How to Start a Glamping Business

Starting a glamping business is an exciting venture that combines the charm of outdoor camping with the comfort and luxury of high-end accommodations. As more travellers look to enjoy unique and memorable experiences, the glamping industry rapidly grows, presenting plenty of business opportunities for those in the market.  

Knowing how to start a glamping business can appear daunting at first. There are plenty of things to consider from the different types of accommodation to where to set up, the costs involved and much more. Luckily enough, we’re here to help guide you through many of these questions. 

In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to start a glamping business, from choosing the perfect location to marketing your unique offerings. Whether you’re passionate about hospitality, love the great outdoors, or are simply looking for a profitable business idea, launching a glamping business could be your path to success.

Before we dive into the specifics of starting a glamping business first, let’s define what it is. The term glamping is used as an abbreviation for glamorous camping. It provides a unique and luxurious experience for those looking for lavish accommodations in the great outdoors. 

Unlike traditional camping, where guests sleep in tents with minimal facilities, glamping accommodations can include luxurious tents, yurts, treehouses, or cabins equipped with plenty of added amenities. From comfortable beds to electricity, private bathrooms, and even Wi-Fi, this type of break differs from traditional camping. 

The fusion of nature and luxury allows travellers to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the outdoors without sacrificing modern comforts.

With a variety of accommodation options, there are plenty of glamping business ideas to choose from. This provides those looking to venture into this market with a ton of ways to differentiate themselves. 

Glamping comes in various forms, each offering a unique blend of nature and comfort. This allows business owners to cater to different tastes and preferences. One popular type is the luxury tent, which ranges from safari-style tents to bell tents and tipis. These accommodations are often furnished with cosy beds, high-quality decor, and sometimes even climate control systems. 

Another favourite glamping option is the yurt, a circular tent-like structure traditionally used by nomads in Central Asia. Modern yurts are often equipped with hardwood floors, plush furnishings, and even kitchen facilities, blending rustic charm with modern amenities. 

Treehouses are also a sought-after glamping choice, offering a unique experience of sleeping high among the treetops. These structures can range from simple platforms with tents to fully equipped cabins complete with electricity, running water, and heating. 

Additionally, tiny homes and cabins provide a more solid, weather-resistant option while still maintaining a close connection to nature. With features like kitchenettes, bathrooms, and cosy sleeping areas, these structures offer a homey feel in a natural setting, making glamping accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of travellers.

If you’re looking to differentiate your glamping offering further, there are also options to add extra amenities to your accommodations. Things like pools, hot tubs and additional activities can help customers choose your business over your competitors. 

It’s important to first assess the type of glamping business you’re looking to venture into as this will help build the foundation for your next steps.

The difference between traditional accommodation options and glamping sites is that these sites don’t require prime tourist locations. Those looking for a break in nature are often in pursuit of a secluded destination surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of outdoor adventures. 

A glamping site should offer the perfect blend of accessibility and off-the-beaten path, providing visitors with access to tranquil surroundings with ease. It’s also important to consider facilities when choosing where to start your business. A good water supply and electricity need to be taken into consideration, providing guests with the comforts of upscale accommodation. 

Many glamping businesses position themselves near woodland, by water or nestled away in the countryside. These places are ideal for those looking for a break away from the hustle and bustle while enjoying a luxurious stay.

To help you get started on your next venture, it’s useful to create a glamping business checklist. We’ve put together a few key things to consider to help get you started. 

From planning permission to creating a business plan, marketing and advertising and more, keep reading to learn about what it takes to set up a successful glamping business below. 

Planning Permission

When starting a glamping business, planning permission is a crucial consideration. Different regions have varying laws, so it’s essential to address this early in the process.

The type of planning permission required depends on your location. In the UK, for instance, the government mandates planning permission for glamping sites operating for 28 days or more per year.

It’s advisable to consult your local council to determine if planning permission is necessary before launching your glamping business. Failing to secure the required permissions can lead to restrictions and financial complications down the line.

