l mping G INTERNATIONAL
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ISSUE 23 NOVEMBER 2020
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021
GLAMPING SHOWS UK & USA REVIEWS NEW: INVESTMENT & LOW SEASON ONLINE EVENTS GLAMPING INNOVATIONS INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION FOR GLAMPING OPERATORS Gl mping 00 BUSINESS
International Glamping Business is published by:
l mping G
Upgrade Publishing
INTERNATIONAL
Registered address: 47 Oliver Close London W4 3RL
BUSINESS
Publishers: Upgrade Publishing Steph Curtis-Raleigh e: steph@upgradepublishing.com Editor: Will Rusbridge
Welcome to the November Issue of International Glamping Business. The UK is currently seeing out the end of the year in another lockdown with the hopes that we will be able to meet up with family and friends for the Christmas period. But with the promising news of successful vaccines being available in the not too distant future, it’s time to look ahead to what 2021 has in store for us.
Sales: Kathryn Kelly t: +44 (0) 7575 408580 e: kath@upgradepublishing.com Social Media Editor: Annabelle Hilton Design: Dean Coulter Design on Tap www.designontap.co.uk
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Other Events: The Glamping Show w: www.glampingshow.com
This issue features a look at Shred & Butta written by Zoe Holland of Juggling on Rollerskates, an interview with Glamping Innovations founder Sara Gladstone and follows the story of the first Bear Grylls branded camp accommodation opening in 2021 in the UAE. There are also show reports for both The Glamping Show UK and The Glamping Show USA. We also take a look at the upcoming Low Season Travel Eco Hotel Summit due to take place online on the 26th of November and Eco Hotel Investment Summit which will take place online on January 27th and 28th as well as looking ahead to see what 2021 has in store for the glamping industry. On top of this, you will also find a round-up of all the latest glamping industry news and products.
e: dan.w@theglampingshow.com
Will
Glamping Show USA
Editor, International Glamping Business
w: www.glampingshow.us e: david@glampingshow.us Eco Hotel Summit w: www.ecohotelsummit.com e: contact@ecohotelsummit.com
CONTENTS
Š Upgrade Publishing Ltd. International Glamping Business is published 6 times a year.
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Product News
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Looking Ahead to 2021
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27
Shred & Butta
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Glamping Innovations
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No reproduction of any part of the magazine is permitted, nor storage in a retrieval system without prior consent of the publisher. No commercial exploitation is permitted. No warranty is implied in respect of any product or trader mentioned herewith. Prizes offered in competitions might be substituted with ones of similar value.
The Glamping Show UK Show Report The Glamping Show US Show Report Bear Grylls Experiential Explorer Camp Opens in UAE Low Season Travel Eco Hotel Summit Preview
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In the next issue: BREXIT
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PRODUCTNEWS CREATE A FUN-PACKED PLAYGROUND AT YOUR ATTRACTION THAT WILL CREATE A UNIQUE VISITOR EXPERIENCE! Timotay Playscapes design, manufacture and install natural playgrounds across the UK, and are home to inspirational outdoor spaces. Inspired by the natural environment, Timotay create unique designs that are sympathetic and compliment your landscape and setting. So, whether you are looking to add a climbing frame, zip wires, tree houses, swings, shelters, seating areas or an entire play space environment – Timotay can help. With Timotay Playscapes, you are accessing a team of award-winning experts, who have created award-winning outdoor play spaces. Using natural materials and creative thinking to create a unique and inspiring leisure attractions, with play value and visitor experience at the heart of what they do. For a fun packed playground adventure that is sure to attract new visitors, with returning visitors rushing to visit again, contact Timotay Playscapes for a FREE consultation! www.timotayplayscapes.co.uk enquiries@timotayplayscapes.co.uk about the weather. Joseph’s answer was to build the seat backs up to become walls and increase the height of the flue over the firebowl allowing a roof to unite the two, providing shelter. And lo! The Qorone was born!
INTRODUCING THE QORONE A design innovation that bridges the gap between tensile and solid structures. Believe it or not, it was happenchance that lead to the development of The Qorone. Working in the festival industry, its inventor Joseph Peace, was tasked with curating a firebowl and seating for the glamping area of a festival. He created a lovely, welcoming space, but was concerned
The original Qorone is an 8m diameter 12sided structure touring festivals as a music venue, regularly packed to the rafters with dozens of people dancing on the inbuilt benches, enjoying singalongs around the piano. Universally admired, the aesthetic of the polygon shape, outward leaning walls and multisectional canvas roof led to many enquires about whether they were available to buy. Along came the virus and with all events cancelled, Joseph and his team finally had an opportunity to produce Qorones for sale. Perfect for glamping accommodation, Qorones bring the best of solid glamping structures together with a canvas roof and a beautiful central flat-topped woodburner, perfect for cooking. The outward leaning walls not only create a welcoming space and look great, but add strength by triangulating the structure, the angle
carefully chosen to create the most comfortable inbuilt benches and bed headboards. Qorones are available in 13 sizes from 8 walls, a roomy yet cosy couple or family accommodation, all the way up to 20 walls, which at 13m diameter and 140 square metres floor space, could easily be sectioned off into 6 king size en suite bedrooms along with generous kitchen/dining/living areas. Or leave the space open and it’s ideal for weddings, parties, outdoor (but indoor!) dining, concerts etc. Being festival tested over four years, Qorones are proven to resist anything the British weather can throw at them, and they can certainly handle a party! Centrally placed and integral to the structure, the hearth really is the heart of the Qorone. Choose a beautiful 8-sided woodburning stove, best for accommodation use, or a 12-sided firebowl and hood for communal/event/party space. We are sure Qorones will be a big hit on the Glamping scene! www.qorone.com
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PRODUCTNEWS MAKE THE MOST OF STAYCATIONS WITH BOND
With the British staycation now being at the heart of many family’s holiday plans it is crucial to offer your guests a unique, luxury experience that will set your location apart from the rest. BOND have been creating custom structures for over 30 years at their Gloucestershire workshops, serving the outdoor hospitality market with bespoke designed permanent tents, luxury glamping accommodation and more. The large steel-framed luxury Safari Tents and Master Safari Lodges are designed to be in place year-round and use the highest performance
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outdoor textiles available. With wood burning stoves and insulating linings this extends the typical ‘camping’ season beyond the warmer summer months. Bond safari tents and bespoke structures lend themselves to individually styled interiors creating a striking visual brand. Having several standard sizes to choose from and a full bespoke design service available, they can provide your location with exclusive accommodation aimed at the higher end of the market turning your land into a profitable glamping business.
