A Glamping Business: Have you thought about starting one?

[Sarah Riley]

With the popularity of programs like George Clarke's Amazing Spaces and the world press now getting involved, glamping has never been so popular.

The word itself was only added to the dictionary about 5 years ago. I have been involved in this industry for 7 years now and have seen it grow from something most knew little about to something that has its own trade shows, has major foreign events and celebrities that can't wait to get involved.

It has certainly changed in recent times!

I am a coach, trainer and mentor in this industry and give advice to small business owners and those wanting to kick the corporate job. Essentially I help people make major lifestyle shifts by setting up their own glamping business or by offering some kind of unique accommodation.

So I was interested to hear if you've heard about glamping, about offering it as a business and if you have considered doing something similar yourself?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Sarah

 

[AllUpHere]

I can't see why a coach or mentor would be required in this type of business. In my experience anyone wanting to start such a business isn't lacking enthusiasm or ideas, just marketing know-how, and money.

 

[Sarah Riley]

I'm interested to hear if readers have had any experience of setting up a glamping business...

 

[AllUpHere]

I'm interested to hear if you've had any experience of setting up a glamping business...

Not personally, but I've had several potential clients approach me wanting help with them. In each case, my professional advice to them was 'don't do it'. They certainly had the enthusiasm, but their numbers didn't stack up, and they thought marketing was something you did once you'd already decided how the business was going to operate.

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that the world is not short of people who think 'buy a field, built some yurts (did I spell that right) / cabins, have a happy life' is not a business plan.

 

[Sarah Riley]

You are totally right. But if the correct approach is taken and if business planning is paid attention to then it can be a very rewarding business.

 

[Scott@KarmaContent]

I went glamping this year, really enjoyed it but it was surprisingly cheap. Seems to be a very competitive market now, prices being driven down.

 

[AllUpHere]

You are totally right. But if the correct approach is taken and if business planning is paid attention to then it can be a very rewarding business.

I agree. If I were you I'd be concentrating on marketing yourself as an expert on the technicalities of such a business. People don't need a 'coach', they can do the fluffy bits themselves. What they need is someone who can give a professional opinion on the likelihood of getting planning at their desired location, or how to choose the best accommodation or location from a marketing perspective.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[Mitch3473]

I'm interested to hear if readers have had any experience of setting up a glamping business...

I'm interested to know if you have any financial involvement within the glamping industry other than coaching, training and mentoring people.

 

[The Byre]

I have this fantastic glamping idea. We give the punters really nice rooms with showers, baths and on-site parking, an evening meal and breakfast. They enjoy secure parking and a TV in their rooms and if we really let the boat out, a heated swimming pool, room service and wifi. Wow!

I think I'll call it an hotel. I tried a few in the EU and the US and (take it from me!) the idea seems to be really taking off!