I read a great article in Highway Magazine about how Rvers can set up their own clubs and groups. The article was all about choosing the right folks and planning trips, etc. Because the groups wish to stay together in the parks and resorts they visit, they book well in advance. What caught my attention was this: One of the groups said that if the park will not put their group together as in side by side, they take their business elsewhere! Ouch!

Of course, last minute bookings would be tough for any park to keep a group together, but not months in advance. I'm sure most parks would like to increase their bookings by encouraging all groups to stay with them with two goals in mind, money for now and money for later. Chances are these members also belong to other groups and go to RV conventions as well as travel on their own. When they meet others on the road, you want them to tell these future prospects all about the great time they had at your park.

Groups are usually well behaved, and generally the kind of folks you're probably after. To market towards these groups, you might try some of these tips:

1. Create a tab or page on your website that shows any group what you have to offer: a meeting area, sites together, attractions, festivals, breakfast, catering, entertainment, etc.

2. Offer a discount to groups with 10 or more.

3. Encourage advanced registration. Most groups can send the details to you by email.

4. Offer coupons to all their members for a future non-group stay.

5. For larger groups, offer a DJ for a dance, or discounts on tours

   When you advertise, or send mail-outs and email promotions, always include information about your group services. When a group visits, ask them about what they liked about other parks that cater to groups. There is a lot to learn about this potential new market for your resort. Please send us your tips on working with groups.