In 2020, Valentine’s Day shoppers in the U.S. were on track to add a record $27.4 billion to the economy. Now, the season of love is right around the corner. This year, the very special day of February 14th lands on a Sunday – perfect for a romantic getaway, galentine’s weekend, or family retreat. More importantly, this is your opportunity in the campground industry to grab a slice of that multi-billion dollar market share. To help entice your guests with a memorable stay, we’ve compiled a list of gift ideas, activities, crafts, and treats to make your campers’ Valentine’s Day extra sweet. Because what better way to celebrate the holiday than by showering your guests with a little love!
Gift Bags
Taking a trip to enjoy quality time together is one way many choose to celebrate the occasion. Make your guests feel extra special with gift packages when they arrive. Place chocolates in cabin beds or hand out gift bags at check-in. This small gesture will spark a smile with guests and kick off the trip on a high note. Cute packages could include Valentine’s Day crossword puzzles, cookies, hot cocoa bombs, travel-sized hand sanitizer, or pre-packaged heart-shaped s’mores. This doesn’t need to be a grand gesture – think small and sweet.
Floral Arrangements
Flowers are a staple of the season, and who doesn’t love a fresh arrangement waiting for them? Collaborate with a local florist and offer guests the option of floral packages. Not only will this be a pleasant surprise, but it will also make the space inviting, leaving them with a sweet scent. Place fresh arrangements in other areas of your park to add to the atmosphere, such as the front office, bathhouses, clubhouses, and more.
Festive Decor
Create a dreamy Valentine’s suite with fun and festive decor. For cabins, lean into the theme and add pops of color to kick off the occasion. Think string lights, pink balloons, streamers, flowers, and flameless LED candles. Whether you want to go over the top or stay classic, these added features are sure to create a picture-perfect stay.
Games
Games are a camping staple and a low-cost, effective way to create some fun. Switch up the beloved camping games with a Valentines’ twist. Balloon darts, sweetheart bingo, giant tic-tac-toe, a romantic scavenger hunt, a themed photo booth wall, and cupid trivia are just a few ideas. Interactive games are a great way to get guests laughing and all ages can join in the fun.
Movie Night
Nothing says “date night” like your favorite rom-com under the stars. Host an outdoor movie night with romantic favorites. Whether you show a classic romantic film or a charming comedy, showing a beloved movie is always a fan favorite for campers. Some hits over the years have included When Harry Met Sally, Love Actually, The Proposal, and My Best Friend’s Wedding. So, grab your popcorn, chocolates, and a blanket because an outdoor movie will leave your guests with a warm fuzzy feeling.
For the Kids
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about spoiling your significant other anymore. Add some fun activities for those looking to make it a family trip. Afterall, you can’t deny the childhood joy of this holiday filled with class parties, exchanging cards, making crafts, and so much more. The possibilities are endless when creating activities for kids. The fun could include coloring contests, cookie decorating, dance parties, musical hearts, memory matching, and more.
Valentine’s Day is filled with marketing opportunities and is all about making one feel special. Your campground is the perfect venue for a socially-distant couple’s retreat or family tradition. At the end of the day, the ultimate gift is quality time spent together, and marketing your park for the holiday creates an experience they will never forget.
