BIG4 Holiday Parks and Kampgrounds of America (KOA) have signed a Master Licensing Agreement opening the way to sharing management technology and operational practises.

According to BIG4 chairman Rodger Powell, the move will deliver "significant new benefits" to both guests and member parks.

He said that in the current uncertain economic times when the tourism industry was faced with high interest rates, increasing fuel costs and rapid change it was "exciting" to announce a new global commercial relationship.

"BIG4 has led the caravan and camping industry for the past 30 years, and this latest initiative further enhances our standing and leadership of this industry and as a key player in the wider Australian tourism industry," Mr Powell said.

Chief executive officer Terry Goodall said BIG4's relationship with KOA began in 1985 when reciprocal rights were established between their respective club programs, which allowed members to enjoy savings on accommodation when they visited KOA campgrounds in the USA or Canada, and vice versa.

"This new partnership will deliver state of the art technology and advanced business and customer management solutions to parks within the BIG4 Holiday Parks group," he continued.

"Our customers will also benefit from this relationship through a more personalised holiday experience for guests through the implementation of real time guest reservation services, significant enhancements to web information delivery, member loyalty rewards program, service training and a best-practice guest feedback system."

KOA chairman and chief executive officer Jim Rogers said the similarities between the two organisations made the partnership an extraordinary opportunity to share expertise, innovations and service solutions for the mutual benefit of all.

"Our employees, franchisees and guests are excited about our new family in Australia," he added.

As part of the agreement, BIG4 will also have the master licensing rights to KOA business systems for the New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and East Timor markets.

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