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REPEAT business is paramount to the caravan park industry, according to an award-winning management company.

"It is much easier and more cost effective to keep customers than it is to gain new ones," Australian Tourist Park Management managing director Steve Billett said.

Speaking at the Caravan, RV and Accommodation Industry of Australia national conference, he explained that his company's philosophy was simple ... always exceed customer expectations.

"ATPM has always placed great emphasis on customer service, and this has played a major part in our success," he said.

"We offer little things that make a huge difference, such as free fresh milk and newspapers for cabin guests, free onsite activities, helping to park caravans on site and assisting with forward bookings, tours and attractions."

Mr Billett was sharing his secrets to success after being invited to address 300 delegates at the conference.

"Our company has been operating for 17 years," he explained. "It has grown from a three-person team managing seven tourist parks to a dynamic business with more than 250 people and 30 holiday parks and resorts."

ATPM has emerged as a major player in the holiday park industry in the past few years.

Its core business is providing management, development, marketing and consultancy services to the holiday park and resort industry.

It also owns Escape2 Holiday Parks and Resorts, which has 12 unique properties in its portfolio and differs from other groups in the industry in that it owns or leases its properties and is not a marketing chain.

Mr Billett said he was pleased his company's expertise was being recognised in the industry.

"Speaking at the CRVA conference was great exposure for ATPM and Escape2,” he said. "It is humbling to know our advice and experience is valued by others in the industry and hopefully we can use that to build a sustainable future for the industry."

ATPM founder and general manager John Tilton, who launched the company in 1994 to manage Gold Coast City Council's seven tourist parks, has previously addressed the Caravan Industry Western Australia annual conference and the Local Government Managers Australia conference in Western Australia.