to Your Campground Marketing Plans? 5 Questions to Ask First!

You know that social media is a valuable tool for connecting with campers online. Chances are, you’re already using at least Facebook to promote events and gather important reviews as a part of your campground marketing strategy.

Data Security

Crisis Management: Is Your Marina Prepared?

Natural and man-made disasters can happen anywhere, and affect any structure. That’s why every home or business, including boat marinas, should have a solid emergency plan in place. Whether it’s a fire, violent storms, or an oil spill, your whole marina community can be affected, so it’s vital that your plan incorporates both your staff and marina customers. Here’s how to start:

ARVC Announces RMS as its Newest 'Select Partner'

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) has announced RMS, a fully integrated, cloud-based reservation and property management system, has officially joined the ARVC Integrated Partnership Program as a Select Partner. The partnership will provide education, experiential opportunities and exclusive discounts to ARVC members seeking reservation management software for use at their campground, RV park/resort or glamping business, according to a press release.

Marina

Bring Your A-Game: How to Make Your Marina Stand Out

With the rush of new year activities over, there’s no better time to plan for the months ahead and make this year your marina’s best yet. The strategy? Making the most of your marina management system to maximize revenue, capture more bookings, and increase boater satisfaction.

Marketing

5 Ways to Enhance Your Campground’s Guest Experience with Personalization

Your campground is always looking for ways to stand out from the competition. One surefire way to win over guests is to make them feel special.

E-Book

Slow Season Starting? Not So Fast! How Campgrounds Can Overcome Seasonality

When the end of summer approaches, most campgrounds start to see their seasons slowing down. But it doesn't have to be that way! With the right tips and campground marketing ideas, there are ways to engage your audience, encourage visits in the off-season times, and overcome many of the typically slow season concerns you might be facing otherwise. Here are some ideas you can start right away to avoid slow season stagnation:

Hotel Management System

How the RMS PMS Improves the Employee & Guest Experience

A hotel property management system (PMS) can undoubtedly help you streamline your operations. But anyone who has ever migrated solutions knows what a hassle it can be. You must first choose the best PMS to replace it with— a stressful decision in and of itself— but then also make the switch as painlessly as possible for your team and guests.

Property Management System

5 Ways to Set Your Property Up for Long-Term Operational Success

Operational success ... such an ever-elusive term within the hospitality industry. What does it really mean?

Eviivo Clients: Switch to RMS to Make Managing Your Property Easier

In recent months, Webervations and RezOvation were acquired by a UK Booking Software company called Eviivo. This sudden change forced the users of these two systems to either adopt Eviivo as their reservation and property management system or find a new system to manage their business.

4 ways your PMS can save you time and money - Hotel

During this period of uncertainty, many hospitality businesses are operating at a minimum, making do with limited staff and resources. Although current circumstances are taking a toll on the hospitality industry, there are things owners and staff can do now to make the most of downtime and be prepared to capitalize on future business. One key component to evaluate now is technology, specifically your reservation and property management system. Does your current system support operational efficiency by making day-to-day tasks easier and less time-consuming? Does it have all the features and functionality you need for success? If you’re unsure about the answers to these questions, now is the time to do research and find a system that will help you achieve your business goals now and when the world returns to “normal.”

6 Features of a Supportive Park Management System

The past several months have put a spotlight on the value of ongoing support in the hospitality industry. RV park and campground operators need a software solution that equips staff with the tools necessary for ongoing success. Look for a supportive park management system (PMS) that offers these key features. Self-Guided Training A self-guided, online training module can conveniently work around your schedule and encourage self-sufficiency in learning how to use your park management system to its full potential. You should also be able to manage staff training hours and educate your team on using the system as needed. The flexibility of a self-guided training module is crucial for optimizing time management and letting everyone on your team learn at their own pace. Online Help Center A PMS that provides your staff with a searchable help center also fosters self-sufficiency and enables your team to find the answers they need when they need them. An online library of support articles, how-to videos and FAQs is a convenient and valuable resource for you and your staff, and a must-have for a supportive PMS. In-House Customer Support You should also be able to count on system experts if online education resources aren’t fully answering your question. A PMS with an in-house, highly knowledgeable customer support team can help ensure your park or campground is operating successfully. With PMS experts available to provide phone support when you need it, you can receive direct assistance to quickly resolve issues and get back to work. 24-Hour Emergency Support Make sure your PMS provider offers 24-hour emergency phone support to avoid delays if an urgent issue arises. Your staff should be able to reach someone if they have critical concerns, no matter the day or time. RV park and campground operators often work around the clock, and so should your technology. Service Requests Not all questions need immediate answers, and your staff isn’t always available to make a support call. Look for a PMS that offers online service request logging and reporting to communicate with your PMS provider and get issues resolved. You should be able to see a history of your support requests, resolution details, and the amount of time spent on requests to ensure you are receiving the ongoing support your park needs. User Events A PMS that holds user events for its customers benefits your business by providing face-to-face time with the people that support you and your staff. Whether they are conducted in-person or virtually, user events allow you to meet the people you interact with day-to-day, ask questions, receive software demonstrations, learn about best practices, and meet other owners and operators in the hospitality industry. Using a park management system that offers multiple support channels will enable your business to continue operating successfully, even after initial training and onboarding. A PMS provider that enables you to communicate quickly and effectively with a customer support team and ensures you’re equipped with the right resources to find information independently will create a lasting and personal support system for your business.

