Harvest Hosts, a membership program giving RVers access to unique RV camping options, has 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, and 338 museums and other attractions, all with scenic overnight RV camping options. While there is no charge for the overnight stay, Harvest Hosts members spend an average of $50 buying local goods from the Hosts they visit, which translates into more than $13,000 in additional revenue per host each year. There is never any cost for host locations to be a part of the Harvest Hosts program.
This network expansion comes on the heels of Harvest Hosts’ announcement of a $37 million growth funding round from Stripes earlier this month. It also comes at a crucial time for the RV industry, as 46 million Americans plan to take an RV trip over the next 12 months, according to the RV Industry Association.
In 2020, Harvest Hosts saw membership numbers double as travelers sought more socially distant, COVID-19 safe travel alternatives. The industry’s increasing popularity during the pandemic has propelled Harvest Hosts’ growth and helped it reach this 2,000-host benchmark, which primarily includes local and family-owned businesses.
In addition to offering RVers an expanded network of high-quality places to stay, Harvest Hosts helps small businesses reach new customers while providing an additional revenue stream. Harvest Hosts said its low membership fees allow travelers to “have unique, unforgettable experiences while supporting the small businesses they visit.” With its network of more than 140,000 members, the businesses that partner with Harvest Hosts have seen major value, it said. In 2020 alone, members spent more than $25 million at host locations, and that number is projected to reach $40 million in 2021.
“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 Sugar House in Brattleboro, VT. “It saved us. And it gave us a new appreciation for our farm.”
“With the uptick in RV popularity and increased excitement around road travel, Harvest Hosts is thrilled to offer expanded location choices for our members,” said CEO of Harvest Hosts, Joel 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.”