Working with UK structural engineers Bond have an experienced high-tech approach balanced alongside traditional British Manufacturing and hand-finished detailing, priding themselves on the quality of their structures. Featuring robust steel frames, complete custom interior layout, year-round fully weatherproof fabrics, optional insulating lining and installation service, they offer a tailored design service including site visits. Quality, and client-led design are at the forefront of their client relationships along with ongoing support reaching far beyond the point of sale. A range of glowing testimonials are available on their website. Luxury and an individual style seem to be the key for most clients, whether for the interior finish and facilities offered within one of their Luxury Safari Tents or perhaps designing a structure to be used as a shared social space. The overall finish has got to be high quality, Instagram-worthy and above all offer a strong visual-identity giving their clients an online presence that will really work for them. All structures are designed and made at their UK factory in Gloucestershire and they can also offer a ‘covid-safe’ visit to a fully furnished safari tent nearby. www.bondfabrications.co.uk
PRODUCTNEWS GREENMECH RATIONALISE DEALER COVERAGE IN SOUTH OF ENGLAND GreenMech Ltd have announced a rationalisation of their dealer network in the South and South East, which will see an expansion in coverage area for existing dealer GA Groundcare Ltd, with effect from 1st January 2021. Operating from their purpose-built depot in Poulshot, Wiltshire, GA Groundcare Ltd will become exclusive to the GreenMech franchise, offering supply and support across the full pedestrian, road-tow and tracked chipper portfolio – together with stocking a comprehensive range of GreenMech replacement parts. Having
originally been appointed in 2017 for the counties of Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, the success of the partnership sees their territory extended to cover Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Commenting on the expanded area, GA Groundcare Ltd Director Ashley Stevens said, “With over 9 years of experience working with the GreenMech product line, I am
delighted to be offered the opportunity to develop this further across a broader territory. We will be increasing our sales and aftermarket resources to ensure we can deliver advice and support to customers, both existing and new.” All existing warranties relating to GreenMech chippers, sold by Hunt Forest Group and Burden Bros Agri, will continue to be supported by GA Groundcare Ltd.
competition and excitement to any setting. With the ability to be customized to fit the topography and landscape of almost any setting, the RallyRACER offers an unmatched design flexibility.
RALLYRACER BY PROSLIDE Since 1987, ProSlide has led the water ride industry by designing and manufacturing attractions for new and expanding water parks, campgrounds, and other attraction destinations. Their passion for innovative water ride technology has led to the creation of many of the world’s most popular family attractions. ProSlide’s highperforming water rides can be customized to fit the size and vision of any water park, campground, or leisure destination both indoor and outdoor. Their rides are
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expertly engineered with the highest standards of quality and safety, purposefully designed to drive repeat ridership that keeps guests immersed and entertained. One such ProSlide attraction is the patented RallyRACER – a high-speed competitive racer that creates exciting head-to-head experiences. The RallyRACER has reinvented the water park mat racer by bringing high levels of
ProSlide’s RallyRACER establishes the competitive ride experience right from the outset as riders launch themselves into a head-to-head racing start. Speeding through the flume, ProSlide’s patented RallyPOINTS – u-shaped flume and low divider walls at key touchpoints in the race – allow riders to see and hear their competition in a high-speed race to the finish line. The RallyRACER also offers a level of longevity that cements its status as an attraction with long-lasting appeal. Mat racers have been present in water parks since the 1980s, but the RallyRACER is a complete transformation on the classic racer, creating a timeless water ride at the peak of its technological innovation. The RallyRACER is a future-proof ride built to entertain guests for decades to come. www.proslide.com
Build Your Own Shepherd Huts Using parts, plans and our step by step guides
Build to a size that suits you
Call 01262 470475 or visit www.shepherd-huts.com and click on the ‘self-build’ page
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PRODUCTNEWS pandemic has only accelerated its popularity.
Wigwam Holidays
There’s never been a better time to diversify your land A recent NFU survey found that 65% of farmers have diversified in some way and 48% of farmers are planning to start a diversification project or extend the one they already have up and running. Diversification projects have become essential for farmers to ensure a stable source of income not dictated by governments or weather. Farm diversification projects offer farmers the chance to make use of their land in different ways and secure financial security for their families. Glamping is one of the best means of diversification available to landowners today.
and work your way up 2) A £25000 luxury glamping unit can earn the same as £150000 holiday cottage. 3) You’ll have more people on site which means more opportunity for selling things like farm goods and firewood. 4) Starting your journey of farm diversification with a glamping business gives you a great foundation for other business ventures you may want to start in the future - you will already have people on your land. 5) Glamping is an industry that is growing at pace and the current
The benefits of a franchise model for your farm are clear and plentiful. Not only can Wigwam Holidays help you with planning, but banks are much more likely to lend if they see that you are investing in a proven and successful franchise model. When it comes to actually running your site, you can learn everything you need to know with access to the ‘Wigwam Academy’, a learning database with hundreds of useful videos and tutorials. By joining the Wigwam Holidays community, you become part of a network of over 80 glamping sites around the UK where you can learn from lots of landowners who just like you, made the decision to diversify. With quarterly seminars and an annual conference, there are many opportunities for learning and networking which means you’ll have someone to call when things get difficult - this can be a lifeline for people in the glamping industry. Wigwam holidays charge a small commission on accommodation turnover, and with just a few acres, you could have 6 Wigwams up and earning money in next to no time. www.wigwamholidays.com/franchise
Glamping The huge benefit of glamping over other diversification options like holiday cottages or renewables is that start-up costs are likely to be considerably lower and there is more opportunity for scaling your farm diversification project up. There is also a greater opportunity to make additional revenue streams for selling things like firewood, farm goods, coffee, pizzas - you name it, the upsell in this industry can make up more than 10% of your total revenue. There are a number of benefits to investing in glamping for farm diversification. 1) You can start small
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PRODUCTNEWS
HSE-Accredited Misting For Quicker Turnarounds and Peace of Mind
Cleaning between guests’ stays is more important than ever but it is also fraught with issues. Environmentally friendly hospitality businesses are torn between using harsh chemicals and ensuring that accommodation is completely sanitised. Some are forced to remove soft furnishings and accessories in order to minimise the risk and make certain that guests feel as confident as possible. What’s more, hosts are advised to leave up to 72 hours between occupants, which then affects profitability, at a time when every penny counts. Sanitising mists are not a new concept and there have been reports of some unscrupulous companies that have been taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to promote ineffective chemical formulas. Kora Dry Mist is different – it has received written permission from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to offer its sanitiser within the UK to assist in combatting Covid19. It is a non-toxic, non-corrosive biocide, which is safe to humans and animals but – when applied as a fog – can kill all surface and airborne viruses within minutes. Incredibly, only 10 minutes after misting, guests can enter the room in complete safety.
In addition to eradicating Covid19, the Kora solution will also help stop the spread of the common cold, flu, stomach upsets and many more illnesses which can infiltrate and disrupt hospitality and leisure venues, schools, businesses and homes*. “The Kora Dry Mist is perfect for glamping sites and holiday parks, as it works equally well on canvas and soft furnishings as it does on hard surfaces,” says Simon Barff, Managing Director of TBA Environmental, UK supplier. “What’s more, it is kind to the environment, in line with the ethos of this type of business. It’s not necessary to remove any of the soft furnishings and décor, which make glamping and holiday home accommodation so appealing. It is also unnecessary to waste hours of valuable occupancy time – or waste hours scrubbing and scouring between bookings. In fact, in addition to the convenience of Kora, the biggest benefit is the complete peace of mind the product affords both hosts and guests. That is priceless – whatever the circumstances.” Every premises using the Kora Dry Mist solution will be fully certified as Covid Secure and can add this process to their Risk Assessment Register and advise their insurance providers accordingly**.
TBA Environmental has an in-house team looking after client training and quality control and has partnered with Clear Cool, a company with over 30 years of experience in providing the highest quality service and support to the hospitality industry, to enable a nationwide network of specialists to support its clients. Services include a one-off emergency deep clean to a contracted daily/weekly disinfection service. n Ontime Deep Sanitiser service n Contracted Covid Sanitising n Fogging Equipment Rental n Solution Supply n PPE Supply n Certification n Staff Training For more information on services and pricing please contact info@tbaenvironmental.com * For the full list of Viruses, Bacteria and Microbes killed by KDM visit the technical spec page @ tbaevironmental.com. **NB: Certification will be registered on an ongoing basis only as long as the misting services are maintained. Stopping the process or services will result in the certification being withdrawn.