Hotel Management System

Maintaining the Guest Experience When You Move to Self-Check In/Out

As contactless check-ins continue to gain popularity, many properties fear losing the personal touch they once had with their guests during this experience.

Revenue Management: The Next Frontier for Parks Recap

On Air with RMS: Stories from the Hospitality Cloud Episode Two featured Marvin Speh, Co-Founder of RoomPriceGenie and Matthew Galbraith, Directior of Operations at RMS as they took a deep dive into Revenue Management trends in the park industry. Revenue management is becoming a game-changer for parks and campgrounds, with more and more owners and operators implementing revenue management tools at their properties.

Travel Trends

Delivering Campground Experiences for the New Travel Generation

Creating Experiences. Thanks to a new generation of travelers, those two words should be imprinted in your mind. Your job as an RV Park or campground manager/owner is no longer as simple as “Welcome to your camp site. Enjoy your weekend.” Campers, quite simply, want more. What lies behind the “more” is something called the experience economy, driven by people's growing interest in spending money on experiences rather than on material goods. These are the guests who want to show off their surroundings and share every detail of their vacation - typically on social media. Of course, it will come as no surprise that Millennials, the nation's biggest generation by the numbers, are at the forefront of this trend. And it's their vacation expectations (and their smartphones!) that should be shifting your strategy. Here are a few ideas that can help you make it happen. Make It Personal The most direct path to creating an experience for your campers is through knowledge. Learn about them and then personalize their stay based on that information. Here are two ways to make that happen.

Sustainability

How to Bring Your Campground Into the Sustainable Age

Environmentalism is on the rise across the globe, and it’s inspiring to see. Both individuals and businesses are getting on the path to greener and more ethical practices — and it’s no surprise that outdoor hospitality is a big part of that movement.

Steps to Maximize Revenue as a Campground Owner

Using Your Park Management System to Maximize Revenue

Property Management System

5 Benefits of Switching to a Cloud-Based Reservation System

As an outdoor property manager, you have many hats to wear and very little time to wear them. Having an efficient reservation system in place is a must-have to help you avoid some of the challenges you and your staff would face without the right software.

Property Management System

Enhance the Guest Experience: 5 Ways To Improve the Reservation Process

As an outdoor property manager, it is crucial to effectively enhance the guest experience — from the moment they find your property to booking a reservation, it is paramount your future campers have a positive experience.

Hotel Management System

What is a Reservation Management System?

The hospitality industry comes with a number of unique challenges, including managing your property, your employees, and your guests — all at the same time. It might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to.

Campground & Holiday Park

6 Steps to Recovery for Park and Campground Owners & Operators

As the hospitality industry recovers, RV park and campground operators need a software solution that supports a convenient, welcoming, and efficient experience for guests. Look for a park management system (PMS) that offers multiple features that can make guests more comfortable staying at your property. Here are six key ways to enhance the guest experience using technology.

Marina

3 Local SEO Tips for Outdoor Properties

Maintaining a successful campground or RV park requires a lot of effort on every front; From utilizing well-trained staff, properly maintaining your property, to maximizing bookings, a ton of effort goes into creating a fantastic experience for your guests.

Property Management System

3 Ways a Reservation Management System Can Provide Greater Insight to Multi-Property Businesses

As a multi-property business owner, you’re likely always looking for ways to improve operations, utilize data, and advance your outdoor hospitality business. By finding a hospitality reservation software that works for your properties, you can seamlessly manage everything in one place.

3 Training Resources Your Park Management System Should Provide

Implementing a new technology system can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. When looking at different reservation systems to help streamline your operations and increase revenue, it is important to ensure your software provider can set your property up for success.

Marina

Hospitality Perishability and How It Affects Your Operations

When it comes to the operations of your campground or RV park(s), it can be hard to know if you’re on a healthy path towards growth.

