The outdoor hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and glamping is at the forefront of this change. As more people seek unique and luxurious experiences in nature, glamping has become a popular choice. In this article, we will explore what glamping is, why it is becoming so popular, and how it can be a lucrative business opportunity for campground owners.
What Is Glamping?
Glamping, short for "glamorous camping," combines the comfort and amenities of a hotel with the natural beauty and adventure of traditional camping. Unlike typical camping, which often involves pitching a tent and sleeping on the ground, glamping offers a more luxurious experience. Accommodations can range from fully furnished tents and yurts to treehouses and tiny homes, complete with comfortable beds, electricity, and even private bathrooms.
Why Is Glamping So Popular?
Unique Experiences
One of the main reasons glamping has gained popularity is the unique experiences it offers. In a world where people are constantly connected to technology, glamping provides a perfect escape. It allows people to disconnect from their daily routines and reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. This combination of adventure and luxury appeals to a wide range of travelers, from families to couples and even solo adventurers.
Comfort and Convenience
Traditional camping can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially for those who are not experienced campers. Glamping, on the other hand, offers all the comforts of home while still allowing guests to enjoy the great outdoors. With amenities like comfortable beds, climate control, and private bathrooms, glamping makes it easy for anyone to enjoy nature without the hassles of traditional camping.
Dome Glamping near Cherhill, Alberta
Social Media Appeal
In the age of social media, people love to share their experiences online. Glamping sites are often designed with aesthetics in mind, making them perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. The unique and picturesque settings of glamping accommodations make them highly shareable, which in turn helps to promote the business and attract more guests.
Eco-Friendly Options
Many glamping sites are designed to be eco-friendly, using sustainable materials and practices. This appeals to environmentally conscious travelers who want to minimize their impact on the environment while still enjoying a luxurious experience. By offering eco-friendly options, glamping businesses can attract a growing market of eco-conscious consumers.
The Business of Glamping
Campground Development
For campground owners, adding glamping accommodations can be a profitable venture. Developing a glamping site involves more than just setting up a few tents. It requires careful planning and investment to create a unique and memorable experience for guests. This can include choosing the right location, designing aesthetically pleasing accommodations, and providing high-quality amenities. Partnering with an experienced civil engineer will ensure your project is viable. There are lots of considerations when selecting and developing a piece of land including zoning, bylaws, wetlands, traffic volume, drainage, permits, etc.
Diversifying Revenue Streams
Adding glamping accommodations to a traditional campground can help diversify revenue streams. Glamping tends to attract a different demographic than traditional camping, including those who may not typically consider camping as a vacation option. This means that campground owners can tap into a new market and increase their overall revenue.
Higher Rates
Glamping accommodations often command higher rates than traditional camping sites due to the added amenities and unique experiences they offer. Guests are willing to pay a premium for the comfort and luxury that glamping provides. This can lead to higher profit margins for campground owners.
Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing is crucial for the success of a glamping business. This includes creating a strong online presence, using social media to showcase the unique aspects of the glamping site, and leveraging user-generated content. Encouraging guests to share their experiences on social media can help attract more visitors and build a loyal customer base.
Tips for Starting a Glamping Business
Research and Planning
Before starting a glamping business, it is essential to conduct thorough research and planning. This includes understanding the target market, analyzing competitors, and identifying the best location for the glamping site. Planning should also involve creating a detailed business plan that outlines the goals, budget, and strategies for the business.
Location
Selecting a location requires plenty of research. Zoning, bylaws and other regulations will impact your development. Does your land parcel have wetlands? What is the soil composition? What kind of drainage is required to ensure your development isn't a mudpit? Will your development significantly increase the traffic in the area? These are some important questions to answer before you move forward with your campground development.
Choose the Right Accommodations
The type of accommodations offered can significantly impact the success of a glamping business. Options can range from luxury tents and yurts to treehouses and tiny homes. It is important to choose accommodations that align with the preferences of the target market and offer a unique and memorable experience.
Focus on Quality
Quality is key when it comes to glamping. This includes providing high-quality amenities, maintaining clean and well-kept facilities, and offering exceptional customer service. Attention to detail can make a significant difference in the guest experience and lead to positive reviews and repeat business.
Glamping at Glamp Good near Edmonton, Alberta
Invest in Marketing
Marketing is crucial for attracting guests to a glamping site. This includes creating a professional website, utilizing social media, and engaging with potential guests online. It is also important to leverage user-generated content by encouraging guests to share their experiences and photos on social media.
Glamping Experiences in Alberta
Charmed Resorts
Charmed Resorts specializes in storybook cottages near Pigeon Lake, Alberta are scheduled to open in the Spring 2025. Each cottage will have its own theme such as Shakespear, Snow White, Rapunzel, Dungeons and Castles, etc. to spark each glamper’s imagination and create a memorable weekend. The cottages are equipped with running water, power, kitchenettes, firepits and luxurious beds.
Half Moon Lake Resort
Half Moon Lake Resort has recently upgraded with upscale geodomes with modern furnishings located minutes from Edmonton, Alberta. There is no shortage of activities at this campground such as beach, pool, jumping pillow, mini golf, volleyball court, kayaking, paddleboarding, pickleball, etc.
Glamping in Cherhill, Alberta
An off-grid dome in Refuge Bay offers a comfortable way to escape from our busy lives and relax in their wood fired hot tub. Backwoods camping has an entirely different spin with options to order charcuterie boxes and lounging in their nest chair.
Elk Island Retreat Near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Elk Island Retreat offers Scandinavian Yurts with skylights designed for stargazing. Be sure to order a charcuterie board in advance to enhance your backwoods experience. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to make new memories.
Bison at Elk Island National Park, Alberta
The Path Forward
Glamping represents the future of outdoor hospitality, offering a unique and luxurious experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers. For campground owners, adding glamping accommodations can be a profitable venture that attracts new guests and diversifies revenue streams. By focusing on quality, providing unique experiences, and investing in effective marketing, campground owners can successfully tap into the growing glamping market and create a memorable and profitable business.
Whether you are a seasoned campground owner or someone looking to start a new venture, glamping offers exciting opportunities in the outdoor hospitality industry. As the demand for unique and luxurious outdoor experiences continues to grow, now is the perfect time to consider adding glamping accommodations to your business.
If you are looking for experienced civil engineering company to guide you through the development process across Alberta, be sure to engage with Bolson Engineering and Environmental Services. We will be happy to consult with you as your trusted engineering partner.