A Glamping Business Plan 

A glamping business plan is essential for those looking to move into this market. It is important to do this at the start of your process to ensure things like income, finances, laws and regulations and more are all taken into consideration. Business planning also helps clarify your thoughts, helping you see how profitable or worthwhile your idea is. 

Business plans are also required for those seeking funding and investment for their glamping and will also help determine time frames for returns and profits. There are some great glamping business plan templates that can help get you started. These include everything you need to know about starting your business, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. 

Marketing and Advertising

Good marketing is an essential part of any business, especially those looking to move into glamping. This helps customers know who you are, what you do and how you differ from competitors. There are a ton of tools out there and determining the one for you will depend on what you aim to get out of your marketing efforts. 

We recommend considering getting a good website in place for your glamping business as more people are booking their trips online. Social media profiles are also effective for getting your business known and attracting potential customers. 

Before investing in marketing, we recommend outlining your target market. Knowing the types of people you are trying to reach will also help determine the marketing platforms that will work best for your business. With different demographics using a variety of marketing channels, you want to ensure you’re easily identified when searching for their next glamping break. 

Understanding Your Competition

Understanding your competition is crucial when starting a glamping business because it helps you identify market gaps and differentiate your offerings. By analysing what other glamping sites provide, their pricing strategies, and customer reviews, you can pinpoint areas where you can excel or offer something unique.

Knowing your competition provides invaluable market insights, allowing you to tailor your services to meet unmet needs, attract a specific target audience, and create a distinct brand identity. Additionally, researching your competition informs your marketing and promotional strategies. Observing how successful glamping businesses attract and retain customers helps you adopt effective marketing tactics and identify the best channels for reaching potential guests. 

Researching your competition also enables you to set competitive pricing and value propositions that stand out in the market. In a growing industry like glamping, staying informed about trends among your competitors ensures that your business remains relevant and appealing, helping you continuously attract new customers and retain loyal ones.

Starting a glamping business involves varying costs influenced by several factors. Key considerations include location, type of accommodation, and the level of luxury offered, all of which impact financial planning. Land acquisition or leasing is a significant initial expense, ranging from lower sums to substantial investments depending on the location’s size and appeal.

Infrastructure costs are another critical consideration. Expenses for installing water, electricity, and sewage systems can escalate startup expenditures significantly. Conducting thorough research and obtaining estimates for these essential services before investing is vital. Ongoing maintenance of infrastructure also affects operational overheads, requiring careful budgeting.

In addition to setup costs, building and decorating accommodations with furnishings is essential. These expenditures can amount to several thousand pounds per unit. Allocating funds for effective marketing and promotional campaigns is also needed for attracting guests and establishing a brand presence from the outset.

Operational expenses, such as insurance, maintenance, staffing, and utilities, should be integrated into comprehensive financial planning. Costs vary depending on business scale and service offerings, however, outlining these in your business plan should help secure investment or loans to help get you started.

Similar to the costs associated with a glamping business, what you can earn will also vary. There are several factors to consider including seasonality, competition, your offering, marketing efforts, plus much more. These will all impact earnings, which is why a solid business plan is needed before starting. 

Successful glamping sites can generate substantial income, often exceeding traditional camping revenues due to higher nightly rates and added amenities. With this in mind, it makes for a profitable business idea for those who are looking to invest in the initial start-up and ongoing maintenance of a glamping site. 

On average, glamping accommodations in the UK can generate anything from £100 to £300 or more per night, depending on the level of luxury and exclusivity. With occupancy rates often exceeding those of traditional hotels or B&Bs during peak seasons, the revenue potential can be significant. This allows business owners to take advantage of this unique opportunity, with the right planning and preparation creating an excellent return on investment.

It is clear to see that glamping businesses provide an exciting and unique opportunity for many. With the demand for this type of accommodation growing, there are more than enough ways to differentiate yourself in the increasingly popular market. 

With the right planning and preparation, a glamping business can provide a fun and profitable experience. We hope that the tips above have provided a useful way to start planning your glamping venture and you can now begin your journey with all this information in mind. 

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