Press Release

RMS Announces New Hospitality Industry Webinar Series

San Diego, CA, October 8, 2020 - RMS North America, a leading provider of cloud-based hospitality software, has announced the launch of its

The 4 Tools You Need to Manage a Property with Multiple Owners

From vacation rentals to short-term stay residences, many hospitality businesses/property management companies deal with properties that have multiple owners. This setup provides multiple sources of revenue for management companies including management fees and cleaning fees, but can be complicated when it comes to owner accounting, reporting and communication with owners. This is where a property management system with built-in owner management capabilities can simplify day-to-day operations and allow for the management companies to sell rooms or rental units on multiple channels. When evaluating systems, look for the following three tools to make managing a property with multiple owners of units, rooms or sites easier:

Campground & Holiday Park

What Is SaaS for Campgrounds and Outdoor Properties?

Have you heard of the term, “SaaS”? With the rising popularity of cloud-computing and the increased demand for data security in the hospitality industry, a SaaS platform or solution is a viable — and ideal — option for managing your business.

RMS Offers Free Guest Communication Webinar for Hospitality Professionals

Free Guest Communications Best Practices Webinar Wednesday, May 6th With rapid changes occurring in the hospitality industry right now, it's important to keep your guests informed. Your reservation and property management system should offer features to streamline your guest communication such as SMS Messaging, Email Marketing, Automated Correspondence and a Guest Portal.

Property Management System

5 Reasons Your Campground Needs Self-Service Reservation Software

When traveling in campers and RVs, guests often drive late into the night to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic and shorten travel time. You know better than anyone that this means campers arrive during all hours of the night...

3 Differences Between First Time Campers & Avid Campers You Should Know

As an outdoor property owner or manager, you’ve made sure that your property is well-equipped to welcome all campers. However, avid campers and first time campers may not approach their reservation the same way. Knowing the differences between the two can help prepare you and your staff to handle the needs and expectations of different types of campers, as well as allow you to further personalize the guest experience. Below, we’ll discuss three differences to consider between first timers and veteran campers.

Spread the Word About Your Park Through Integrated Marketing

When it comes to building and sustaining your rv park or campground’s customer base, marketing is the key to success. Since there are so many ways to reach your audience, you may be wondering what kinds of marketing you need. The answer is simple: ALL of them. And the secret to making them as impactful as possible is an Integrated Marketing Strategy. Integrated Marketing is basically a cohesive campaign across all potential customer channels in which your brand is recognizable, your messaging is consistent, and each marketing element works seamlessly together.

Top tips from revenue experts on building a smart and profitable pricing strategy

As part of our Trends and Challenges webinar series, we invited three revenue experts from RoomPriceGenie, Pace Revenue and Hospa to discuss the shift in revenue management strategies and how properties in the UK/EU can optimise revenue performance.

How can hotels upgrade their guest experience and generate more revenue?

Guest post by Jonathan Shemer, CTO at UpStay.

The pricing habit: leaving manual methods behind to embrace automated pricing

Guest post from RoomPriceGenie.

4 PMS priorities for modern property operators

Your property management system (PMS) functions as the beating heart of your business, connecting you to your guests and working hard in the background to run your property more efficiently. That being said, the full capabilities of a PMS are often overlooked by property operators, many of who only utilise the most basic functions.

Why you should stop using CompSets to make pricing decisions

Originally posted on PaceRevenue.com by David Lopez Mateos, Chief Science Officer.

Rethinking your revenue management plan to reflect modern booking behaviours

As a result of ongoing travel unpredictability, revenue management is now regarded as a crucial element of business strategy for those in the hospitality industry. Data-driven systems are replacing historical data and booking pattern analysis to create accurate, real-time pricing strategies.

Want to get more from your channel manager?

Achieving full occupancy at the best possible rate is a key focus for most resort operators, which is why a channel manager is a critical tool in your PMS arsenal. A channel manager is a centralised system designed to manage a range of online travel agents (OTAs) simultaneously. The majority of property management systems (PMS) offer integrations with third-party channel managers which means you can interface with an external source and extend your offering to a broader audience. However, these outsourced channel managers may have limitations that impact your business and revenue-generating potential. An inbuilt channel manager (one that is native to your PMS) is a much more reliable, robust and proven solution that also eliminates the need for a third-party interface.

4 recommendations from hospitality experts on building your perfect tech stack

In our 2021 Trends and Challenge webinar series, we focused on how the right technology stack and an agile approach to marketing can help you meet your guests’ evolving needs. We were joined by thought leaders from Impact Data, Avvio and Book Me Bob, who shared insights and advice on using tech and marketing to nurture guest relationships and deliver unrivalled experiences.