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Our fantastic range includes traditional, contemporary, double storey and low profile designs to sleep or host a range of guests. Glamping Pods from £3,685 and Log Cabins from £1,394.
UNIQUE 01389 887205
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PRODUCTNEWS OUTSTANDING PRESENTS GLAMPING WEBINAR world, participants can see and hear the presenter and ask questions, without being visible. In other words, Outstanding brings all information to you at work or at home and all you have to do is sign up, open your laptop and log in on January 5th! In just 75 minutes they’ll take you by the hand to show you the wonderful world of glamping, it’s ins-and-outs, lessons learned, and some inspiring stories. Their first episode was a great success and they’re already preparing the second episode on Tuesday January 5th.
HOW TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN GLAMPING During these webinars they dive into the Glamping industry’s increasing consumer interest, the components of a successful glamping operation, and a few success stories and lessons learned from industry veterans around the world. Together with different specialists in glamping they’ll be exploring the wonderful world of glamping and it’s ins-and-outs.
Do you need help starting up your glamping? Are you interested in the components of a successful glamping operation? Then you should definitely sign up for the free Glamping webinars hosted by Outstanding. With their webinar series, entirely devoted to glamping, they have found the perfect way to share their knowledge of and experience with successful glamping businesses. For those unfamiliar with webinars, it’s an online seminar or live presentation that takes place on the internet. From all over the
During these webinars you will learn: n The ins-and-outs of Glamping. n How to get started in Glamping. n The components of a successful Glamping operation. n The benefits of Glamping during Covid-19. n How changing holiday behaviors effect your business. n How to stay relevant to your customers. n About the bright future of Glamping. Visit www.outstandingtent.co.uk/glamping-news to sign up for the next webinar on January 5, 2021 and to view the recorded live session of the previous episode.
SANIFLO OFFICIAL SPARE PARTS WEBSITE NOW LIVE Following consumer demand for an online source of spare parts the team at Saniflo has created an official spare parts e-commerce website which is now live and ready to take orders. Searchable by product range, the most common parts for the most popular models are now available, with new lines being added daily to ensure the swift availability of parts for every model from past to the present-day range. The new website can be found at https://spare-parts.saniflo.co.uk/ and
there is also a handy link to the Service Engineers website, enabling customers to find their local Saniflo registered engineer to carry out a repair if required. With their picking team on site - and access to all major courier, mail and delivery services – Saniflo can offer an exceptionally
quick fulfilment service to ensure efficient turnaround of all orders. If a part is not available on line their technical team is still available by phone, email and on their social media channels to help source the correct parts.
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CHANGING FOR GOOD, CONTACTLESS PROCEDURES AND OPERATIONS 2020 has been a challenging year for all. We have been required to adapt to the situations and circumstances upon us and, crucially, change how we do things. The effects due to the pandemic have highlighted the importance for productivity and efficiency, by utilising management systems to automate many tasks to reduce administration and time. To facilitate this, many sites have introduced several new contactless checkin measures. CampManager, one of the UK's leading booking and campsite management system provider, has reported an increase in the number of sites introducing automated barriers to control who can enter the site and when. “The barriers can be controlled by keypads, but more and more sites are implementing automatic number plate recognition systems,” reported Andrew Norris, Technical Director at CampManager. “Customers enter their car registration when making their booking, which is read automatically upon arrival and validated against the dates of their booking” explained Andrew. Another measure sites have taken to streamline the check-in process is similar to how airports operate, allowing customers to check-in up to 48 hours in advance. Like choosing your seat on an airline, customers can also pick their preferred pitch or unit in advance from a site map. This allows you to know who will be onsite and where. As a result of the pandemic, the sheer volume of calls and emails for booking cancellations and amendments has been simply overwhelming for many sites, especially during a time when sites may have furloughed staff and are underresourced. This has led to many sites utilising more advanced features of their booking systems to automate and simplify this process. Should a guest need to change their booking, CampManager enables guests with the flexibility to amend their bookings online, saving valuable time and administration costs for sites. The system automatically calculates
any new costs whilst taking into account what has already been paid. Keeping customers informed has played an even more vital role this year, providing guests with timely and informative communication to ensure a stress-free experience. With the evolving changes in government guidance and lockdowns, obtaining lists of customers due to stay over given dates and sending personalised information in bulk would be incredibly time consuming without the use of a booking management system. Management systems such as CampManager allow you to obtain this information quickly by filtering arrivals by date and sending multiple personalised emails in one go. As many staff come to terms with a second lockdown, CampManager’s leading cloudbased system allows staff to access information from anywhere and from any device. This means that certain staff can work from home, and not just roles such as accounts and marketing, but even those working in reception. Staff can check availability in real-time, process new bookings and make amendments to existing bookings from home, they can
even take card payments remotely. As a result of these enforced changes to procedures and operations, management systems are vital now more than ever. A professional booking management system goes beyond just processing bookings, with a wealth of tools that when combined deliver immense productivity and efficiency gains, reducing administration time and costs, whilst also providing security and confidence for both staff and customers. “More than 550 holiday parks, campsites and glampsites are already seeing the benefits of CampManager and its many features. Clients are moving to CampManager as they have identified that they need more than just a reservation system to considerably reduce the need for manual intervention in the booking and check-in process” reported Niall Norris from CampManager. "In these challenging and ever-changing times, many sites are now realising the benefits of incorporating these changes into their business and will continue to utilise these for years to come, with or without Covid,” he added.
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PRODUCTNEWS
EXPANDING YOUR GLAMPING BUSINESS WITH TRUDOMES TruDomes, the British designer and manufacturer of geodesic domes has won an award for the ‘Outdoor Accommodation of The Year’ by the prestigious LTG Lifestyle Awards. One of Trudome’s clients is Tractors & Cream in Somerset run by Vicki and her husband Bryan, along with their two children. The couple started their glamping business in 2017. Initially opting for a couple of yurts, they then trialled a bell tent but within the first week there had been severe wind which led to cancelled stays; and so they hunted for the most wind resistant structure that they could find leading them to geodesic domes. Tractors & Cream took delivery of their TruDome glamping dome earlier this year and were fully booked from the 4th of July until they closed at the end of their season. Vicki says that, “Our
TruDome geodesic dome has been the best choice. I love it and our guests love it too! It’s visually stunning from the outside and then when our guests enter our dome they’re stunned by the space and how amazing it is”. It has been a challenging year for the hospitality sector which is why it’s encouraging to see that Tractors & Cream have still seen growth. Vicki and Bryan are confident and optimistic that they will see a good year ahead – so much so that they have already placed another dome order. Vicki says, “We could’ve sold the dome twice over this season and so we wanted to reinvest in our business by adding to our capacity and buying another dome from TruDomes for next year. Provenance is important to us and so it was an easy choice to opt to work with a British business that design and make their geodomes here in the UK.”
