THE LUXURY ESCAPE

In an increasingly competitive and diverse market, holiday park and campsite owners are continuously looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve. One of the most significant shifts in the industry in recent years has been the rise of *glamping* which is a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping.”

While traditional camping continues to have a strong appeal, especially among seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, glamping caters to a new audience, those seeking to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort and luxury.

Glamping is no longer a niche trend, it’s a booming sector that is reshaping the outdoor hospitality industry. For holiday park and campsite managers, offering glamping options can be a key differentiator and revenue booster. So, let’s explore the reasons why glamping is essential for your site and how it can benefit your business.

GLAMPING UNITS, such as luxury tents, cabins, or eco-pods, can be marketed at higher price points compared to traditional camping pitches.

A BROADER AUDIENCE
Traditional camping often appeals to a certain type of traveller: individuals and families who are comfortable with minimalist setups and enjoy the rugged charm of the outdoors.

However, there is a growing segment of consumers who love nature but are less enthusiastic about pitching a tent or braving the elements with limited amenities.

This is where glamping really shines. By offering luxurious tents, yurts, pods, cabins, or even treehouses, you can attract a broader audience, suiting all ages and groups.

Glamping offers the perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it accessible to people who might never have considered a traditional camping holiday. By expanding your offerings, you’re not just catering to campers — you’re appealing to a whole new market segment.

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HIGHER REVENUE
Offering glamping accommodations can significantly boost your revenue. Glamping units, such as luxury tents, cabins, or eco-pods, can be marketed at higher price points compared to traditional camping pitches.

While a standard tent pitch might be charged at £25-£40 per night, a glamping unit could range from £80 to upwards of £250 per night, depending on the amenities and location. Moreover, glamping accommodations often attract longer stays, particularly among guests seeking to truly unwind in a luxurious natural setting.

This means not only higher nightly rates but also a potential increase in overall occupancy rates and seasonal bookings. Although the initial investment in glamping infrastructure may be higher than traditional camping setups, the return on investment (ROI) is often quick.

High-quality glamping structures are built to last, and because they command premium pricing, you can recoup your costs relatively quickly while enjoying ongoing profitability.

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ENHANCED GUEST EXPERIENCE
One of the primary benefits of offering glamping options at your holiday park is the elevated guest experience. Glamping appeals to those who appreciate thoughtful design, comfort, and unique accommodation options — think plush bedding, en-suite bathrooms, stylish decor, and even private hot tubs.

The attention to detail and high-end amenities in glamping accommodations create a memorable experience that guests are likely to rave about, both in person and online. Satisfied guests are more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your park to friends and family, further boosting your brand reputation.

With platforms such as TripAdvisor and social media playing a huge role in influencing consumer decisions, offering standout accommodations like glamping pods can help ensure your holiday park maintains a steady stream of glowing feedback and repeat visitors.

THE DEMAND FOR GLAMPING shows no signs of slowing down.

ECO-FRIENDLY APPEAL
Modern travellers are increasingly aware of their environmental impact, and many are seeking eco-friendly accommodation options that align with their values.

Glamping, with its focus on blending luxury with nature, often incorporates sustainable practices such as solar-powered lighting, composting toilets, and eco-friendly building materials. Holiday park owners who offer glamping accommodations can use this as a selling point, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.

Eco-conscious travellers are willing to pay more for experiences that allow them to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving a heavy footprint. Investing in eco-friendly glamping units not only broadens your appeal but also enhances your brand as a leader in sustainable outdoor hospitality.

GLAMPING APPEALS to those who appreciate thoughtful design, comfort, and unique accommodation options.

FUTURE-PROOFING
The demand for glamping shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it is expected to grow as travellers continue to seek out unique, memorable experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to a surge in outdoor holidays, as people have become more aware of the importance of nature and space.

Glamping perfectly aligns with these trends, offering seclusion, luxury, and a closer connection to nature — all while maintaining the safety and hygiene standards guests now expect. By investing in glamping, you are future-proofing your holiday park or campsite.