What is conversational marketing and why your property needs it now

Guest post by Tracey Patterson, Australian Market Manager at Book Me Bob.

Online distribution trends: the rise of brands.com over OTAs

Guest post by Duncan Waterman, Country Manager, Australia & New Zealand from D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions.

How guests are evolving in 2021

Guest expectations in 2021 are set to follow in the footsteps of last year's trends and sentiments triggered by the global pandemic. With guests continuing to battle safety concerns, barriers to the freedom of movement and the impact of induced recessions, we’re seeing last-minute bookings soar, business travel plummet, and in-country holidays become the norm.

How to make a good pricing strategy for your hotel

Guest post from RoomPriceGenie.

How technology is the key to hospitality success in 2021 and beyond

Last year, we saw the travel and hospitality industry shift exponentially. Running your property from home became the norm, guests turned to your digital channels for instant updates, and contact-free tech had a global uptake. Triggered by the pandemic, many of these trends are set to remain in 2021 and beyond as the industry continues its gradual recovery. But trying to pick up where we left off is no longer an option; instead, operators must leave old ways of thinking behind and look to their tech stack to accelerate recovery and pave the way for future success.

What will an end-of-year celebration look like in 2020?

End-of-year party traditions are set to take a different path in 2020 thanks to the global you-know-what. With many properties relying on domestic tourism and heavily limiting the number of guests in public areas to align with social distancing, the large-scale Christmas party may end up being a smaller affair.

6 key ingredients to manage your property successfully

Just like your favourite meal cooked to perfection, your property management software must contain the right ingredients to suit you and your tastebuds (or business in this case). At RMS, we understand that each property is unique, which is why our software doesn’t follow a cookie-cutter formula. Elements can be easily tailored to suit your property, and you can pick and choose from our wide range of functions, giving you more of what you need and less of what you don’t.

New Head of Global Sales & Marketing at RMS

Peter Ferris has been appointed Director of Global Sales and Marketing at RMS – The Hospitality Cloud.

7 ways to enhance guest experience with smart SMS technology

Despite being first introduced back in 1992, SMS is far from obsolete as a marketing method in the tech-savvy 21st century. And with open rates up as high as 98%, you’re missing a trick if you’re not utilising SMS technology in your hospitality business.

2020 insights into Australia’s caravan park and camping industry

Australia’s caravan and camping industry is resilient in times of crisis. Strong demand prevails post major crises throughout Australia’s history, including Cyclone Tracy, the Global Financial Crisis and the September 11 attacks as Australians retreat to the safety, familiarity and comfort of a caravan and camping holiday.

How optimising your direct booking strategy can reduce your top-line costs

Accommodation trends have shifted the way that properties operate. While the focus on reducing top-line costs remains a priority, properties are simultaneously trying to capture the gradual increase in consumer demand.

Important information for Airbnb hosts

Airbnb has developed a standard of cleaning made specifically for hosts. Earlier this year, they partnered with health and hospitality experts to create their enhanced cleaning protocol, a set of guidelines for cleaning and sanitisation. These guidelines were developed with your well-being in mind, from recommended gear to step-by-step checklists.

Turn your first timers into repeat customers with a guest-driven loyalty scheme

Loyalty or rewards schemes are great revenue-driving and customer satisfaction solutions that encourage guests to spend more time and money at your property.

Why an agile revenue management strategy is important in today’s ever-evolving market

Guest post by Murtaza Rangwala from Pace Revenue.

7 best tips to enhance and optimise your OTA profiles in the new normal

Whether you’re already using online travel agents (OTAs) to market your property or are just starting out, you want to make sure you’ve got the right configurations to maximise booking potential. In the current climate, it’s essential for properties to optimise their profiles on online booking websites to encourage more guests to book.

How a UK coastal property boosted occupancy during the staycation boom

Following lockdowns and a decline in European and international flights, it was no surprise to see a spike in UK domestic travel throughout the summer months.

How the acceleration of technology is making life easier for King Reef Resort

Guest post by Tracey Patterson, originally posted on LinkedIn.

How adding a service layer can help grow your holiday rental business

Guest post by YourWelcome.

Empowering communities to save lives

RMS are proud to support DefibsPlus as they launch their innovative and life-saving HeartSmart program.

8 of the best cybersecurity tips all businesses should implement

Throughout September, we emphasised the importance of cybersecurity for your business, covering a range of topics in our dedicated Safety Security Month.

5 tips on PMS security for property managers according to a cybersecurity expert

Accommodation managers hold a wealth of sensitive data in their property management databases - from guest details such as name, email address and mobile number, to full card details and passport information. If security is something you consider as a bit of an afterthought, your entire system could be at risk of a cyber attack.