COMPACT CUISINE
Vicki and Bryan are not concerned about the second lockdown at the end of 2020. “We’ve had so many bookings for next year already - in fact we’ve never had as many bookings at this point in time for the year ahead. We’re seeing more seven-night stay bookings for next year too. It shows that there is a shift to more people wanting to spend their main holidays in the UK,” says Vicki. “It is hard work, but I absolutely love it!” continues Vicki."Our guests and the people that we have met have just been lovely and make it worthwhile. I feel like we’re really lucky”. If you’re looking to expand your offering of glamping accommodation in time for next year then get in touch with TruDomes - their average dome price is £6995 + VAT. www.TruDomes.com
Elfin Kitchens has a wide range of sizes and colour options for its range of kitchens and tea stations - which makes them the ideal choice for the hospitality sector. All of their kitchens are compact and prebuilt thereby leaving more living space but also offering full cooking facilities. The steel construction means ease of maintenance and cleaning between guests. With a 2 – 3 week lead time on standard stock kitchens they are able to supply on a just-in-time basis. www.elfinkitchens.co.uk
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A D V E R T O R I A L
CROWN AND CANOPY RELEASE THE THIRD EDITION OF THE ESSENTIAL GLAMPING BUSINESS MANUAL WE CELEBRATE 10-YEARS OF INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE WITH EDITION 3 All eyes are now set on this exciting sector as the industry continues to grow, expand and boom, but do you have the ideal piece of land? What are the potential costs and returns? And what else will you have to consider? Originally created for The National Trust as a no-nonsense guide to setting up a glamping business from outset to completion, the guide now has over 65 pages of invaluable advice, facts, and figures. Buy the edition with updates and you will receive a free copy every time the manual is reproduced. We have researched over 3500 glamping units to inform the new edition of the manual creating the latest average nightly rates and regional data for the industry. New research projects with International Glamping Business in the past months have also shed new light and perspective on development in the UK industry and these findings feature in this new extensive edition. New edition elements include an industry overview from 2020, The latest average nightly rates and business modelling figures from our revenue forecasting program, Corona virus protocol for owners, and added value items to a glamping experience. The new edition will be available to purchase this month.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW The book takes the reader through a comprehensive step by step approach from choosing the right location, negotiating planning permission, design and business modelling through to management. It’s a one stop shop for all the information necessary when business planning, going through the planning permission process, and setting up your retreat. Please visit the Crown and Canopy website for more information.
The manual is available @ crownandcanopy.co.uk/glamping-manual/
Scotia Cabins are the only Scottish supplier of UK made BBQ Cabins, as well as Garden rooms, Self-catering accommodation and cabins for classrooms. Honesty, Customer Delight, Accountability and Respect are our core values in delivering our cabins, and working with our customers. Wherever you are in the world, you can be assured that you will get the very best personal service possible. We look forward to helping you achieve your business goals in your new and exciting venture. Scotia Cabins Ltd, Wester Greenside Farm, Newburgh Road, Abernethy, PERTH PH2 9LJ, Scotland
01738 850 203 info@scoticabins.co.uk
www.scotiacabins.co.uk
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OUR PREDICTIONS FOR
2021
I think it’s fair to say 2020 was not the start to a new decade that we hoped for and it’s also fair to say that nobody saw THAT coming! So, it may seem foolhardy to try to predict what 2021 has in store for us – but we are going to try anyway. We are all craving for life to return to normal and it will, eventually get back to something like it was before. However, there will be some residual shifts in attitude and behaviour. Did anyone else smile with the news that shares in cinemas and travel companies went up in value with the news that the first vaccine had been approved? But shares in Zoom plummeted… Therefore, it’s just too easy to say that glamping will continue to boom even after the memories of this year start to fade. Here are our 10 predictions of how life will change in 2021 and what it will mean for glamping businesses.
1. BREXIT We are sorry to do this to you – but as headlines on COVID move further down the front page, BREXIT will rear its ugly head again. We have only just over a month to go before the UK leaves and anyone doing business which involves the
importing and exporting of goods within the Euro zone will now be struck with more paperwork and probably more costs. Those traveling in Europe will also suffer from more red tape and cost. International driving licences will be required as British licences will no longer be acceptable for UK drivers on the Continent – the European Health Insurance Card will also become invalid meaning that holidaymakers will need to be extremely careful about travel insurance. This will mean that many in the UK will think it’s easier all round to holiday at home.
2. FEWER PEAKS AND TROUGHS IN THE SEASON COVID has seen the majority of people start working from home. While many will return to work eventually, it is predicted that many will continue to work several days from the home office. This means that for those who don’t have kids at school, there will be more opportunities to take short breaks mid-week.
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3. COMPETITION WILL INCREASE
4. PEOPLE WILL HAVE LESS MONEY
The boom in bookings that came at the end of various global lockdowns was a perfect storm. People wanted to get out! They couldn’t easily travel to other countries and they didn’t want to stay in bustling hotels. So, they would pay over the odds for any kind of holiday accommodation that had availability and got them out into the countryside. This will not continue forever! People will be more choosy as they become more used to the idea of glamping and they will want to try different experiences and sample something new. The answer may not lie in increasing the amount of accommodation but in ensuring that what you are offering is of the highest possible standard.
Or they may be less wiling to spend in the same way as they did before the pandemic. The economies of most countries have been hit hard and jobs have been lost. Even if people haven’t lost their jobs, they may fear that it will happen in the future. Confidence is low, as a result, expect shorter bookings and people shopping around more for the best deal.
5. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SHUN CROWDS With the exception of students and young people in general – who feel invincible – many will hold on to residual fears about crowded places and
close contact. This will be one of the saddest aspects of the post-pandemic world. The mistrust over strangers and what they may be ‘carrying’ will continue and as a result, people will prefer to holiday in small groups that they know. Holiday home rentals and of course glamping will benefit. Expect to receive more enquiries about booking your entire site for one group.
6. THERE WILL BE MORE WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE PARTIES This is an extension of the previous point – but also – how many weddings and celebrations got cancelled in 2020? People will grab the opportunity to have their celebration as they revel in the chance to get back together again with friends and family. However, they will want to pick a place where they don’t have to mingle with other people they don’t know. So outdoor weddings will be big in 2021. And outdoor birthday parties, anniversary parties and any other kind of private gathering.
7. THERE WILL BE MORE RV/CAMPER VANS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES RVs have always been incredibly popular in the US, but this summer has seen a further increase in their popularity as people replace their international holidays with road trips around their country. While already very established in a number of countries, the trend of its increasing popularity in the UK has unfortunately given way to a new term: glampervanning.
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Popular among younger travellers, glampervanning is simply travelling around the country that you live in using a luxury caravan or RV. Glamping site owners should keep this in mind as there may be an increase number of people making enquiries about available hook-up points for their transport/ accommodation. In addition, the rise in the uptake of electric vehicles plus new targets that will signal the end of petrol and diesel cars in as little as a decade means that electric charging options for glamping sites may be a wise investment.
8. THERE WILL BE A RISE IN THE NUMBER OF DIGITAL NOMADS The increase in the amount of people working remotely has also led to an acceleration in another existing travel trend, digital nomads. Digital nomads are completely location-independent, meaning that they can do their jobs from anywhere in the world. Working either for a company or freelance, all digital nomads need to complete their work is a laptop and a good internet connection. Before the pandemic, this was a completely unrealistic option for the majority of people, but now we know how easy it is to be away from the office and remain productive at your job, there will be a lot more people considering it. So, what does this mean for glamping? It means that if you haven’t already, you might start getting a lot more enquiries about the strength of your Wi-Fi on-site. Glamping has traditionally been a way to escape the day to day work life and get back to nature. There are many sites out there that actively encourage leaving your phone and computer behind so that you can enjoy a more off-grid experience, and while there will always be a need for places like this, there is now also a need for something different. As more and more people decide to turn their back on the long commutes and stressful atmosphere of office working, glamping sites with strong Wi-Fi connections and perhaps even dedicated working spaces will become increasingly important.
