PathFinder OutDoor Destinations, based in Melbourne, Australia and Best Parks in America, based in McLean, Virginia, United States have established an international partnership, commencing January, 2012 for the purpose of creating an international network whose aim is to promote the growth of quality OutDoor Destination properties and experiences in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.

OutDoor Destinations are natural environments (e.g. holiday parks, caravan parks, campgrounds in national parks, nature based ecolodges, and agritourism properties such as farmstays and wineries) where guests can expect memorable experiences, superior quality facilities and amenities and often, unique accommodation. An OutDoor Destination experience is a combination of both the specific property and the
surrounding environment in which it is set. For the guest experience the two are inextricably linked.

The international partnership brings together two leading organisations with the intention of developing a global operation promoting a WOW guest experience in an outdoor environment. The WOW factors will be based on first and last impressions, unique products and services, and the opportunity for the guest to rest, relax and rejuvenate. From an industry perspective this international partnership plays an important role in establishing a forum for knowledge exchange, international promotion of quality properties, and to establish the model of OutDoor Destinations.

Terry Goodall, Co-Founder and Managing Director of PathFinder OutDoor Destinations Pty Ltd and who, until 2010, held the position of CEO of BIG4 Holiday Parks – the leading brand in the caravan and camping sector in Australia – says that “this is an industry first where we have two organisations prepared to “think outside square” and develop an international approach to re-define the outdoor holiday guest experience.
This international affiliation will provide the opportunity to develop a new sector in tourism that is in line with what holidaymakers are looking for, cross promotes tourism for those countries involved in the affiliation, assists operators to build business and “take their properties to the next level” and develop a global rating criteria that promotes achievable benchmarks for operators to aspire to and that ensures guests a great outdoor holiday experience.”

David Gorin, founder and president of Best Parks in America is equally excited about the new partnership. “Outdoor destinations appeal to all ages from active young adventurers, families, empty nesters, and retirees. The opportunity to be at the forefront of the development of this new travel and tourism sector will give Best Parks in America affiliates and outdoor destinations around the world the opportunity to set a new standard for this kind of recreational activity and vacation experience,” said Gorin.

PathFinder OutDoor Destinations, established in 2011, is a breakaway brand designed to facilitate successful business growth through an enlarged opportunity horizon. “PathFinder offers customised innovation, not imitation by purposely seeing what others see, but thinking what others have not yet thought.” PathFinder provides property owners a unique and personalised consultancy approach to marketing and developing their product offering and locality. Ed Brooker, a specialist in outdoor property design and development, and International Director of PathFinder OutDoor Destinations, notes that “the outdoor destination product has come of age and is ideally suited to today’s holidaymaker who is looking for an experience – not just a place to stay.”

Best Parks in America was established in 2003 as a marketing group for highly rated RV parks and campgrounds. Today, Best Parks is charting a new and exciting outdoor resort concept for its more than 80 affiliated parks across the United States and Canada. The organization was founded by David Gorin, the former President and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, and owner of David Gorin & Associates, a RV park campground consulting company.

The partnership anticipates further expansion in 2012 to broaden the non-competitive sharing of information for the benefit of its members and, ultimately, the consumer.