THE PARKIE WIN25 - Magazine - Page 38
FROM FLAT WHITES TO FRONT DESK FIXES:
FRANKIE BONADIO ON PARKS,
PEOPLE AND PMS
In the world of holiday parks, no two days are the same, and no tech solution should be
either. That’s where Frankie Bonadio comes in – RMS’s newest Business Development
Manager for Holiday Parks and Campgrounds, and someone who brings genuine park life
experience to the tech conversation.
With years of experience supporting parks and hotel
clients at RMS, Frankie understands the day-to-day
pressures park teams face. Having grown up in a
hospitality family and spending many school holidays
at parks around Australia, Frankie brings not just tech
expertise, but a genuine appreciation for the sense of
community and energy that define park life.
So, what do parks really need from their technology, and
where can tech make the biggest difference? Here’s
Frankie’s take.
Automate the chaos
During peak periods, time-saving automation isn’t
just helpful, it’s essential. The most effective parks
lean on their systems to handle tasks that don’t need a
human touch. Pre-arrival emails, contactless check-in,
automated rate adjustments, and scheduled payments
can all run in the background, giving staff more time to
focus on guests.
The goal isn’t to overhaul everything mid-season, but
to avoid firefighting. When common processes are
automated ahead of time, teams stay ahead of the rush
instead of reacting to it.
If it’s not broken, it might still be
slowing you down
It’s easy to stick with familiar systems, especially if they’ve
“always done the job.” But there’s a difference between
functioning and performing. Underutilised features or
outdated processes quietly create friction, whether
that’s through manual workarounds or a lack of custom
configuration to optimise daily operations. These missed
opportunities add up and quietly hold back your entire
operation.
The right platform doesn’t need to be complex or flashy,
but it does need to make your day easier. What matters
is ease of use, smart solutions, and support for the way
your park actually runs today, and tomorrow.
Bring your team into the process
One of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth
transition to new solutions or processes is to involve the
people who’ll be using them every day. Frontline staff
often have the clearest view of pain points and can flag
issues before they escalate. They’re also more likely to
support changes they’ve helped shape.
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Whether it’s rolling out online check-in or adjusting how
arrivals are handled, parks see better results when staff
are consulted early and their input is taken seriously.
Start with guest experience
At the end of the day, tech is only valuable if it improves
the experience, for guests and staff alike. A good example
is online check-in. It’s a small feature, with huge impact.
By reducing – or removing – that 3 p.m. front desk rush on
a Saturday, you can positively impact the whole tone of a
guest’s stay. Your guests will appreciate the convenience
and the smoother experience, while your staff benefit
from fewer queues and less stress.
It’s these kinds of improvements – simple, visible, and
easy to implement – that create the biggest ripple effects
across a park’s operation.
A smarter way forward
Good tech shouldn’t add complexity. It should remove
friction, support staff, and help deliver the kind of guest
experience that keeps people coming back. For holiday
parks and campgrounds, that means focusing on tools
that do the basics brilliantly – and building from there.
Whether you’re looking to simplify the day-to-day or
prepare for what’s next, Frankie’s someone who knows
the rhythm of park life – and how the right tech can
support it. He’s always up for a chat, a site visit, or a flat
white if you’re keen to compare notes.
