Kampgrounds of America (KOA) reports that 2021 was its best-ever in its 60 years of operation. The company had a 33.2 percent revenue increase over 2020 and a 33 percent increase in revenue over 2019, the company’s previous highest-grossing year, it said in its Q4 Business Report.
Advanced deposits on future business are up 51 percent over the previous year, indicating that the growth will continue into 2022. Additionally, KOA continues its expansion in franchise contracts and its company-owned portfolio, adding 13 new campgrounds, 13 new construction contracts and 15 owned locations in 2021.
The company said it was particularly pleased that its growth came through in all segments of the business.
Leading the way, KOA reports a 41.8 percent increase in short-term revenue in 2021. Compared to a record 2019, 2021’s short-term revenue is up over 38 percent. Short-term occupancy for 2021 increased 31.4 percent and 21.7 percent over 2020 and 2019, respectively.
While slightly down compared to 2020, KOA shares increased from 2019 across their long-term business. End-of-year reporting indicates that long-term registration revenue was up 9.3 percent.
Across all businesses, KOA’s occupancy finishes 2021 5.6 percent up over 2020 and 12.7 percent over 2019.
“We are excited to close 2021 and go into our 60th year in business with our strongest financial performance ever, and even more pleased with the indicators of future growth,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “The pandemic served as a catalyst for many people to try camping for the first time, and with a 51.1 percent increase in advanced deposits, that isn’t slowing down. People are choosing to camp over other travel options and they are choosing to camp at KOAs.”
