Speaker on the recreation industry

Experience expert

1 hour

NL

SME,
Strategy,
Entrepreneurship,
Identity / Brand

Dealing with change,
Inform

The love for recreation started for Gertjan at age 15 on a campsite in Hardenberg. Today his mission is to future-proof the sector by uniting three forces: genuine hospitality, compelling storytelling and smart technology. As a speaker and entrepreneur, he shares not theory, but a clear vision and practical tools that recreation companies can use to grow immediately.

It all started with a vacation job. As a 15-year-old boy at a campsite in Hardenberg, Gertjan discovered the magic of the recreation industry: the joy of guests, the dynamics of the season and the art of hospitality. That early passion never faded and is at the core of his entrepreneurship.

Gertjan saw that the industry is changing and that success no longer rests on one pillar. His entire career has been dedicated to bringing together what he calls the "Golden Triangle.

Hospitality (The Heart): The Irreplaceable Human Connection. This is the foundation of everything he does and the reason he is so passionate about the industry.
Storytelling (The Story): A stay is more than a bed and a roof. With Theleisurestory.com and the new travel guides coming in the fall of 2025, Gertjan shows how to turn a location into a brand that guests connect with emotionally.
Technology (The Engine): Data and technology are not an end in themselves, but a tool for growth and better guest experiences. With Leisureflow he makes marketing and guest contact more personal and efficient, and with Groenstra Advies he translates this data into a winning business strategy.
Gertjan is the bridge between the traditional values of hospitality and the modern opportunities of digitalization. He speaks the language of both the campsite owner and the data analyst and knows better than anyone how to successfully connect these two worlds.

Gertjan offers customized lectures, but these are his most requested topics:

Signature Talk: The Golden Triangle: The Future of Recreation
In this keynote, Gertjan reveals his vision for the industry. He shows how the perfect balance between heart (hospitality), story (storytelling) and engine (technology) leads to more loyal guests, higher occupancy rates and a future-proof business. Full of inspiring cases and concrete action points.

The Tech-Friendly Host: How Data Enhances Hospitality
Is data a threat to personal contact? Gertjan proves otherwise. He shows how you can use data from your own systems to personalize the guest experience, reach the right target group and automate your marketing without losing the human touch.

Don't Sell an Overnight Stay, Sell an Unforgettable Story
Guests no longer choose based solely on price or location, but on experience. Learn the art of storytelling for your resort, campground or hotel. Discover how to build a strong brand, create content that touches and turn guests into ambassadors.

Looking Ahead: The Leisure Trends for 2026 and Beyond
What's ahead? Based on his work on the new travel guides and his in-depth market knowledge, Gertjan shares the key trends in sustainability, digitalization and changing consumer behavior. An essential session for any strategic planning.

What Does the Public Take Away?
A clear vision of the future of the recreation industry.
The "Golden Triangle" method to analyze and improve their own business.
Concrete, immediately applicable tips on marketing, data and storytelling.
Inspiration and energy to look at their own business with new eyes.

Share this act