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US: Recreational vehicle retailer Camping World Holdings is to launch a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace – Camping World RV Rentals – that will open for RV listings from 14 May.
Camping World RV Rentals, which will list both towable and motorised RVs, is expected to open for bookings by early July before a scheduled soft launch across the United States later this autumn.
The new rental marketplace is seen as Camping World’s commitment to invest in technology within the RV and outdoor industry, and digitally connect owners and renters, to make RV travel more accessible for consumers.
In addition, Camping World RV Rentals is designed to maximise RV owners’ return on investment [ROI] and reduce the amount renters have to pay to use that mode of travel.
Sister company Good Sam will provide products and services such as rental protection, 24/7 roadside support, and membership savings on booking and service fees, to ensure an end-to-end experience.
Other recent innovations employed by Camping World include partnering with BitPay to accept bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment methods when purchasing RVs, and the acquisition of campsite booking technology specialist Nomad Reservations.
This week, Camping World Holdings also appointed AnnaMarie Balch Olson as its vice president of learning and development. Her hiring will allow the company to focus on strategic training and employee development in order to achieve “stated organisational objectives for improved growth and performance”.
Marcus Lemonis, CEO and chairman of Camping World, said: “The appointment of AnnaMarie Balch Olson further solidifies our commitment to investment in education and learning, as we understand a well-trained staff is essential to a successful future for our company and the customers we serve in this rapidly changing environment.
“Her experience and enthusiasm to lead this new role and develop our team through diverse, engaging, and consistent education opportunities, will ultimately strengthen our employee retention and recruitment,” he added.
Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Camping World has an existing footprint in more than 175 locations in 38 US states.
Interest and investment in the recreational vehicle and motorhome space is set to surge once again ahead of this year’s summer season, after RVShare raised more than $100 million in a funding round led by KKR, while the likes of Outdoorsy, Cabana, VacationRenter and Goboony are expanding their offerings.
