In recent years, particularly since the pandemic which saw many people explore the idea of a ‘staycation’, the travel and hospitality industry has witnessed a surge in demand for unique and impressive experiences. As part of this, glamping, short for glamorous camping, has emerged as a lucrative niche in the accommodation sector.
For those considering setting up a glamping business in the UK, we’ve put together this article that explores the potential return on investment of this venture and outlines the steps to launch a successful glamping business. As specialists in the field, the team here at The Tipi Company shares insights into the profitability of glamping ventures, shedding light on the exciting prospects that await if you successfully make this next step. Keep reading to find out more!
The UK, with its picturesque landscapes and diverse natural beauty, has become a hotspot for glamping enthusiasts. Glamping offers a happy middle ground between the rustic charm of camping and the luxury of traditional accommodations, making it an appealing option for a wide range of travellers.
It is this appeal that makes this venture so alluring for many business owners. Imagine being able to attract new customers from near and far with your very own glamping site. Sounds good, right?
Investing in a glamping business can bring substantial returns, and we are here to guide you through the key factors that contribute to its profitability.
Successful glamping ventures often thrive on their unique offerings. The allure of glamping lies in the unique accommodation options available, such as our glamping tipis. These structures not only provide a comfortable and stylish camping experience but also serve as a powerful marketing tool, attracting guests seeking a one-of-a-kind stay.
Choosing the right location is crucial for a profitable glamping business. Here in the UK, there is a whole range of picturesque settings, from rolling hills to coastal retreats, providing the ideal backdrop for a memorable glamping experience. The integration of unique activities, such as stargazing, nature walks, or outdoor workshops, is sure to enhance the overall guest experience and help contribute towards positive reviews and repeat business from happy customers. Due to their conical shape, tipis are naturally great in all weather and wind conditions, making it the perfect structure for any location.
The growing trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly travel is another factor contributing to the profitability of glamping businesses. Adopting a glamping business that promotes environmentally conscious practices would align with the preferences of many modern travellers, enhancing the appeal of your glamping site and attracting a conscious consumer base.
A strong brand and online presence is essential for reaching potential guests. When looking at how to start a glamping business, be sure to make use of all social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. These platforms can be very important for generating interest and reaching potential new customers.
Be sure to create an optimised website and engaging content to showcase the unique features of your glamping site. Providing potential guests with visually appealing imagery of your bespoke tipi design as well as collaborating with influencers to create a buzz around your business, is guaranteed to lead to bookings and increased revenue.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re linking back to your fancy, optimised website as much as possible!
As well as developing an organic social media strategy, you should also look to strategise paid efforts. Facebook and Instagram (Meta) ads allow you to narrow down your target audience through interests, demographics, and behaviours so that your ads will only appear to people actively interested in going glamping. As a channel, it is great for brand awareness and it’s an affordable option as you can spend as little or as much as you like.
You should also look at investing in Google Ads. Search queries for glamping sites increase drastically at the back end of Q1 into Q2 so it’s best to increase your spend on ads during these months as these are considered peak times in the industry. However, we would still recommend keeping activity live throughout the quieter months of the year to capitalise on any traffic but with a reduced budget.
The potential for profit doesn’t stop at the rental hire and occupancy rates; there are additional revenue streams to explore when it comes to running a glamping site. Adding a larger Big or Midi Hat as a centralised meeting and catering area, offering wood-fired pizzas, or a paying bar can also add revenue to your bottom line without taking on too much responsibility.
Now that we’ve established the profitability of glamping, let’s delve into the practical steps involved in launching your glamping business.
Start by carrying out thorough market research to identify potential competitors, target demographics, and popular glamping destinations. Draft a comprehensive business plan outlining your unique selling proposition, target audience, and financial projections. Research what wedding and event venues are nearby and use them as potential referral sites to promote local accommodation for their event guests.
You need to consider financial projections such as how many nights of occupancy are required for a glamping tipi to pay for itself, based on varying charge-out rates. This is key to understanding the potential profitability of your tipi business.
Ensure compliance with local regulations and obtain any necessary permits, licences, or planning permission for your glamping site. Familiarise yourself with health and safety requirements and other regulations to avoid legal complications down the line.
Select a picturesque and easily accessible location for your glamping site. Consider proximity to attractions, outdoor activities, and amenities whilst maintaining a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Be sure to consider things like disabled access and security against the unpredictable British weather.
Partner with a reputable company, such as The Tipi Company, to design and produce high-quality accommodations. Unique and well-crafted structures, like our tipi tents, can elevate the overall experience for your guests, contributing to positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals.
Offer a range of activities and amenities to cater to diverse interests. Consider collaborating with local businesses to enhance the guest experience and create a sense of community around your glamping site. You could host joint themed workshops, such as wreath-making in the winter and cocktail-making classes in the summer.
Venturing into the glamping business in the UK can be a lucrative endeavour, provided you approach it with careful planning and a commitment to providing a unique and memorable experience.
Here at The Tipi Company, we are here to help you, every step of the way. We build more than tipis, we help build businesses. For more information on our tipis, the types we have available, and how we can help transform your glamping site, get in contact with the team at The Tipi Company.