Harvest Hosts, a membership program giving RVers access to unique RV camping options, today (April 6) announced that it has exceeded 2,000 host locations on its platform. This list includes more than 575 wineries, 500 farms, 241 breweries and distilleries, 390 golf courses, 338 museums and other attractions, all with scenic overnight RV camping options.
While Harvest Hosts’ growth has been astronomical over the past 14 months (membership and hosts have doubled), what sometimes gets overlooked is the impact on local economies.
According to the company, with its network of more than 140,000 members, the businesses that partner with Harvest Hosts have seen significant value. In 2020 alone, members spent over $25 million at host locations, and that number is projected to reach $40 million in 2021.
Looking at it another way, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 buying local goods from the Hosts they visit, which translates into over $13,000 in additional revenue per host each year.
There is no cost for host locations to be a part of the Harvest Hosts program.
“One of the things that attracted me to this business is that it brings lots of value to its members, and we support small businesses,” Harvest Host CEO Joel Holland told RVBusiness. “As we as RVers drive across this county, we have nothing to see if small towns dry up and die. Selfishly, we want these small businesses to thrive.”
Holland cited correspondence from two hosts, illustrating Harvest Hosts’ impact during the pandemic:
“From the virus, we suffered a huge financial loss, but we found another revenue stream we never knew existed,” said Helen Robb from Robb Family Farm and Sugarhouse, Brattleboro, Vermont. “It saved us,” she said.
“And it gave us a new appreciation for our farm,” Dr. Matthew Blais of Medina River Winery, Castroville, Texas, commented. “The amount of business we are getting from Harvest Hosts customers is making the difference in keeping the winery above water financially, and we really appreciate it!”
Based on a January 2021 Harvest Host survey of 10,000 RVers, interest in RVing shows no sign of slowing down. Along with membership growth, the company anticipates adding an additional 1,000 hosts by year-end, upping its total to over 3,000.
“With the uptick in RV popularity and increased excitement around road travel, Harvest Hosts is thrilled to offer expanded location choices for our members,” affirmed Holland. “We believe that small businesses are the backbone of America and are proud and humbled that so many of these businesses see value in partnering with us. Not only are we giving travelers more amazing places to visit, but we’re also excited to be helping generate awareness and business for our incredible hosts.”
For more information, visit https://harvesthosts.com/. To learn more about becoming a host location with Harvest Hosts, visit: https://harvesthosts.com/hosts/