6 key insights to accelerate your hotel’s reopening

The hotel industry was one of the sectors hit hardest by the unwelcome appearance of COVID, which has led to an unprecedented global shift in guest expectations and requirements. The road to recovery may be a long one but with a better understanding of how to best meet guest needs, hoteliers can start to put plans into action for reopening and beyond.

Why you should be embracing frictionless guest-facing tech

If COVID has taught us one thing, it’s that touch-free tech is here to stay. And not just as a convenient time-saver, (though that’s still a perk), but as an essential safeguard for guests and staff alike.

We’re ready to tackle COVID. Are you?

With properties finally reopening their doors following the global lockdowns, we want to make sure your PMS is in peak condition to help you navigate the post-COVID world.

7 ways to accelerate your park opening plans

2020 has made a massive impact on the holiday park industry; navigating full lockdowns, reduced operations, second waves, border closures, you name it. But with domestic and regional travel being among the first to recover, holiday parks are well placed to take advantage. Following government guidelines and adjusting to the new normal, many park operators are welcoming their guests back with open arms. For those that haven’t already, here are seven ways to ensure a successful holiday park reopening.

Why is segmentation so important for revenue management?

Guest post by Pace Revenue.

6 ways to protect your business from cyber attacks

In today’s sophisticated world, a standard username and password is no longer strong enough to prevent unauthorised users from gaining access to your account. Additional steps should, therefore, be taken to enhance security and keep data safe.

4 things you need to know about phishing

Throughout September, we’ll be sharing four blog posts as part of our security series, focusing on cyber attacks, business protection and a Q&A with our cybersecurity specialist, Jon Inns from Threat Status, who will be sharing his expert opinion throughout the month.

4 ways to achieve and exceed guest satisfaction post-COVID

For the accommodation sector in mid-2020, the term ‘business as usual’ has taken on a whole new meaning. Though customer service and guest satisfaction remain top priorities, properties must refocus their business models and marketing strategies in response to the changing industry requirements enforced by COVID. Your existing strategy may fall short on meeting the evolved needs and expectations of future guests, so it’s crucial that you make the necessary adjustments in line with the new normal.

6 reasons why you should switch from a self-hosted to a cloud-based PMS

Traditionally, hospitality businesses have adopted costly on-premise systems that are often outdated and can cause devastating consequences should the servers fail. In recent years, cloud hosting has increased in popularity, due to its scalability, flexibility and elimination of physical storage, as the software is accessed via an online server.

Online Now Dynamic at Stratford on the River – RMS Boosts Bookings

Pencil, paper, eraser and telephone – that was the booking system which greeted Louise and Shaun Perrett when they arrived at Stratford on the River Tourist Park around 15 years ago.

RoomPriceGenie partnership FREE OFFER to RMS Clients

June 2020: RMS Cloud has launched an integration with RoomPriceGenie, an automated revenue management system designed for smaller Hotels, Motels and Holiday Parks.

Cheval Collection adopts Criton’s latest integration with RMS Cloud to offer mobile speedy check-in

Guests can now check-in to any Cheval Collection property with their smartphone using a new mobile app that integrates with the RMS Cloud Property Management System, which was installed across Cheval’s network of luxury apartments late last year.

RMS Switch A Winner For Cofton Holidays - UK Holiday Park Of The Year

Congratulations to RMS client Cofton Holidays which has been named Holiday Park of the Year in the Campsites.co.uk annual camping and glamping awards.

RMS Hospitality Cloud: What You Need To Know About Its Hotel Management System

Originally Published at Hotel Tech Report on 31 Dec 2019

RMS Cloud Cracks $1 Billion in Annual Bookings

Accommodation technology company RMS Cloud today revealed that the value of bookings through its cloud-based property management system is now running at an annualized rate of more than $1 billion.

Hotel Tech Spend Up But Gap Widening Between Chains and Independents

Hoteliers are stepping up their overall investment in technology – new property management systems top of the software shopping list – however research reveals independent operators are falling behind in the tech arms race.

Free Camping? There’s a Heavy Cost say Upset Operators

Call it the Airbnb or Uber moment for holiday parks. Disruption has finally arrived in the sector - but with a twist. Established operators are facing increased competition from lightly or unregulated competitors, that are often free and operated by the councils they pay rates to. As you can imagine, there is friction.

Busy Weekends now a breeze by the beach at Warrnambool

Kylie McDonald used to have a love-hate relationship with busy long weekends at the two popular beachside holiday parks she helps manage in Warrnambool, Surfside and Shipwreck Bay, which between them feature an imposing 1049 sites and 25 cabins.

