Guests are following in the footsteps of those who’ve fled to the suburbs during the pandemic, taking advantage of features like more square footage, lower prices, and regional authenticity. The strategic move would be for more hoteliers to follow them there.
As a queer woman of color in the U.S. outdoor and tech space, Breanne Acio and her Sēkr app are making outdoor recreation more accessible through a community-driven listing of free campsites, plus a social platform. But she’s also aiming to end the "bro culture" in the outdoor travel industry.
Some skiers say Vail Resorts had an epic fail with its Epic Pass. But the fascinating interplay between the U.S. ski giant's subscription model and its mergers-and-acquisitions strategy means it will maintain its dynamic stance.
In 2021, Camplify went public as a kind of Airbnb for recreational vehicles. Its financial numbers help serve as a benchmark for the potential of this segment, with its many competitors.
Hipcamp, a booking site led by Alyssa Ravasio and backed by Andreessen Horowitz, seems intent on international expansion. The startup's skill at creating supply, not just listing campsites, has set it apart and given it momentum so far.
Investors are betting that the trend in renting RVs won't run out of gas after the pandemic wanes. They've funded Outdoorsy, an Airbnb-type service for recreational vehicles. Investors think the startup's new private vehicle insurance product will help accelerate the RV trend.
New startup Cabana is betting that the outdoor adventure sector can at least double in size with better product and service. It's interesting that Jason Calacanis and Paul English are backers because they've used this playbook before as entrepreneurs and investors in other sectors.
The call of the outdoors was loud last summer. Travel startups Outdoorsy and Collective Retreats are hoping that millennials keep answering the call post-pandemic.