The hospitality industry thrives on innovation. Today’s travelers search for experiences that blend nature with luxury, a trend perfectly captured by the surging popularity of glamping. For those unfamiliar, glamping – (short for glamorous camping) – offers the chance to connect with the outdoors in style, with plush amenities replacing sleeping bags and flickering lanterns.
So, why should resort general managers consider adding glamping to their offerings? Here are a few reasons why glamping could be your resort’s next big hit:
- Attract a New Demographic: Glamping appeals to a wider audience than traditional resorts. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, crave unique experiences and are willing to pay for them. Glamping offers them a chance to escape the digital world and reconnect with nature, all while enjoying creature comforts.
- Boost Revenue: Luxury tents and unique add-ons like private chefs or stargazing experiences can command premium prices, increasing your resort’s revenue potential. Glamping can also extend your season by attracting guests who might not be interested in a traditional beach vacation during the shoulder months.
- Stand Out From the Crowd: In an increasingly competitive market, differentiation is key. Glamping allows you to create a unique selling proposition and position your resort as a leader in innovative hospitality experiences.
- Embrace Sustainability: Many glamping operators prioritize eco-friendly practices, which resonates with today’s environmentally conscious travelers. Using sustainable materials for the tents and minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment can enhance your resort’s image and attract eco-tourists.
Crafting Your Glamping Experience
Glamping isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. Consider your resort’s existing amenities and target audience when crafting your glamping experience. Here are some tips to make glamping a success:
- Location is Key: Choose scenic areas within your resort for the tents, offering privacy and stunning views. Consider locations near natural features like lakes, mountains, or beaches.
- Luxury Touches Matter: High-quality bedding, comfortable furniture, and en-suite bathrooms are essential for a truly glamorous experience. Don’t forget fluffy towels, plush robes, and luxurious toiletries.
- Curate Unique Experiences: Here’s where you can get creative and really make your glamping package stand out. Offer add-on experiences that cater to different interests:
- Adventure Glamping: Guided hikes, mountain biking tours, rock climbing clinics, or kayaking excursions.
- Wellness Glamping: Sunrise yoga classes, in-tent massages, private meditation sessions, or guided nature walks focused on mindfulness.
- Romance Glamping: Couples’ massages under the stars, private chef-prepared meals delivered to the tent, stargazing sessions with a professional astronomer, or romantic turndown service with rose petals and champagne.
- Culinary Glamping: Cooking classes with local chefs using fresh, seasonal ingredients, private wine tastings, or farm-to-table dinners served on the tent deck.
- Family Glamping: Scavenger hunts, campfire s’mores nights, guided nature walks specifically designed for children, or in-tent movie nights with popcorn and classic films.
Glamping presents a unique opportunity for resorts to tap into a growing market segment. By offering a luxurious escape into nature with curated experiences, resorts can attract new guests, boost revenue, and position themselves at the forefront of hospitality innovation. So, the next time you’re brainstorming ways to elevate your resort experience, consider the allure of the great outdoors – with a touch of five-star flair, and unforgettable memories under the stars.
You want to go deeper, we suggest Domeo Glamping Solutions and Glampstay Tents:
