Parks and Leisure Australia’s Post

As an industry expert in the RV and outdoor recreation sector, I wanted to share some highlights from a recent article showcasing the amazing offerings at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Florida. This resort truly offers something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for a fun getaway or an adventure seeker craving excitement. From horseback riding and swamp buggy rides to airboat cruises and fishing, the outdoor activities at Westgate River Ranch are sure to thrill nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Cowboy Adventure Park provides a unique experience with activities like rock climbing and mechanical bull riding, while the trap & skeet range and archery range cater to those with a passion for sports shooting. For families, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities such as the petting farm, pony rides, and mini golf. And for those looking to relax, the full-service marina, Kissimmee River Queen Cruise, and heated pool offer leisurely options to unwind during your stay. One of the standout features of this resort is the special events they host, including the Westgate Rodeo on Saturday nights and regular street parties with entertainment for all guests to enjoy. The extensive list of amenities and activities at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo demonstrates a commitment to providing a well-rounded experience for their visitors. This level of hospitality and attention to detail is something we can all learn from in the industry. I would love to hear your thoughts on this article and how it may influence the RV and outdoor recreation sector. Do you think more resorts should offer such a diverse range of activities and amenities? Share your insights in the comments below and let's start a conversation on how we can continue to elevate the outdoor hospitality industry. #RVIndustry #OutdoorRecreation #Hospitality #WestgateRiverRanch #ProfessionalEngagement [Article Source: Add link to the original article for reference]

There are so many wonderful things about Britain, and often they are best discovered on foot – so it’s no surprise that searches for ‘city walks’ have increased +84% over the past year¹. So, with a ‘mini-heatwave’ on the horizon, where are the best UK city walks to enjoy a weekend stroll? To save Brits the Google searches and TikTok browsing, Village Hotels have revealed the UK’s best city walks reachable from the UK’s urban sprawls, where you can hop off the train and lace up your trainers ready for exploration mode. This follows Village’s recent large-scale report which ranked Glasgow as the UK’s greatest weekend break, based on factors such as sports tourism, outdoor leisure, food and drink, shopping and arts and culture – Sheffield was revealed as the best break for outdoor recreation overall. https://lnkd.in/dZBaCs7Q

🔮 Prediction: As Florida continues to attract more visitors and residents seeking fun and affordable recreational activities, the trend of ranking its cities among the top spots for entertainment is likely to continue and even expand to additional cities in the state. 🎉 Exciting: It’s thrilling to see Florida cities recognized for their vibrant and accessible recreational options, providing locals and tourists with an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Florida's diverse range of activities ensures there's something for everyone to explore and experience, further solidifying the state's reputation as a top destination for leisure and fun. ⚖️ Truth: The affordability and accessibility of recreational activities in the Sunshine State play a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of life for residents, contributing to their well-being and sense of community. Recognizing the importance of fostering a balanced lifestyle through various recreational options, Florida cities are consciously investing in creating environments that promote health and happiness for all ages. 💡 Fact: The recognition of Florida cities as some of the most fun in the U.S. not only reflects their commitment to offering diverse recreational opportunities but also highlights the economic benefits that stem from a thriving tourism and entertainment industry. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, these cities are paving the way for continued growth and success in the recreational sector, setting a precedent for others to follow suit in providing affordable and enjoyable activities for their communities.

🌊 Exciting News for Bradley, IL! 🌊 Ramaker is thrilled to share the news of a recent master planning effort for the development of a world-class indoor waterpark for the Village of Bradley! The Ramaker team is spearheading this project and has been collaborating with Hotel & Leisure Advisors and American Resort Management, LLC for this transformative $79.5 million development which will be one of the largest indoor water parks in the U.S. This "cruise ship on land" will attract visitors from across the Midwest and beyond. If all goes as planned, the park could break ground in spring 2026 and open by late 2027, delivering a projected $718 million economic impact over 10 years. The waterpark structure will have an operable roof with the following proposed features: a slide complex, surf feature, activity pool, swim-up bar, lazy river, multilevel play structure and splash pad, tot pool, and rentable cabanas! A family entertainment center will round out the entertainment options provided. We’re excited to work with the Village and American Resort Management on next steps. Stay tuned for updates as we help shape this regional destination! Learn more about this exciting project here: https://lnkd.in/guaTFTEP

Have you checked out Savills Aspects of Leisure Spring 2024 edition? In this edition, we have considered how some of the lifestyle changes after the coronavirus pandemic, sustainability and the economic climate have impacted some of the leisure sectors we work in. From a timely comment from our specialist planning team on camping, an article on the blooming garden centre sector, a look at Private Equity in the holiday park sector, and an update on the visitor attraction and pubs markets, it really does make an interesting read!