Glamping offers versatility and scalability, allowing you to adjust your offerings as guest preferences evolve. You can start with a few units and expand based on demand, adding innovative designs or amenities to keep your accommodation options fresh and exciting.

BY INVESTING IN GLAMPING, you are future-proofing your holiday park or campsite.

INVEST IN YOUR PARK’S FUTURE
Glamping is more than just a trend, it’s a sustainable, lucrative addition to any holiday park or campsite. By offering glamping options, you can attract a broader audience, boost your revenue, and enhance guest satisfaction, all while aligning your business with the growing demand for unique and eco-friendly experiences.

Holiday park managers who embrace the glamping trend are positioning their parks for long-term success. Whether you’re located in a scenic coastal area, a tranquil countryside setting, or a bustling tourist destination, glamping is a valuable way to differentiate your business, diversify your revenue streams, and create a unique offering that guests will love to return to year after year.

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, the key to staying competitive is offering experiences that resonate with modern travellers — and there’s no better way to do that than with the glamour of glamping.

 

Winter Wonderlands

Winter Wonderlands

Park owners are feeling optimistic about the winter months ahead and are gearing up for busy festive period.

Park owners are feeling optimistic about the winter months ahead and are gearing up for busy festive period.

Long gone are the days when the end of the summer signalled a sharp decline in holiday park visitor bookings. Autumn now sees only a minor let-up in the volume of touring guests and holiday home owners, and even the winter months can generate a satisfying hum of activity at parks across the country. Having reaped the rewards of a bumper summer season, park owners are feeling optimistic about the winter months ahead and are gearing up for busy festive period. “Holiday homes and touring units are now much better equipped for four-season use, both in terms of insulation and heating. But what we’re also seeing, I think, is that people no longer regard holidays as something you have to plan for months in advance,” says Henry Wild, director of Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Cumbria. “There’s a much greater spontaneity to decision-making, perhaps due in part to the way in which the internet and social media are making things happen in the here and now. “If you want to buy a product on-line or communicate via Twitter, for example, it happens almost instantly – so why wait if the idea of a short break suddenly appeals?” Henry continues: “Another motivator for out-of-season bookings, I believe, is that people no longer go away just to relax by slowing their lives down. Both younger families and older folk want to inject an element of activity into their stay, so there’s less reason to limit holidays to the times when the sun is most likely to shine.” Henry, who is also National Chairman of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, says that many holiday home owners enjoy planning their autumn and winter visits to coincide with stays by others they have come to know on the park. “I think a lot of couples and families value greatly the friendships they have struck up with other owners, and perhaps feel there’s a greater community spirit here among people of a similar age and outlook than they experience back home,” he says.

TAILORED BREAKS

Winter 3

Winter is one of the busiest times of the year at Potters in Norfolk.

Autumn and winter are strong times of the year for Potters Resort in Norfolk when the park has over 700 guests staying there at any one time. Its range of midweek, family, weekend and one night special breaks are all popular during the season and are enhanced by the park’s comprehensive entertainment and activity programme. “We’re open all year round and our prices are kept in line all year round, so a break in November, December and January is pretty much the same price as you’d pay in the spring or summer,” comments managing director John Potter. “We offer midweek breaks for more mature adults featuring tailored activities such as bowls, family breaks featuring family friendly activities and entertainment and weekend with friend and one night special breaks for adults wanting to enjoy their weekend and enjoy great nights out with fantastic entertainment.” A highlight of Potters’ entertainment offering this year is the annual Christmas Spectacular ‘The Great Christmas Songbook’, performed by Potters Theatre Company. The show will take guests on a Sleigh Ride of classic hits, showcasing decades of music from 50s classics such as Frosty The Snowman and Let it Snow, to eighties favourites Merry Christmas Everyone and Last Christmas. During the season, the resort will be decked with Christmas trees and lights and guests will be greeted on arrival with a mince pie and glass of mulled wine. There will also be reindeer visiting on Christmas Eve and fireworks and a traditional countdown to 2016 on the New Year break.

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