9.PEOPLE WILL DRINK MORE! People have been getting through lockdown by hitting the bottle harder than usual. Once they have greater
freedom to get out and see one another again, they will celebrate with newfound enthusiasm. There are going to be some sorry sights on your glampsites in 2021 and it may be worth considering stricter rules on drunken behaviour that may disturb other guests or damage property. Make sure your Terms and Conditions are up to date and clear.
10. THERE WILL BE MORE GLAMPING SITES OPENING UP I know – we already said there would be more competition but what we didn’t mention are the many people who are moving out to the countryside as a lifestyle choice. City dwellers are moving out to the countryside in massive numbers as home working makes the commute a thing of the past and a year spent indoors or trying to socially distance in packed parks has made them fall out of love with urban life. You can expect many of these restless new
recruits to country living to start eyeing up the possibility of a new rural business venture. They may even have a recent redundancy payment, or some money left over from their move to fund it.
CONCLUSION On balance, 2021 will still be kind to glamping and any site that can accept groups and parties (and is brave enough to take them on) will definitely do well once we are out of lockdown. People will continue to expect flexibility in their bookings and will need reassurance that they can get their money back if they are forced to cancel their holidays. Privacy will continue to be a big selling point and people may take shorter breaks or want to travel mid-week. Ultimately, it could be summer before we are free of most of the restrictions around social distancing, so the warmer months will be even busier than usual – particularly for weekend events.
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THE RISE OF SHRED & BUTTA: JIM STEWART’S JOURNEY FROM BOARD WAX TO BOARDROOM
By Zoe Holland jugglingonrollerskates.com I first met Jim Stewart over 10 years ago in Val D’Isere. Back then he was living the typical seasonaire lifestyle – playing hard in the mountains while earning a bit of money doing odd jobs around resort. He came across as easy going, laid back and happy in the moment. When I recently caught up with him, a decade later, on the site of his booming bus conversion business I was keen to find out how he had gone from laid back snowboarder to the savvy businessman now stood in front of me. I still can’t work out whether Jim’s success can be put down to his talent, the fact that’s he is extremely likeable …or sheer jammy luck. Whatever the magic ingredient is he’s certainly doing something right. Since establishing Shred & Butta in 2013 Jim has worked on bus conversions for a number of major brands including Hasbro, Casio, GoPro, Nandos and O’Neill on projects that have included a roof-top hot tub, surf showrooms, mobile music venues and even a Nerf battle ground.
better reason to set up any business!? Jim still pinches himself daily to think that his ever-growing business started out from a wish to attend some of the epic Snowboard events that do the rounds ahead of the Winter season. Jim decided to set up a snowboard wax brand called Butta. He had very modest aspirations for this business (namely to get onto a few guest lists!) but as the only UK board wax brand Butta took off. Within months Butta was sponsoring some of the UK’s best snowboarders including Olympic medalist Billy Morgan with demand for the product becoming insatiable….and indeed Jim was invited to every event going.
On the Road Butta Board Wax Jim’s story starts with a desire to get invited to some really good parties. What
To keep up with demand for Butta while on the road touring Ski Shows Jim created his own Breaking Bad style bus for
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‘cooking up’ his wax. The bus started to get a lot of attention from other adventure sports brands thanks to its practical set up perfect for showcasing products at tradeshows. Jim was approached by a representative for the surf brand O’Neill who asked if he could create a surf showroom allowing them to take to the road. It was the beginning of a relationship that would see Jim travelling and working with O’Neill for the next few years – but more importantly it was the start of life working professionally on vehicle conversions. The concept of Shred & Butta was starting to fall into place…
Shred and Butta After months of travelling with O’Neill Shred & Butta was ready to develop as it’s own brand. The board wax business was still ticking over but demand meant that it was now time to shift focus from wax to conversions. Wanting to stay true to its roots Butta grew to incorporate both businesses as Shred and Butta. The concept of unique vehicle conversions as an eye-catching and practical way of touring products, showrooms and shop spaces was taking off and Jim was getting enquiries from a wide range of well-known brands from both within the adventure sport market and beyond. Over the next few years one project led to another allowing Shred and Butta to build an incredible portfolio including the likes of a Al Burrito double decker bus, a gig venue for the band Reef, pop up shops for the White Shirt Company, show rooms for G-Shock and One Piece – the list goes on. More recently Jim has developed a niche in importing and converting traditional style American School buses offering further opportunity for Shred & Butta to build on it’s reputation through projects with Dinoski, Ben and Jerry’s and the National Literacy Trust. Now a thriving business needing space and several staff Shred & Butta moved to it’s current home at Marsh Farm near Cobham in Surrey. Here Jim runs several projects at a time for a range of clients from those wanting to spend some time on the open road, glamping businesses, commercial projects – they’ve even recently converted a bus as a dining space for a local school needing additional dining space to accommodate for class bubbles.
Future plans You only have to take a look at Shred & Butta’s social channels to see how busy the team are converting skoolies, airstreams, trucks, vans and containers for a range of projects from mobile cookery schools to cutting edge glamping facilities. Business is booming but Jim stills has further dreams and aspirations for the brand. Future plans involve a focus on quirkier staycation conversions – planes, boats, helicopters…if he can get his hands on it, he’ll adapt it. Jim also hopes to continue to build relationships with the glamping industry offering high-end, versatile and unusual accommodation conversions. I’m excited to see what projects Shred & Butta come up with next. This is a business that has clearly benefitted from the surge in UK based holidays but has also taken a flexible, open minded approach to the changing travel market as it has developed. Shred & Butta’s transition from a focus on the corporate market to the leisure industry at a time when remote working and staycation concepts are booming has allowed them to thrive when others are struggling to stay afloat. It’s certainly refreshing to hear a positive story in these difficult times…success doesn’t always come from a well thought out business plan – sometimes the best ideas blossom from the desire to get into the best parties! https://www.shredandbutta.co.uk/
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AN INTERVIEW WITH GLAMPING INNOVATIONS FOUNDER SARA GLADSTONE Glamping Innovations is a UK company supplying unique, innovative, luxury, sustainable and experience-led products. Launched in July of this year, its product lineup currently includes the Glamtainer and the Panoramic Sauna. International Glamping Business Editor Will Rusbridge caught up with Founder Sara Gladstone. Sara Gladstone is not a newcomer to the glamping sector, although this is a new venture for her. She has been involved in the market for a number of years, as a part-owner of a company that distributed canvas products. However, with Glamping Innovations, as the name suggests, she is looking to provide something new. “The Glamping market is no longer in its infancy and is becoming more sophisticated, with guests looking for more unique experiences,” she says. “Also, as the market has become more saturated, sites need differentiation to keep nightly rental rates high and guarantee future bookings. I believe offering guests something special is now
critical for success. So, I decided to find some products that didn’t already exist in the UK market and develop a range that was innovative and unique.” Described as ‘a penthouse in a box’, the Glamtainer is glamping accommodation in the form of an extendable shipping container. The 20ft model is delivered as a 14m² shipping container and takes two people around half an hour to set up. Once extended, the floor space increases to 26m² and reveals a highspec luxury interior complete with bedroom, toilet and shower room, kitchen and living space. There is also a 40ft model that can provide two bedrooms or a bedroom and large living space.
