Boost Your Outdoor Business by Offering a Luxury Camping Experience: Glamping
One of the many trends in the hospitality and camping sectors that has caught on over the years is glamping. As many as 34% new campers in 2023 identify as glampers, according to Kampground of America’s (KOA) Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Series Report. Glamping’s popularity, which has seen exponential growth in the past five years, doesn’t show any signs of slowing down in the foreseeable future. Read on if you want to capitalize on this trend and attract a new set of leisure travelers with higher incomes willing to pay for a hassle and bug-free vacation.
Glamping: A Game-Changer in Outdoor Hospitality
The concept of glamping, which is combining camping with luxury amenities, is not new. It quickly became popular, especially among Gen Zs and millennials with children because of the luxury, tranquility, and convenience it offers, according to KOA’s report. Since 2024 has been named by Campspot as the Year of the Calm-Cation, it didn’t come as a surprise that the interest of potential-first time glampers is centered around “detox, recharging, water-based experiences and nature strolls”.
Glampers seek a holistic and well-balanced experience, centering on connections and recreation, emphasizing keen interest on wellness retreats, food tourism, unique accommodations, and natural events. This is on top of being tech savvy, hence, their Wi-Fi requirements both for work and play (KOA).
Glamping Essentials: Beyond the Basics for a Memorable Stay
Today’s discerning ‘glampers’ expect more than just a tent and a campfire. By going beyond the basics, you can transform your glampsite into a sought-after destination. Here is a list of essential amenities that will make your glamping offerings stand out from the rest:
- Unique accommodations: KOA’s report states that 29% of glampers prefer cabins and 15% prefer tiny homes, among other unique structures, to lend them that comfortable yet memorable outdoor experience. Many modern cabins and tiny homes are designed to include the amenities seen at home and at hotels, and they do not require huge upfront investment so you can easily upgrade your accommodation offerings without breaking the bank.
- Enhanced amenities: Glampers expect amenities like bathrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, on-site activities, and food service. These are necessary to make their stay outdoors as convenient and comfortable as possible.
- Technology integration: Glampers appreciate technology that enhances their experience, such as text message updates, RFID wristbands, and digital apps for security. Having all these will surely boost your ratings and review.
- Food tourism experiences: Glampers are interested in trying local cuisine and participating in food-related activities. A guided food tour or arranged cooking lessons with local restaurants will be a good way to satisfy your guests.
- Unique events and experiences: Glampers are drawn to natural events and unique experiences that they can’t find elsewhere. A good way to fulfill this glamping essential is to arrange activities or tours in a way that your guests can experience the local traditions of the community your business is in.
- Wellness offerings: Glampers are interested in wellness retreats and activities like outdoor yoga and meditation. Integrating morning yoga classes or bird watching and nature trails for the kids will surely keep your guests coming back.
By offering a combination of unique accommodations, enhanced amenities, guided experiences, technology integration, wellness offerings, food tourism experiences, and unique events, businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector can attract a large and growing client base in the glamping segment.
Reap the Rewards of a Thriving Market
The glamping industry is poised for continued growth and success. With glampers demonstrating a high likelihood of returning for future experiences, the sector can expect a loyal customer base, solidifying its position as a key player in the outdoor hospitality sector. Investing in this trend now will surely make your business reap the rewards of a thriving market.
References:
Campspot. (2024). 2024 Camping Trends Outlook & Destination index. 2024 Camping Trends Outlook. https://www.campspot.com/about/camping-trends
Kampgrounds of America. (2023). 2024 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report. Annual North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report | Trends in Camping. https://koa.com/north-american-camping-report/
