As certain parts of the United States and Canada are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, Kampgrounds of America issued a statement on Monday in which it vowed to continue leading lobbying efforts to keep campgrounds open and operating during the pandemic.
“This work is ongoing amidst increasing restrictions in Ontario and in an effort to be proactive for any future setbacks that may occur elsewhere,” the company said in its statement.
“Last year, as states and provinces enacted stay-at-home orders and mandated campgrounds to close or limit operations, we knew we had to advocate strongly for private campgrounds,” said Toby O’Rourke, KOA president and CEO. “These lobbying efforts proved successful as campgrounds in most states and provinces, in some or all capacities, were allowed to operate as we approached the summer season.”
“As KOA, in partnership with ARVC, CCRV and RVIA, began working directly with government officials and agencies, it became clear that there was misunderstanding about private campgrounds, their services and structure, and their importance to the health of their communities,” the statement read. “By actively educating policy makers, camping was able to resume across the United States and Canada.
“While outlook for camping in 2021 is much more optimistic than this time last year, KOA is still closely monitoring changing restrictions. In Ontario, for example, recently enacted stay-at-home orders are limiting campgrounds to those who need to shelter or have full season contracts. This disruption to recreational camping, during what should be the start of the season, proves that camping still needs an active advocate.”
Late last year, KOA hired two lobbying firms to promote camping and help the brand navigate policy challenges. In the U.S., KOA is working with the firm Faegre Drinker. The primary focus of their work has been to have private campgrounds added to the critical infrastructure list maintained by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This list provides state governments with guidance on what businesses are essential and is used when determining what can remain open and operating during lockdowns.
Through this work, KOA’s O’Rourke connected with CISA’s Commercial Infrastructure sector and is now an active participant with the group. This will help ensure that private campgrounds have a voice at the table in promoting their importance as an essential business when CISA makes their next update.
“I am highly confident that campgrounds will eventually be a part of the CISA critical infrastructure list,” said O’Rourke. “We’ve made really great progress through a proactive approach that will help us in advance of any setbacks this year or unforeseen situations in the future.”
On Capitol Hill, KOA said lobbyists from Faegre Drinker continue to “work diligently with key Senate and House committee members to elevate awareness of KOA and private campgrounds.” These efforts are not only connecting KOA directly to policy makers, but campground owners as well, it said.
“With the help of Faegre Drinker, we are working to set up meetings with over 30 senators and U.S. representatives who are on key committees. These meetings will include KOA franchisees from their states or districts,” O’Rourke said. “We’ll have local voices directly discussing policy and the importance of the private campground industry with the nation’s decision makers.”
In Canada, where lockdowns are currently occurring or being discussed once again, KOA is partnering with Crestview Strategy to grant campgrounds the same short-term allowances as hotels, particularly as provinces promote domestic tourism this spring and summer. Throughout the pandemic, hotels have not faced the same restrictions as campgrounds.
While KOA has a direct interest in advocating for its more than 525 camping locations across the U.S. and Canada, the company said it also recognizes the importance of advocating for camping as whole.
“Camping helps people connect both to our natural spaces and to those closest to them,” said O’Rourke. “To me, that is essential and an important cause to champion no matter where people choose to camp.”