“The Glamtainer is a very highly engineered, high specification product,” says Sara. “It is not a standard converted container. This unit is as strong as a tiny house and will last over 40 years. It is spacious and fitted out with a high spec bathroom and kitchen, insulated panels, wiring, lighting, flooring, blinds, and air conditioning (if required). Furthermore, the unit is available as an off-grid version or plug and play.” The Glamtainer can therefore be rented out all year round as it will withstand all weather conditions making it perfect for the British climate and areas that are more exposed. “The beauty of this unit is that you can move it around; we have a customer that sites it on the beach in the summer and moves it to a mountain location in the winter,” adds Sarah. “We have received many enquiries from sites that want to take advantage of being able to have the flexibility of being able to position the Glamtainer in different settings. It carries the CSC certification which means that It can be shipped or transported overseas. This contributes to the products high residual value as it provides wide opportunity for resale. Return on investment is around 18 months which means that with its longevity it is one of the best investments on the market.” Sarah’s second product, the Panoramic Sauna, is a self-contained unit that looks similar to a barrel, with a domed window on one end, and an entrance door on the
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other. The domed window is made of bronze tempered plexiglass that provides all the privacy guests need whilst also giving them a breathtaking view of their surroundings. Heating for the sauna can come in two forms, electric or woodburning and all forms come with adjustable ventilation. “The panoramic sauna is a beautifully crafted unit made from Canadian Red cedar. Like the Glamtainer, it can be supplied as an off-grid unit with a woodburning stove or on grid with an electric heater,” says Sara. “Aesthetically, it sits beautifully in a natural environment whether it be in woodland, overlooking a lake or the mountains. The stunning panoramic window allows guests to enjoy whatever the view with privacy. This sauna offers a unique experience to guests and sites that offer something like this will benefit from additional bookings and higher nightly rental rates.”
launch a new business but Sara is positive. “I only launched in July so it’s very early days for Glamping Innovations, but I am developing a couple of showcase sites so that prospective clients can visit the unit and see the quality. Currently I have customers developing their sites to launch the Glamtainer in 2021 and I am also working with a diversification company, supporting their outdoor living range.” As glamping becomes more internationally recognised and appreciated, there have been some major advances in the way glamping manufacturers work and also in the way customers view the industry. “The market is changing, guests are becoming more discerning about the types of accommodation they choose to stay in, where they stay and what they do when they go away,” says Sara.
“Saturation of me-too products creates a lot of competition and therefore lowers the nightly rates that can be achieved. Choice of accommodation units and the experience delivered are critical to success of new site development but also current sites that need to stay ahead of the game. It’s about creating memories and encouraging returning customers plus driving recommendations. As we know the Millennials post everything on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc so make sure the site is worthy of that.” Needless to say, Sara has plans for more products to join the Glamping Innovations line-up – but they won’t be run of the mill. “The ethos of Glamping Innovations is that it only represents innovative and unique products. You will be delighted to know there are more on the way,” she concludes. www.glampinginnovations.co.uk
Both pieces are unique and offer a great investment for those looking for something different which will offer a good return on investment for years to come. “The Panoramic sauna is affordable luxury for any site that wants to offer something different,” adds Sara. “Hot tubs have become standard add on now and whilst I have no doubt that they generate more bookings the market needs to be looking at new experiences. What could be better than relaxing in a cosy warm space with a glass of wine or beer as the sun sets?” With the benefit of hindsight – 2020 might not have been the easiest year to
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THE GLAMPING SHOW UK 2020 SHOW REPORT The Glamping Show went ahead this year with great success. Split into two sections, the physical show (The Glamping Show Visit), and the virtual event (The Glamping Show Virtual). Will Rusbridge brings us his impressions from the show. After a very difficult year where lockdowns and uncertainty have affected the UK glamping industry in a very real way, it was incredible to be able to get out and meet everyone again, learning about all the new products and services the industry has to offer. Getting back in touch with people we haven’t spoken to for some time due to current events, we were also lucky enough to make a number of new acquaintances too. For visitors and exhibitors, the announcement that the show was going ahead was welcome news. The UK Government had put in place strict restrictions to protect people from the ongoing pandemic, and safety was of
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paramount importance to The Glamping Show Organisers. A huge amount of effort was made by the organisers to ensure that The Glamping Show UK was a safe and successful event. This, of course, meant that the show looked a bit different to previous years. The Glamping Show Visit held at the NAEC Stoneleigh was staged as an outdoor only event, for the first time in its history, over three uncharacteristically sunny days. With just under 60 companies in attendance, no matter what stage visitors were at with their dream glamping site, there truly was something for everyone. An incredible achievement, The Glamping Show UK was the first
trade event to go ahead in the UK since the first lockdown and is one of very few to take place this year. Helen Rickard of Firepits UK said, “FIREPITS UK were delighted to attend the Glamping Show this year and enjoy such great weather! These are difficult times with so many restrictions due to Covid, but the team at the Glamping Show were very well organised, with strict safety measures implemented for the benefit of both exhibitors and attendees. The show was a great success and we very much look forward to seeing everyone again next year. ”And what an important show it was. With an incredibly rocky start to the year, glamping sites across the country were
forced to remain closed until well into the season. It was a very difficult time for the industry, with no clear answers on when sites would be able to reopen. Once they did however, it became clear that glamping was in very high demand. With travel restrictions being placed on a lot of international travel, the people of the UK started to look for a way to go on a domestic holiday and experience the country that they lived in, in new and exciting ways. Glamping ticked all the boxes. There was a surge in staycations and a surge in glamping bookings with many sites very quickly becoming fully booked. Lucy Harris, Regional Director of Farm Stay UK said, “We thought the Show was a huge success especially in the current situation. There were enough keen and interested visitors and the atmosphere at the Show was so friendly and welcoming. And I could not believe how many people are considering Glamping as a future income, whether they had 2 acres or 20. So I think The Glamping Show has a future for many years to come.” There were 58 exhibiting companies in attendance, providing everything that a glamping site owner, or soon-to-be
glamping site owner, might be looking for. All types of glamping accommodation types were accounted for including yurts, shepherds hut, domes, cabins, treehouses, custom structures and more. It is always a great experience walking around The Glamping Show, seeing all of the incredible structures on display and this year was no different. Utility products were also well represented with furnishing, cooking, spas and hot tubs, and toilet solutions companies all exhibiting. Wi-fi, Power supply and solar solutions were also present, meaning that whether a site was on the grid or off of it, the owner would be able to find exactly what they needed. A large number of companies who offered glamping services were also in attendance. From marketing to booking, finance to insurance, and designers to architects, The Glamping Show UK offered it all. As the only dedicated glamping trade show in the UK, what we think is great about the event is that someone could wake up, decide they want to open a glamping site, head on over to the show, and leave that evening with everything they need to do it.
