LULING, Texas (KXAN) — Inflation has hit several small businesses across Central Texas hard, cutting into their profits.
However, a growing trend has emerged as an innovative way for businesses to generate additional income.
Many local distilleries, breweries and wineries allow RV travelers to stay on their property for free.
These overnight stays are booked through Harvest Hosts, an RV club.
The only rule is that guests must purchase an item from a small business before departing in the morning for the next leg of their trip. This allows these local businesses to retain additional income.
Jose Baptista and his wife Ines are members of Harvest Hosts. They said they often take their camper to travel around the Lone Star State.
“It’s one way to get out of the house, so to speak, and take your house with you,” he said.
The couple traveled to Luling this week and camped overnight at the AFT Distillery.
“You can live for free and you usually see something really unique,” Baptista said.
Harvest Hosts COO Wes Clark said the app has provided a significant boost to about 50 local businesses in the greater Austin area.
“It’s been a lifesaver for a lot of owners and all of a sudden you can tap into this huge RV market,” he said. “These travelers come looking to support local businesses.”
Owned by Alexandra Cantwell AFT distillerya mom and pop operation specializing in the sale of brandy.
“We can almost say we survived because of Harvest Hosts,” she said. “In 2021, almost 65-70% of our revenue came from overnight guest accommodation.”
During the post-pandemic travel boom, camping reservations have sometimes been difficult.
“Campground reservations have become more competitive,” Clark said. “If there are free places, they usually need to be booked in advance.
“Instead, Harvest Hosts can come in and help fill that gap if you need to stay overnight or if you’re traveling between locations.”
For Baptista, the best part of his travel experience is supporting small business owners.
“It’s usually their absolute passion,” he concluded. “How nice it is to help someone make their dream come true.”
Harvest Hosts only earns revenue from memberships that costs $99 per year.
Similarly, Austin small businesses earn an average of $13,000 per year in additional revenue by partnering with the program.