At Your Service – Bendooley Estate and RMS Cloud Go Above and Beyond

The team at bustling Bendooley Estate in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW know a thing or two about service – they host almost 300 weddings a year, run a busy restaurant, offer wonderful accommodation, have an amazing book barn café and somehow find the time to tend a vineyard.

Bannisters Hotels Keeps It Simple, Gets It Right

Hospitality has a multitude of moving parts but is, at its heart, a deceptively simple business, says Peter Bacon, GM of Bannisters Port Stephens.

Outstanding Sri Lankan hospitality coupled with Australian ingenuity: Resplendent Ceylon partners with RMS Cloud

Colombo, SRI LANKA. Feb 2019 – Sri Lanka’s top accommodation group, Resplendent Ceylon, recently upgraded its property management technology to RMS Cloud – a move company founder and Managing Director Malik Fernando says has liberated the business.

Zen and The Art of Holiday Home Management

Lesley Joy has a cat called Zen who isn’t zen - she makes a lot of noise because that’s what Snow Leopard Bengal’s do – and runs Bay of Islands Holiday Homes with her husband Barry from the scenic town of Russell, 247km north of Auckland, New Zealand.

Channel Managers – Where Would You Be Without Them?

Imagine running a distribution strategy without a Channel Manager. It simply wouldn’t be possible.

New Tech Engine for Royce Powers Better Experience

Upgrading its technology to the RMS Cloud property management system has made a “huge difference” to operational efficiencies at the Royce Hotel, one of Melbourne’s best boutique properties.

It’s a Dog’s Life at Lake Sambell Caravan Park Beechworth

When Sue and Roger Humphris arrived in Beechworth a dozen years ago to run their first business together, it was just them, the kids and a sprawling 10 acre caravan park in the Victorian high country.

Serviced Apartments – A Growth Story

When will it end? That’s the question some are asking about the global boom in serviced apartments, but the sector’s steep growth trajectory shows no sign of slowing with development pipelines in key markets such as Europe expanding, invigorated by the arrival of new brands and concepts.

Holiday Parks Performance Index 2014 - 2018

CLICK TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Channel Managers Lead The Distribution Revolution

Channel Managers have revolutionised the distribution of accommodation product over the last decade, rapidly becoming a key sales and marketing tool for hotels, holiday parks and serviced apartment operators.

RMS Technology – Powering Nightcap Hotels

RMS – The Hospitality Cloud, the world’s fastest-growing property management system, has been with Nightcap Hotels every step of the way, from concept to execution.

Millennials – Don’t Believe The Hype, It’s Not About Age But Desire

Are you riding the Millennial wave? Or don’t believe the hype. Either way, this story is for you.

Hotel Demand Solid, International Visits Increase

Most of Australia’s hotel markets are in good shape due to consistent underlying demand across the nation – except for Western Australia - resulting in an average occupancy rate of 76% and an increase in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of 2.9% for the year to June 30, according to the latest Accommodation Industry Monitor from STR.

Numbers Add Up for Holiday Parks

Demographer Bernard Salt says the future is looking good for Australia’s holiday parks as the two most populous age groups – the Millennials and Baby Boomers – move into the sector’s sweet spot, albeit with very different intentions.

Strong Christmas Bookings for Australian Holiday Parks

Cabins at Kingscliff Beach

It’s a Mobile World, So Get Moving

Promote your business through Integrated Marketing

When it comes to building and sustaining your customer base, marketing is the key to success. But since there are so many ways to reach your audience these days, you need to wonder — what kind of marketing do you need? The answer is simple: ALL of them. And the secret to making them as impactful as possible is Integrated Marketing.

Trend Watch: Inside the Rise of Boutique and Lifestyle Hotels

Blame Airbnb and the internet. Lifestyle and boutique hotels are all the rage now with new niche properties capturing media attention and opening at a rapid rate. According to a report from Colliers International, 10% of Australia’s national accommodation development pipeline are boutique and lifestyle properties, up from 3% just six years ago.

5 Pointers To Help Bolster Your Campground's Online Reputation

Online reviews can make or break you. Think about that for a moment, because it’s important that you grasp the significance of that fact. You can have a great website for your campground and a bounty of advertisements running during season—but if visitors are posting negative online feedback, your campsite bookings are going to take a hit. That’s the reality. And this is what you need to do about it—pay attention, respond to every review (both positive and negative), address any problems head-on, and ultimately, take control of your online reputation.

The Frictionless Solution: Hospitality Success Depends On It

Frictionless. Definition? “Achieve with little difficulty.” One simple word that inspires new goals and ultimately, vast improvements in every facet of your hospitality operation. This is not the trend of the future — it’s the necessity of doing business today, and it’s at the core of what we do at RMS (and have been doing for over 30 years). Adding these types of tools in collaboration with frictionless-focused apps can transform the way your entire hospitality business functions. The payoff is priceless for your staff, your operation and the guest experience, which let’s face it, is your gauge for success.