Out of the 58 companies in attendance, 31 were exhibiting for the first time this year. This made the show an extraordinary demonstration of brandnew products, allowing visitors to the show the opportunity learn about companies they may not otherwise have been aware of. Jag Virdie of Conker Living Limited said, “I decided to exhibit at The Glamping Show very late with only two weeks to go, I am so glad I did as from the moment we arrived we were treated like kings. Nothing was too much trouble. We had a great time and hopefully lots of seeds were planted in the minds of the people who came to The Conker. We shall look forward to next year.” The Glamping Show Virtual was created for anyone who was not able to attend the live event, meaning that they would still be able to participate and gain access to the valuable content and vital information to help them develop and expand their business. The Glamping Show Virtual gave people the ability to browse exhibitors who were present at the show, as well as virtual exhibitors. These listings
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included information about the company, products being displayed at the show and contact information. Virtual visitors to the show were also able to request more information about the companies and also request a call. This allowed people who were unable to attend the physical event to still have access to this information, as well as the ability to get in contact with the companies that they wanted to do business with. The Glamping Show seminar programme has always been at the heart of the show and represents the most concentrated learning experience in the UK glamping industry. Due to social distancing is was impossible to hold these seminars in person and so, they were moved online to The Glamping Show Virtual. Having built relationships with the most renowned experts in the sector, The Glamping Show Team were able to draw almost 40 speakers who were willing to share years of experience and practical knowledge on subjects including start-up, growth &
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development, diversification, eco & sustainability, marketing and planning. Another highlight of the virtual show were the live glamping debates. Hosted by International Glamping Business publisher, Steph Curtis-Raleigh, the live debates consisted of 1-hour long debates with industry experts held at 4pm each day, followed by an hour of networking. Covering a range of topics, it was great to see people attend the live debates and afterwards, be able to discuss these issues with industry experts. The International Glamping Business Team had such an incredible time at The Glamping Show 2020. Having been visiting the event since its inception in 2015, we’ve been lucky enough to watch as the glamping industry has matured into something truly special and unique. The structures that were on display were breath-taking, and we noticed a real diversity to the offerings that wasn’t as apparent in the early days. As the industry has grown, the manufacturing companies have grown with it, and there are now
more than ever offering structures that are being built solely for the purpose of glamping that improve year on year based on feedback and a better idea of what glamping customers are looking for. It was also fascinating to see all of the new services that are available to the industry. This year, more than ever, it was easy to see that they were all a lot more tailored to the glamping industry specifically. In the early days, a lot of the services available, such as planning, insurance, marketing, etc, were brought over from other hospitality sectors such as hotels and RV parks. but as the industry has grown, so too has the number of companies offering services that focus completely on glamping. After a difficult year, the glamping industry is seeing an unprecedented surge in popularity. With experts expecting this trend to continue long after the pandemic has ended, 2021 is shaping up to be an important year for the glamping industry, and we cannot wait to see what it has in store.
2020 SHOW REPORT
The Glamping Show USA was held this year from the 13th to the 15th of October. Due to the ongoing pandemic, organisers of the show made the decision to move The Glamping Show USA to an entirely online format. Drawing visitors from all over the world, the show was a great success.
The online show consisted of a conference programme full of interesting and informative seminars given by industry leading experts, as well as an online exhibit hall where visitors could learn about all the new products on the market and contact the companies that interested them. The International Glamping Business Team attended and exhibited in the online exhibition, and we were amazed at how the organisers had translated what would usually be an inperson event to an online format. Moving a trade show online is an incredibly difficult process, but it comes with a number of positives as well. The most notable advantage to an online event, when compared to an in-person one, is that visitors can attend the event from anywhere in the world. The Glamping Show USA welcomed visitors to the show from over 100 countries, an incredible achievement. 58% of visitors were from the US and 42% were international registrants. Over 25% of the international registrants were from Mexico, Central and/or South America. With just under 2,000 registrants, it’s clear to see that the glamping industry is in high demand in the USA. 31% of visitors were thinking of entering the business, 28% were in the planning stage,
13% were already involved and 27% somewhere in between. This means that a minimum of 59% of visitors to The Glamping Show USA were new to the industry, showing that while glamping has been consistently growing in popularity over the past decade, it shows no sign of slowing down. The online exhibition hall included just under 60 companies providing everything that a glamping site owner, or soon-to-be glamping site owner, might be looking for. There was a wealth of accommodation options present including yurts, safari tents, cabins, wagons, tipis and more. Accommodation aside, there really was everything an aspiring glamping site owner might be looking for at The Glamping Show USA, from glamping associations to booking systems, from design companies to disaster management and from management systems to insurance. Utility products were also well represented at the show. Hot tubs, awning, lighting, repellent, coffee equipment, BBQs and grills could all be found in The Glamping Show US’ online exhibitor hall. Visitors were also able to request the information of a company that they were
interested in so that they could contact them to talk further. This meant that while visitors and exhibitors unfortunately couldn’t meet and talk in person, they still had all the benefits of an in-person event allowing them to learn about the companies in attendance at the show and contact the ones that they wanted to do business with. The 2020 event generated over 2,100 leads which is an incredible number for a three-day event. Seeing the success of the online exhibitor listings, The Glamping Show USA organisers made the decision to host the exhibitor directory on their website until the 1st of June 2020. This is a great source of information for anyone thinking about getting into the glamping industry in the USA, so make sure not to miss out. In June of 2021 it will be replaced by the exhibitor listings for the 2021 event. The conference program is always an integral part of The Glamping Show USA and this year was no different. Drawing a roster of 15 industry leading experts, organisers of the show designed a threeday programme featuring 11 seminars. Proving incredibly popular with online visitors to the show, the average turn-out to each seminar saw over 100 people participating, with some reaching over 150.
