WEST PALM BEACH, Florida—Island Hospitality Management announced the launch of IHM Outdoors, marking the inception of a division focused on outdoor and resort hospitality. This encompasses Recreational Vehicle (RV) resorts, vacation rentals, glamping, and other outdoor hospitality options. The formal unveiling of IHM Outdoors follows the transition of five RV Resorts to IHM Outdoors management. The five properties contain approximately 2,000 sites in Chula Vista, California; Paso Robles, California; Santa Claus, Indiana; Larkspur, Colorado; and North Java, New York.
Gregg Forde, president and COO of Island Hospitality, emphasized the strategic significance of this move, stating, “Outdoor hospitality is the fastest-growing segment in the hospitality industry. We have built a dedicated division for outdoor hospitality that capitalizes on IHM’s thirty-five-year experience. We have seen how our long-standing experience in the hotel business has worked to the owner’s advantage once again as we apply proven principles of sales and revenue management together with our implementation of strict cost controls and operational efficiencies we have utilized for years.”
The outdoor hospitality industry sees the majority of privately held properties owned and operated by smaller, single resort owners presenting an opportunity for consolidation and institutionalization in the years to come, providing growth opportunities for IHM Outdoors. From retreats to recreational vehicle resorts and vacation rentals, this sector offers adventures for guests seeking outdoor experiences.
Drew Allison, executive vice president of operations at Island Hospitality, said, “IHM Outdoors is led by a dedicated team exclusively focused on this new venture, utilizing their expertise to seamlessly integrate with our existing infrastructure, delivering results that mirror our best-in-class performance at Island Hospitality.” With a team covering operations, human resources, accounting, revenue management, and sales, Allison said, “We are well-positioned for success with this new division, having filled key leadership roles with internal candidates from Island Hospitality, ensuring a swift ramp-up and consistent delivery of outstanding performance.”
Hayden Schlosser, vice president of operations for this portfolio, commented, “Everything from campfire cookouts and fully operational water park experiences to luxurious weekend getaway packages can be achieved on site.” With Schlosser’s prior experience in managing select-service Marriott hotels, he makes the connection of how the drivers are guest satisfaction and understanding one’s customer. “COVID-era restrictions drove a new clientele into the outdoor hospitality and recreation space, and the focus has been keeping those families and elevating their experience with each successive visit. The rise of outdoor adventure has helped shift focus to ensure we are providing top-of-the-line amenities with a laid-back atmosphere and a sense of community. Whether it is creating co-working spaces for our extended-stay guests, having activities planned every hour, or operating hay rides each evening, it all comes down to creating a community within the resort. It has been an amazing opportunity in our first year in outdoor hospitality, and I am excited to continue to grow this segment for Island Hospitality.”
Island Hospitality aims further to expand its footprint in the outdoor hospitality space and collaborate with institutional ownership groups that share their vision and values. IHM Outdoors is viewed as an opportunity to diversify the portfolio, attract new customer segments and owners, and enhance growth opportunities for IHM associates.