Get Inspired with 4 Visionary Hospitality Partnerships

Over the last several years, the scope of expectations for hotels and resorts has widened. A lot. Sure, providing excellent accommodations and solid customer service are still central to your guest experience — but discerning travelers, particularly in the luxury market, anticipate something more…the perks of partnerships. By collaborating with recognizable brands and innovative products, hotels across the world have taken the guest experience to enviable new heights and set an example that others are scrambling to follow. Take a look at four of the most memorable hospitality partnerships we’ve seen and get inspired. This is where you can set your business apart.

The Right Way to Mobile Message Your Guests

When it comes to communicating with your guests, there’s one strategy that is hands-down the most effective — mobile (SMS) messaging. The reason why is simple. People are more connected to their devices than ever before, and when a text message is sent — ding! —they’re going to see it. And moreover, they’ll likely even read it. But here’s the thing. There’s a fine line between making the most of this tool and making it a nuisance. Obviously, you’re going for the former. How can you be sure you’re doing it right? We can help! Take a look at six best practice tips that will keep you on the welcomed side of your guests.

Memorable Amenities: Make Your Property’s Services Stand-Out

Most hotels and resorts have a myriad of tried-and-true amenities and services that guests have come to expect. Blow dryers, coffee machines, toiletries, continental breakfast — these are all typically par for the course. But many hospitality businesses are kicking their amenity game up a notch and offering complimentary services that get people talking (which is exactly what you want). A prime example in the ultra-luxury market is the complimentary Porsche Test Drive Program at Rancho Valencia in Southern California. The 5-star resort partnered up with Porsche of San Diego so guests can speed down the coast in style, with 2017 models like the 718 Boxster convertible on-site. The result? Snaps and shares on social media and plenty of kudos from guests.

Facebook “City Guide” — What You Need to Know

In early March of this year, Facebook released its newest attraction — “City Guide,” a review and travel feature that your business just may find useful. The overall theme of Facebook’s City Guide is similar to the popular Four Square app; however, it feels more personalized for the user and more practical for businesses like yours. And once it’s fully rolled out to all users… and extends beyond just the largest metropolitan cities… it could be a nice boon to your marketing efforts. Here’s what makes it different and potentially awesome.

Perk Up Your Ears: Campers Are Talking. Are You Listening?

The outdoors is calling, and millions upon millions of U.S. households are heeding the call by camping. In fact, according to the latest North American Camping Report, more than a million new households have started camping every year since 2014. The reasons for this surge aren’t surprising — people are finding they need more balance in their lives and camping provides it. Especially when campgrounds offer the features, attention and care that campers expect. And if a campground is everything they hoped it would be — you can bet those visitors will let people know. In the same spirit, if someone finds issues with a property, that’s going to get out, as well. In an age where reputation is everything, campground owners (and managers) obviously want to go for the former over the latter. Because when those millions of campers are looking for their next camping adventure, you better believe they’ll be asking for recommendations — and poring over reviews.

RMS - Our Promise

If there’s one rule of business we can all count on, it’s this — experience matters. Your experience and ours. For over 30 years, we’ve been trailblazing new hospitality solutions world-wide with one goal: to help clients succeed. Why? Because we genuinely care about their businesses. When they succeed, that shows us that we’re succeeding — or to put it more succinctly, success breeds success. Our client-partners are ambitious and savvy, and they turn to us because we’re truly vested in their achievements. Plus, they’re confident that our customized platform reflects an intense understanding of the industry and, it’s technologically smarter and more user-friendly than any other solution out there. With all that said, what is the one end-goal for the technology we deliver?

The Talk of the Industry — The Magic of Augmented Reality is Here

Augmented Reality (AR) technology is one of the hotel industry’s coolest, most-wanted attractions. It’s similar to virtual reality — used to bring digital enrichments to a real-world environment. Remember the Pokémon Go hysteria? Niantic Labs developed that masterpiece — and ultimately, it was the world’s first widespread, hugely popular platform for AR.

5 Hospitality Tech Trends You’ll Want to Explore

There’s no question about it — these days, technology plays a starring role in the way virtually all quality hospitality businesses operate. Not just on the backend where RMS comes into play but throughout your guests’ entire stay — especially at businesses like hotels and resorts. You may think your operation is comfortably on the tech spectrum with large flat screens in every room and (hopefully) wireless connectivity available for a nominal fee. But your target audience today expects more. They’re a tech savvy bunch, and are accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it. And hotels have the capability to deliver on those expectations. Not just through the efficiency of a solid staff — but through new technology that seamlessly provides a path to every convenience (and luxury).

