WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Island Hospitality Management is pleased to announce the successful launch of IHM Outdoors, marking the inception of a dedicated division focused exclusively on outdoor and resort hospitality. This encompasses Recreational Vehicle (“RV”) resorts, vacation rentals, glamping and other distinctive outdoor hospitality options. The formal unveiling of IHM Outdoors follows the successful transition of five RV Resorts to IHM Outdoors management. The five properties contain approximately 2,000 sites and are located in Chula Vista, Calif.; Paso Robles, Calif.; Santa Claus, Ind.; Larkspur, Colo.; and North Java, N.Y.
Gregg Forde, president & 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.”
Today, the outdoor hospitality industry sees the majority of privately held properties owned and operated by smaller, single resort owners presenting a substantial opportunity for consolidation and institutionalization in the years to come, providing substantial growth opportunities for IHM Outdoors. From luxurious retreats to upscale recreational vehicle resorts and vacation rentals, this sector offers unique adventures for guests seeking exceptional and transformative outdoor experiences. The RV resorts managed by IHM Outdoors combine natural beauty, luxury amenities and outdoor adventures, ensuring unforgettable memories for guests.
Drew Allison, executive vice president of operations at Island Hospitality, played a pivotal role in IHM Outdoors' development. He remarked, "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 specialized team covering operations, human resources, accounting, revenue management and sales, Allison highlighted, "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 how these parks deliver all-in-one experience for guests. “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 in diverse markets, IHM culture and love of the outdoors, he makes the connection of how the key 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.”
Buoyed by this success, Island Hospitality aims to further 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 a long-term opportunity to diversify the portfolio, attract new customer segments and owners and enhance diverse growth opportunities for IHM associates. This strategic move signifies Island Hospitality's on-going commitment to providing unparalleled opportunities for its team and reinforces its position as an industry leader.
About Island Hospitality
Headquartered in West Palm Beach, Fla., Island Hospitality Management is a leading, national, third-party, independent management company. It operates more than 90 properties under 20 different brands, primarily premium, select-service hotels; upscale, extended-stay properties; and upscale hotels, outdoor and resort lodging in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Additional information is available on the company’s Web site, www.islandhospitality.com.
