Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resortshas reported a 23.5 percent increase in park sales in the first quarter of 2018, compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, total system occupancies for the first quarter – typically the slowest of the year – were up 3.8 percent over 2017.
This success builds on Jellystone Park’s record 2017 performance, which saw same-park sales rise 10.5 percent to more than $115 million, marking the ninth year of continuous sales increases.
This year’s growth is due in part to an improved reservation system that features a new mobile app, according to Jim Westover, VP of operations.
“This allows campers to easily locate parks, pick their favorite sites and cabins, make reservations, book activities and keep track of their Club Yogi Rewards points,” said Westover. “We’re seeing a big uptick in reservations among Millennials, who are really discovering camping and glamping, and like to book their trips via the app.”
Sales also are up due to the addition of four parks. With the opening of locations in Sandusky, Ohio, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Branson, Mo., and Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, Jellystone Parks has more than 18,000 campsite options.
The company has also moved up 207 slots to No. 265 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for 2018.