4 Ways to Keep Your Hospitality Staff Motivated (& Happy)

When it comes to your hospitality business’s success, there’s one fundamental guideline you should always abide by — keep your staff happy. If you thought “making guests’ happy” is the more critical goal for your bottom line, you’re not wrong. Guests are your bread and butter. But what you may not be seeing is that your staff is the heart of your business and their satisfaction directly correlates to your guests’ happiness. Their friendliness, proficiency and professionalism impact every aspect of the guest experience, from the moment front desk employees greet visitors to the way the housekeeping staff performs their duties. It all leaves an impression that can make or break your success.

4 Tips to Make the Most of Your Hospitality Business’s Online Reach

Whether you have a resort, hotel, campground or any other public-facing hospitality business, you know how important word-of-mouth is to your reputation. In the 21st century, that legendary phrase “word-of-mouth” is much more far reaching than it was 20 years ago. The traditional meaning is still very much in play — you want guests to be so enamored with their experience that they shout their praises from the rooftops! (Or at the very least, eagerly recommend your property to friends and family.) But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. To make the most of recommendations and impact your reach, you need to get active online. Particularly through social media and review sites. These are crucial tools that can shape your online image, bolster your reputation and reach a sea of potential guests. Imagine the possibilities when you handle it right.

Four Ways to Make Your Business the Face of Giving this Season

November has arrived and holiday season planning is well under way at hospitality businesses all over the world. Teams are busying themselves, readying for the annual bookings surge; scrambling to get decorations in order to dazzle upcoming guests; and creating amazing holiday menus to match the glee of the season. But that’s not the only prepping underway. A lot of accommodation businesses across the globe are also preparing to put their Good Deed hats on for the holidays. We’re not talking about the behind-the-scenes philanthropy partnerships that many hospitality chains champion throughout the year (which is worthy of admiration!). Instead, we’re referring to holiday-centric charity efforts that engage your team, your guests, and even area residents. It’s the perfect way to jolly up your place, help the community and boost your public image.

The Challenges of Channels— How to Boost Your Direct Bookings

One of the features RMS Cloud offers is “Channel Management” — a way to manage and update all of your Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) details without hiring a third-party manager. We provide this advantage because, whether you love them or not, OTAs like Booking.com, Travelocity and Expedia have carved an important place in the hospitality food chain, and a whole lot of savvy globe trotters zip to those sites the moment travel plans are underway. They definitely fill a niche and offer features that are valuable for travelers, but at the end of the day, the bookings you gain through them cost you — literally. You pay a commission every time someone books a room, campground site, spa appointment and more through those channels, and as the costs add up, it affects your bottom line.

The New Campground Generation Is Coming — Are You Prepared

Prime campground season is underway and in case you haven’t heard — 2017 is bringing out the nature lovers in a big way. In the U.S. alone, more than 3.4 million households have become new campers over the last three years, and thanks to younger generations in particular, that trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Millennials and Gen Z teens are taking their free-spirited (but always connected) route back to nature, and that can be a major boon for outdoor hospitality businesses. You just need to make sure your campground/park is up to par and ready to rock when they roll into town.

Welcome to the New Normal — Have Pet, Will Travel

People love their pets. There’s no doubt about it. Of the 65% of American households that have pets, about 78% of them take their furry little bundles on vacation with them. And hospitality businesses across the nation have recognized that movement for what it is — a major opportunity. More and more are not only welcoming pets, but they’re catering to them. Big time. And it’s paying off through increased bookings, nice word-of-mouth promotion and, if you do things right, a whole lot of social media mentions.

The Generation Gap — Accommodating Baby Boomers

While the needs of the trend-influencing millennial generation seem to be at the top of nearly every hospitality business’s strategy plan, it’s important to remember that a significant portion of your vacationer market falls into another category — namely, Baby Boomers. The force of this generation (typically defined as those born between 1946 and 1964) shouldn’t be trivialized --- they make up a big chunk of your business and the last thing you want to do is cater so much to younger generations that you isolate others.

6 Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency at Your Property

6 Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency at Your Property

Press Release - RMS / RESPLENDENT CEYLON

PRESS RELEASE 1st June 2017

Every cloud has a silver lining

Once upon a time a discussion about clouds was all about the weather. But today it’s far more likely people are talking about their latest computer app.

Whose domain is channel management

The only thing certain about online distribution in the travel sector is the likelihood of change. You only have to look back a few years on this relatively new industry to see that already it looks nothing like it did when we started.