A New Era of Inclusivity: EVOLVE Lodging's Vision for Accessible Outdoor Experiences
“Accessibility has been overlooked for far too long, and as part of what we are doing we’ve reached out to OHI also regarding educational events. We are also in the early stages of presenting to the State Associations as well, so we are very much committed to providing tools, research, data, education and products to the industry. The response to the Accessible Retreat has been enormous, and we are just getting started!”
- Randy Hendrickson CEO of EVOLVE Lodging and long term AGA member.
EVOLVE Lodging is a leader in the Experiential Outdoor Hospitality industry, recognized for its innovative accommodation solutions. With over 70 managed properties, 100 completed feasibility studies, $300M in brokerage sales, 17 years on State Association boards, and 30 years of industry experience, they excel in providing 'turnkey' solutions through proprietary relationships in manufacturing, procurement, and installation.
In a major step toward inclusivity and accessibility in the outdoor industry, EVOLVE Lodging, in partnership with Becoming rentABLE and ELEV8 Architecture, has launched a groundbreaking alliance to develop fully accessible lodging accommodations. This collaboration seeks to establish a new benchmark in the Outdoor Hospitality sector, with the Accessible Retreat becoming the first park model accommodation in the nation to earn Becoming rentABLE's mobility certification. Becoming rentABLE is an online directory featuring over 1,000 accessible short-term rental properties, where accessibility is not an afterthought—it's their priority.
Addressing a Crucial Need
According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 26% of the U.S. population—around 70 million adults—live with a disability that impacts major life activities. Additionally, for the first time in history, the senior population is growing faster than births, with an estimated increase of 30 million people by 2030. In the short-term rental market, only 0.1% (1,500 out of 1.5 million rentals) are accessible, highlighting the pressing need for inclusive travel accommodations. EVOLVE Lodging is committed to meeting this need with the creation of the Accessible Retreat.
What is the impact on the Glamping Industry and what is the Market Potential?
According to Future Market Insights, the glamping industry currently stands at USD 12.4 billion (as of 2024), and is on its way forward to cross USD 39.9 billion by 2034. An increasing amount of Americans are seeing outdoor experiences. Despite this growth, a significant portion of potential clients has been underserved due to the lack of accessible accommodations. By introducing the Accessible Retreat, EVOLVE Lodging enables owners of campgrounds, RV resorts, hotels, and other lodging facilities to tap into a vast, underutilized market and attract a wider range of guests.
The Solution: Innovative, Accessible Lodging
The partnership with Lorraine Woodward, Co-Founder and CEO of Becoming rentABLE, has been instrumental in shaping the design and success of the Accessible Retreat. As the leading authority on accessibility in the short-term rental industry, Becoming rentABLE certifies properties using 63 filters, expanding the concept of accessibility beyond just wheelchair access to encompass broader mobility needs. This year, they also introduced cognitive accessibility certification. With their involvement from the outset, the Accessible Retreat meets 52 of these essential accessibility standards, ensuring an inclusive and fully accommodating experience.
“Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all and it is through our 63 Becoming rentABLE filters that people with disabilities have choices they never had before. We are excited to have designed a mobile unit that was created with accessibility as the priority, not an afterthought.” said Lorraine.
‘’In collaborating with Becoming rentABLE, we were able to make sure we have addressed every single design element thoroughly, in creating the best possible experience, with the widest applicability. Lorraine made this an amazing collaboration, with the best possible outcomes. Together with Julienne Dallara, we believe we truly have the best people to make this amazing accommodation” said Michelle Oliver, President of EVOLVE Lodging. Julienne Dallara, Ms. Wheelchair California and a prominent educator and advocate with Abilities.com, has played a key role in advising and guiding the development of this project.
“Working with EVOLVE Lodging is just an incredible and rewarding experience. Their passion and commitment, and love for collaboration, continues to amaze me” - Julienne Dallara
Randy Hendrickson states that “this collaboration is about more than just building accessible cabins–it’s about creating inclusive experiences for everyone”. Enabling individuals to explore and enjoy premium accommodations without traditional barriers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, can create lasting memories while benefiting from our dedication to design and construction excellence. The American Glamping Association is excited to follow along on EVOLVE Lodging (and their collaborating partners) journey in leading the important shift towards inclusivity in the Outdoor Hospitality and Glamping industry.
Want to know more?
EVOLVE Lodging is offering preferred pricing for ‘first movers’ across all accommodation asset classes. To learn more about this opportunity and explore EVOLVE Lodging’s range of innovative services, please contact Michelle Oliver to schedule a Discovery Call.
Contact:
Michelle Oliver, Co-Founder, President, EVOLVE Lodging, LLC
970-507-0317
