Choice Hotels acquires RV travel firm Harvest Hosts

Choice Hotels Expands Outdoor Hospitality Portfolio

Choice Hotels International has completed its acquisition of Harvest Hosts, an RV travel membership company, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately US$130 million. The deal, which closed today, 1 October 2026, sees Choice Hotels take full ownership of Harvest Hosts from New York-based growth equity firm Stripes and other shareholders.

This strategic move allows Choice Hotels to extend its reach into the rapidly expanding outdoor hospitality market, a segment it identifies as complementary to its established hotel portfolio. Harvest Hosts is expected to continue operating under its existing brand and leadership, maintaining its distinct member and host relationships.

Connecting RV Travellers with Unique Stays

Harvest Hosts operates a community-focused membership model, connecting recreational vehicle travellers with distinctive overnight stays at more than 11,200 locations. These include diverse venues such as wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and other attractions, offering members unique parking spots often accompanied by local activities.

Choice Hotels stated its intention to integrate Harvest Hosts' offerings with its scale, commercial capabilities, and loyalty programme. Joel Holland will continue as Chief Executive Officer of Harvest Hosts, leading the existing management team, with all Harvest Hosts personnel becoming Choice Hotels employees following the transaction.

Broader Industry Trend in Outdoor Travel

This acquisition reflects a broader trend among major hotel groups to diversify into outdoor accommodation. Choice Hotels CEO Dom Dragisich, who took on the role last month, emphasised that the acquisition allows the company to deliver quality travel offerings to value-conscious consumers while tapping into an attractive segment of the outdoor travel market.

Research from Choice Hotels indicates a significant overlap, with many travellers engaging in both traditional hotel stays and RV travel, particularly among its Choice Privileges loyalty members.

Other global hospitality players have also made similar moves; Marriott International launched its Outdoor Collection last year, featuring brands like Trailborn and Postcard Cabins, while Hilton partnered with AutoCamp and Hyatt collaborated with Under Canvas in 2024.

Implications for Global Travel and Asia's Market

For global travellers, this deal means an expanded range of accommodation choices, potentially linking traditional hotel loyalty benefits with unique outdoor stays. The integration of Harvest Hosts into Choice Hotels' ecosystem could lead to enhanced marketing for these diverse locations, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

In Asia, while large-scale RV travel communities like Harvest Hosts are less prevalent, the growing interest in domestic tourism and nature-based getaways could drive similar innovations.

Markets such as South Korea and Japan have seen increasing popularity in glamping and boutique outdoor accommodation, suggesting a potential for hotel groups in the region to explore partnerships or acquisitions in this evolving segment.

Operators in Southeast Asia, with its diverse landscapes, might also consider how to adapt such models for their local markets, focusing on unique, localised offerings.