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ALYSSA RAVASIO
DAVID SMITH
GARY FLAKS
DAMIAN PETTY
ERIC STUMBERG
SEAFORTH ADVISORY
BUSHTEC SAFARI
LEAVITT RECREATION AND HOSPITALITY INSURANCE
FOUNDER AND CEO, TENGOINTERNET
KATHLEEN WALSH
MARTIN COOVER
PATRICK HARDY
PATRICK O’NEILL
PETER MACK
CEO, ADVANCED OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS
GLAT USA
CEO, HYTROPY.COM
RUBEN MARTINEZ
SARAH RILEY
BRYAN AUCHTERLONIE
FOUNDER AND CEO, HIPCAMP
CO-FOUNDER, GLAMPING HUB
FOUNDER, INSPIRED CAMPING & INSPIRED COURSES
If the online exhibition hall represents what you need to run a glamping site, the conference program provides you with what you need to know to run one. Investment, insurance, disaster management, glamping industry information, diversification, marketing, eco hospitality, expansion, technology and more were all covered in the program, providing a huge wealth of information given by people who have worked and succeeded in the industry. The industry experts who agreed to share their knowledge at the event included Alyssa Ravasio founder and CEO of Hipcamp, David Smith of Seaforth Advisory, Gary Flaks of Bushtec Safari, Damian Petty of Leavitt Recreation and
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DESTINATION CAPITAL
FOUNDER AND CEO OF COLLECTIVE RETREATS
JOSH BELL
NICOLE LOEFFLER
ECO STRUCTURES
NOMADIC TIPIS
Hospitality Insurance, Eric Stumberg founder and CEO of TengoInternet, Kathleen Walsh CEO of Advanced Outdoor Solutions, Patrick Hardy CEO of Hytropy, Martin Coover of Glat USA, Patrick O’Neill, Peter Mack founder and CEO of Collective Retreats, Ruben Martinez co-founder of Glamping Hub, Sarah Riley founder of Inspired Camping and Inspired Courses, Bryan Auchterlonie of Destination Capital, Nicole Loeffler of Nomadic Tipis and Josh Bell of Eco Structures. The seminars were held live throughout the three-day event from 9AM to 4PM (Mountain Time) each day, allowing attendees to participate in each event. Once the event ended however, all of the
online aspects of the show were made available through to October 31st. This meant that visitors to the show were able to access the online exhibitor hall and watch the recorded versions of the seminars. Over this period, organisers of The Glamping Show USA saw over 130,000 page views for the event. Plans for the The Glamping Show 2021 are already underway, with the hopes that exhibitors and visitors will once again be able to meet up in person. Whether it’s online or in person, The International Glamping Business Team cannot wait for the 2021 show and if you’d like to find out more, you can find their website at: www.glampingshow.us
EXPERIENTIAL EXPLORER CAMP OPENS IN UAE
Following the huge success of Bear Grylls Survival Academy in the United Kingdom, his globally renowned survival courses will debut in the Middle East in addition to the world’s first Bear Grylls branded camp accommodation opening in 2021 and featuring 20 recycled and redesigned containers, lending to the overall mountain experience. As travellers across the globe navigate through the ‘new normal’, the opening of Bear Grylls Explorer Camp aligns seamlessly with travel experiences set in expansive, open and natural environments and that are curated for smaller groups with safety protocols and social distancing measures fully in place. Bear Grylls is known worldwide as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. Famed for hit TV shows such as World’s Toughest Race, Running Wild, You Vs Wild and Man Vs Wild, SAS trained Grylls has taken a US President (Barack Obama) and many of Hollywood’s biggest names on survival journeys through the wilderness. The survival courses, run by experts trained at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, launching in October, will include half-day (3 to 4 hours), 8 and 24hour options designed for adults and families and team building activities for corporate companies. 48-hour and instructor courses for outdoor enthusiasts will follow later in the year. Participants will be exposed to practical and extreme survival techniques necessary to survive some of the toughest terrain in the wilderness. The element of surprise will be a key feature of all the courses but activities may include how to make a fire in the wilderness, build emergency shelters, learn the best ways to use a knife for survival as well as dedicated practical instruction on
remote medical trauma treatment, navigation techniques and extreme weather survival. The 20-container accommodation, set to welcome visitors in 2021 are designed to host up to three guests with basic selfcatering, including a private BBQ on a private outdoor terrace to prepare meals. The accommodation caters to all those seeking a true outdoor experience to unwind and reconnect with the wild. “Following on the announcement of the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp last year at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), we are thrilled to debut this one-of-a-kind experience in October. Within a larger global context, the launch of BGEC represents both innovation and resilience during what has been a very challenging year for the travel and tourism industry,” said Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding. “Under the expert guidance of our RAK Leisure division, BGEC will further enhance the growing adventure offer on Jebel Jais and raise the profile of Ras Al Khaimah on the world stage.” Raki Philips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development (RAKTDA) added: “As a tourism destination, Ras Al Khaimah has demonstrated time and time again, a robust identity aligning with current travel sentiment for remote and curated experiences, which is exactly what BGEC offers travellers in a new era of travel. In 2018, we launched the world’s
longest zipline on Jebel Jais and are delighted to announce another first with the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp on the UAE’s highest mountain. As Ras Al Khaimah continues to grow as the adventure capital in the Middle East, this exhilarating survival experience from one of the world’s best-known experts will drive us on that path to attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe.” Paul Gardiner, Managing Director of Bear Grylls Survival Academy concluded: “Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, will offer a blend of adrenaline-packed activities in an ideal environment. We are delighted to partner with RAK Leisure in making the Explorers Camp a must-go destination for adventure and nature seekers alike and we look forward to welcoming the first explorers!” Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah will operate in accordance with the highest global safety standards, with professionally trained instructors ensuring the health and wellbeing of participants at every stage. Social distancing measures will also be adhered to in the expanse of outdoor space offered on Jebel Jais. The Survival Academy courses are planned to start in October with the accommodation available in 2021. All packages are featured on beargryllscamp.ae with prices starting from AED 450 per person for the half day survival experience.
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We are proud to bring you two digital events over the next couple of months to support your business and provide you with valuable new contacts. The first is an afternoon online conference which takes place on November 26 – called Low Season Travel Eco Hotel Summit. Low Season Traveller’s Founder and CEO Gerard Brown says, “Sadly, the ongoing Covid19 crisis continues to disrupt the global travel and tourism industry. 2020 has seen the devastating decisions that governments worldwide have delivered–
resulting in a dramatic change from overtourism to practically zero tourism overnight as our traditional peak seasons were cut short or completely decimated by the travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic. “It is now clear that destinations can no longer rely solely on key peak season months and historic markets to deliver financial stability. We have to diversify our market appeal in new and uncharted ways to ensure that the attraction of every destination is now year-round.”
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experts on a range of subjects covering: n How Cultural Heritage can be used as a means of attracting new low season travellers. n Is it possible to interpret travel data to understand the key booking periods for our low season months? n Why 2021 is the perfect time to finally crack the seasonality challenge. n Which destinations are already ahead of the curve and what lessons can be learnt from them.
Low Season Eco Hotel Summit explores this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reset the travel industry, looking at how tourism partners achieve this effectively. The event is free to view live or an All Access Pass can be purchased to allow the talks to be viewed on catch-up.
Speakers include: Olivier Ponti, Vice President Insights ForwardKeys, Chris Flynn, President and CEO of World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, Pia Louw, Travel Industry Director, Turismo Tenerife, Jillian Blackbeard, CEO The Victoria Falls Regional Association, Philippe Moreaux, CEO GreenerAct,Prof Harold Goodwin, Managing Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and Shannon Guihan – Treadright Foundation.
In this half day summit, we will hear from globally renowned
Register for free and find out more at lowseason.ecohotelsummit.com
ECO HOTEL INVESTMENT SUMMIT Also from the team behind the successful Eco Hotel Summit of this summer comes the Eco Hotel Investment Summit – an event dedicated to raising finance for eco hospitality – which will take place online on January 27 & 28, 2021. Eco Hotel Investment Summit is designed for those seeking investment for projects, as well as those working in the finance sector. Confirmed speakers include; Luca Franco (Luxury Frontiers) Rogerio Basso (IDB Invest) Channing Henry (PKF Hotel Experts) David Smith (Whitman Peterson) Sarah Dusek (Enygma Ventures) Chris Nader (Shaza Hotels) Luke Pharoah (Virgin Startup) and many more.. “Seeking investment for an ecohospitality project can be difficult,” says
event co-organiser Steph Curtis-Raleigh of Eco Resort Network/Glamping Business Magazine. “We come across so many operators who don’t know where to turn when it comes to raising capital. Our event will address all the different ways to raise funds and manage the investment in these types of projects. We expect it to be invaluable for start-ups and those looking to expand or scale up.” In this two-day summit, we will hear from globally renowned experts on a range of subjects covering: n How the eco investment landscape is changing n What new projects are being funded in Europe, the USA, Africa and the Middle East – and how n How to get investment for your project – from a few thousand up n How to pitch your project to investors
“We are also inviting hospitality projects who are seeking investment to send us their pitch decks in order for us to present them to a panel of investors during the event,” she says. “In addition, there will be opportunities for online networking to make invaluable connections for the future,” she adds. To pitch your project to investors at the event complete this form: https://airtable.com/shrepz7IyNshEm Hcu More details of the event, the speakers and registration can be found here: https://investment.ecohotelsummit.com/
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