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Adam Hutchinson.
Farmers and lifestyle block-owners can cash in on the wave of motorhome tourists here for the Lions rugby tour, says the developer of an app called CamperMate.
The app is pre-installed on Tom Tom in Maui, Britz and Mighty rental vehicles. It will enable drivers to ‘rent’ a small plot for their vehicle.
Adam Hutchinson says the app will alert 35,000 tourists a day to 1700 camping locations.
He got the idea from seeing motorhomers’ liking for recreation clubs’ carparks. How about also scenic farm spots and lifestyle properties, he thought.
Rugby tourists are likely to relish an alternative to tar-sealed overnight stops, and chose locations off the beaten track, he claims.
“With freedom camping regulations changing there’s a rise in motorhomers seeking smaller spaces.... Drivers of certified-self contained vehicles need only a driveway for the night.”
Tourists book a listing through the app and CamperMate handles the credit card payment, which triggers an email to the host with guest details.
Within a week, the company pays the host 80% of the total revenue.
“We manage the entire booking process and deposit the revenue directly into your account once a week.” CamperMate charges 20% commission to cover its merchant, booking and credit card fees.
Property owners conscious of their health and safety obligations when hosting can get data specific to their property to give to guests through the app.
Also to keep legal, CamperMate only takes a booking for a single vehicle per night. That’s why it offers a rate per vehicle rather than per person.
A host can decide their own nightly rate per vehicle, Hutchinson says. He suggests $10/vehicle for a basic parking space with no amenities.
“And increase the price if offering water, power, shower, toilet, wifi, a welcome drink, homemade snacks, etc. Location, privacy and stunning views also add to the value.”
All that’s needed is a private flat area to park a motorhome safely overnight. The property owner can specify whether a site is suitable for self-contained or non-self-contained vehicles.
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