A no-show is a double loss: the pitch remains empty (lost revenue), and you have probably turned down other bookings to keep it available (lost opportunity). The good news is that the no-show rate can be halved with three simple measures.
Causes of no-shows at campsites
- Free bookings or bookings with a minimal deposit: if there is nothing to lose, cancelling (or simply not showing up) has no consequences.
- Lack of pre-arrival communication: the guest forgets the booking or cannot find the address.
- Last-minute change of plans: weather, work emergencies, illness.
- Multiple bookings: the guest books several properties and makes a choice at the last minute.
5 anti-no-show strategies
- 130% deposit at the time of booking: reduces no-shows by 60–70%. Those who pay are motivated to arrive or cancel in time.
- 2Automatic reminders: email 7 days before ('See you in a week!'), SMS 24 hours before with the address and time. Ovvo Camping sends them automatically.
- 3Mandatory pre-check-in: anyone who does not complete pre-check-in within 24 hours of arrival receives an automatic call. This identifies likely no-shows in advance.
- 4Waiting list: during periods of high demand, maintain a waiting list of 3–5 guests for each type. If a cancellation arrives, the pitch is reassigned within minutes.
- 53–5% overbooking: only if you have a solid waiting list and pitches of a similar category. When managed well, it fills the campsite without inconvenience.
Simulated example: a campsite with 150 pitches and an average price of €55/night could recover €7,000–€9,000 in revenue by reducing no-shows from 8% to 2.5% through deposits and automatic reminders. Actual values depend on the average price, occupancy, and season.