Choice Hotels International has agreed to acquire RV travel membership company Harvest Hosts in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $130 million, expanding the hotel group’s reach into outdoor travel.
Announced on 30 September, the agreement covers 100% of Harvest Hosts, which Choice will acquire from growth equity firm Stripes and other shareholders. The deal is expected to close on 1 October 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
Harvest Hosts connects RV travellers with overnight stays at more than 11,200 host locations, including wineries, farms, breweries and museums. Its subscription model gives members access to places to stop while bringing visitors to local businesses.
Choice Looks Beyond Hotel Stays
The acquisition gives Choice a foothold in a travel category that it says already appeals to many of its hotel guests. According to the company, Choice Privileges loyalty members are particularly active in RV travel, creating opportunities to introduce them to the Harvest Hosts network.
“Choice Hotels has a long history of delivering quality travel experiences for value-minded consumers, and our acquisition of Harvest Hosts extends that reach into an attractive segment of the outdoor travel market. Together we offer even more stay options for both of our companies’ guests,” said Dom Dragisich, President and CEO of Choice Hotels International.
Choice sees scope to grow the membership business through its marketing capabilities and loyalty programme reach. The announcement did not detail any changes to Choice Privileges benefits or how the two companies’ offerings might be connected.
The purchase also fits Choice’s asset-light strategy, adding a subscription business that connects travellers with third-party host locations.
Harvest Hosts to Keep Its Brand and Leadership
Harvest Hosts will continue to operate as a standalone business under its existing name. Joel Holland will remain CEO alongside the current leadership team, and all Harvest Hosts employees will join Choice when the transaction closes.
“The heart and soul of Harvest Hosts is the unique connections we have built between our members, hosts and employees,” said Holland.
“We share a love of the open road and the communities that make every journey memorable. Joining forces with Choice Hotels gives us an incredible opportunity to bring that experience to more people and accelerate our mission of creating millions of happier campers and communities.”
Stripes invested in Harvest Hosts in 2021, working with Holland and the management team to expand its membership business and reach within the RV market.
How the Acquisition Will Be Funded
The deal carries an enterprise value of approximately $130 million. Choice plans to fund it through cash on hand and borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility.
The company said the acquisition is not expected to materially affect its 2026 financial results and leaves its previously announced share repurchase expectations unchanged.