Sustainability remains firmly on the radar of many operators and is gaining momentum exponentially across the leisure sectors. In this latest edition of Savills Aspects of Leisure we include a focus piece on sustainability in golf which is viewed by some as behind the curve in this regard.

As an industry expert in the RV and outdoor recreation sector, I wanted to share some insights from a recent article highlighting the unbelievable range of activities and amenities available at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Florida. This resort truly offers a one-of-a-kind experience for RVers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From exhilarating rodeo shows to serene horseback rides through untouched trails, there is no shortage of adventures to embark on. The variety of outdoor activities such as swamp buggy rides, airboat tours, and fishing expeditions provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature and observe local wildlife up close. For those interested in shooting sports, the resort features expert-led sessions at the trap & skeet range and air rifle range. Additionally, families can enjoy bonding time at the petting farm, mini golf course, and pony rides, while adrenaline junkies can test their skills on the mechanical bull or rock climbing wall at the Adventure Park. Moreover, the resort's full-service marina, Kissimmee River Queen Cruise, and themed escape room add to the diverse entertainment options available on-site. Special events like live music performances, street parties, and team building activities further enhance the overall guest experience. These offerings not only make Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo a premier destination for RVers seeking adventure and relaxation but also a hub for creating lasting memories with loved ones. I encourage fellow industry professionals and outdoor enthusiasts to delve deeper into this article and share their thoughts on the evolving landscape of RV travel and outdoor recreation. What do you think about the rise of experiential travel and the increasing demand for diverse activities at RV resorts? Let's spark a meaningful discussion and exchange valuable insights for the industry's future. Feel free to comment below with your thoughts and perspectives on this exciting development in the RV and outdoor recreation sector. Together, we can continue to elevate the experiences and opportunities available to RVers across the country. #RVResort #OutdoorRecreation #AdventureAwaits #IndustryInsights #LetsDiscuss

Over the past decade, the rise of glamping has dramatically reshaped the expectations of first-time campers. ⭐ In 2023, 54% of new campers started their outdoor journey at campgrounds offering a wide array of services and amenities—including outdoor resorts. And it’s not just about showing up. Campers who chose these well-equipped locations reported the most favorable experiences, as seen in recent KOA reports. What does this mean for campground operators? ⛺ Amenities are key! Investing in facilities like Wi-Fi, upscale cabins, pools, and event spaces can be a game-changer. Not only do these amenities attract first-time campers, but they also set the stage for repeat visits and glowing reviews. Have you upgraded your amenities lately? #hospitalitytechnology #campmanagementsoftware #holidayparks #newbookpms

Making leisure a pleasure 🏊♀️🎾 In the last challenge of our recent Project Disrupt, we’re thrilled to share Your Leisure. We’ve reimagined local leisure centres from tired and forgotten to vibrant hubs for the future. Why? Because leisure centres, once the site of our best firsts—our first swim, first high dive, first sense of independence—are now overlooked and under-appreciated. Years of neglect have left them behind, but with a generation craving connection and a new wave of funding, it’s time to bring them back as vibrant spaces for joy, community, and wellbeing. At Your Leisure reimagines leisure centres as vibrant hubs for everyone. Combining nostalgic charm with a bright, modern aesthetic, which reminds us what leisure is really about: free time for enjoyment, not just workouts. With an inclusive tone and design that celebrates the unique experiences under one roof, At Your Leisure proves that community spaces can once again be the beating heart of our towns. Explore the full case study to see how we brought this to life. 👀 https://lnkd.in/emsFx5XA

Is it worth keeping your park open at winter? 🎄 It's no secret that once a year, when most UK parks have been snoozing or running a limited offering for their annual maintenance, we take the trip to Europa-Park Resort for their magical winter event 🙌 This past weekend was spent doing just that, and again it made me question why so many parks use winter for their annual maintenance, the demand for a seasonal offering is clearly there 🤔 The main evidence for this was the queue times and sheer abundance of families in the park. One of the big draws, Voltron Nevera, their new rollercoaster for 2024 often saw wait times of over 30 minutes. That might not seem like a lot, but anyone that knows Europa Park, knows that they're second to none when it comes to operations, meaning that they were consistently getting around 1,600 guests through every hour 👏 There is clearly a huge revenue opportunity here, and your guests are willing to visit if you provide a full ride offering. Every ride was running, often in below freezing temperatures, so it is definitely possible 💡 Some may argue that as Europa Park is considered a resort, families may be more willing to travel there during the colder months, but the UK has plenty of parks that now also consider themselves resorts 🛏️ Many UK parks are already expanding their winter offerings, but at the end of 2025 I'd love to see some of my favourites take the leap to full park operation 💪 #attractions #attractionsindustry #winter #rides