International Glamping Business | Jan/Feb 2022 by Glamping Business Magazine

l ping m G INTERNATIONAL

BUSINESS

Bliss!

Issue 29 January 2022

SERBIA’S FIRST GLAMPSITE

BOOKING SYSTEMS COMPARED INTERIOR DESIGN 101 FROM MARTHA FOSBERRY

TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022

INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION FOR GLAMPING OPERATORS Gl mping BUSINESS

International Glamping Business is published by: Upgrade Publishing Registered address: 47 Oliver Close London W4 3RL

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Publishers: Upgrade Publishing Steph Curtis-Raleigh e: steph@upgradepublishing.com Editor: Will Rusbridge Sales: Kathryn Kelly t: +44 (0) 7575 408580 e: kath@upgradepublishing.com

Welcome to the first International Glamping Business issue of 2022, that we hope contains all of the information that you need to start the year right. As we head into 2022, it is looking like this will be the year that travel starts to begin again in earnest. With lockdowns and travel restrictions seemingly ever present over the last couple of years, it has been a difficult period for the tourism industry and although glamping has fared better than many other sectors, the team at International Glamping Business are all looking forward to what comes next.

Paula Worswick t: +44 (0) 7360 041486 e: paula@upgradepublishing.com Social Media Editor: Annabelle Hilton e: media@upgradepublishing.com Design: Dean Coulter Design on Tap www.designontap.co.uk

www.glampingbusiness.com Instagram @thisisglamping Facebook @thisisglamping

Other Events: The Glamping Show w: www.glampingshow.com e: dan.w@theglampingshow.com

A round up of travel trends for 2022 will help you identify what it is guests are looking for and how you can use these emerging trends to your advantage. As well as looking at where glamping lies within the overall tourism industry for the year ahead. Our guide to booking systems will highlight the best options out there, providing the information you need to make an informed decision on who is right for you and your glamping site. We speak to Olja Zvizdic of Nicholl Group, an international glamping developer and operator, on their first project: Lala Vineyard Glamping Resort, which is the first-ever glamping resort in Serbia. Alongside all of this, we will also have the latest news from the industry and more.

Will

Glamping Show USA w: www.glampingshow.us e: david@glampingshow.us Eco Hotel Summit w: www.ecohotelsummit.com e: contact@ecohotelsummit.com

CONTENTS

05 Industry News

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.

Industry Trends - what do they mean for Glamping?

20 Lala Vineyard -

Booking Systems Compared for You tepping Up and Standing Out Martha Fosberry Design 101

Product News

Serbia’s First Glampsite

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NEWS GLOBAL GLAMPING MARKET WILL EXPAND $1.9 BILLION BY 2025 The ‘pandemic’ boost for outdoor holidays will continue to grow, according to research and industry experts. A new report titled “Global Glamping Market 2021-2025” recently released by reportlinker.com claims that our sector is due to grow in value by $1901.20 million between 2021 and 2025, progressing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 14.03% during the forecast period. According to the report, this boost in the glamping sector is driven by “growth in adventure tourism and increasing participation in outdoor recreational activities.” Meanwhile, Travel Weekly (travelweekly.com) also conducted interviews with significant figures in the glamping sector regarding the forecasted boom. Toby O’Rourke, CEO of the Kampgrounds of America (koa.com) network of private campgrounds, said the company has seen an “explosion” in bookings that continues to defy their expectations. “We expected a slowdown as children returned to school and adults returned to offices in the fall but were surprised by continued growth,” O’Rourke told the publication, adding that post-Labor Day business was up 17% year over year and digital nomads are also providing a valuable new income stream meaning that WiFi is more important than ever.

Companies offering glamping experiences believed it would be hard to keep up the rapid growth, but the sector’s upward trend has continued, and more amenity-rich camping products are coming to market to meet demand. Outdoor travel companies say enhanced camping, or “glamping,” either with additional amenities or sites with unique lodging or characteristics, is especially popular. As the outdoor travel market continues to expand, companies are increasingly convinced the growth is durable. RVShare (rvshare.com) CEO, Jon Gray, says, “As we head into 2022, many are expecting another big year. During the pandemic, we saw people turn to domestic tourism and they found they had a better time than expected. We saw airfares come back, we saw hotels come back and we did not see any material slowdown in the outdoor travel business. In fact, we saw it accelerate.” HipCamp (hipcamp.com) founder and CEO Alyssa Ravasio reflected upon this growth, ”This is a continuation of a really big, long-term paradigm shift. I think you’re seeing consumers move away, hopefully, from wanting to consume so many items and move toward having meaningful, unique, memorable experiences. And the outdoor travel industry is positioned beautifully as that continues.

Source:

1. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/global-glamping-market-expected-grow-162700159.html 2. https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Camping-glamping-sector-builds-beyond-pandemic-popularity

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NEWS CHINA IS ALL ABOARD THE GLAMPING TREND Glamping holidays have become the newest trend in China, according to a newly released report showing that the volume of searches for “Camping Activities” increased eightfold in 2021. During the recent three-day Chinese New Year holiday, one island glamping site attracted flocks of camping enthusiasts and novice campers. One holidaymaker was interviewed at the camp and said, ’Glamping has become a bit of a hot topic since 2020. It’s very well suited to city residents as they can basically drive to where they want to stay. It’s different from traditional camping trips which see people go further in to the mountains.’

According to one of China’s leading online travel agencies, trip.com, posts about “camping” and “eating and camping in the wild” had quadrupled compared with the same period last year. Lately, the glamping trend hasn’t just proven beneficial for tour operators, but also for new businesses external of the travel industry - think restaurants with a new clientele to cater for. Glamping holidays are now considered one of the major vacation choices of the post-80s and 90s generations. Sheng Hao, co-founder of boutique travel agency Wanna Travel (wannatravelshanghai.com),

told Sixth Tone (sixthtone.com) that while camping is more about serving functional needs in an outdoor environment, glamping has become “a product and experience somewhere between high-end hotels and rustic luxury lifestyle.” “Young people think it’s fashionable,” he added. However, it doesn’t seem to be just a fad; according to business data platform Tianyancha (tianyancha.com), over 19,000 camping-related businesses, such as campsites and camping equipment vendors, were founded since September 2020 - which is three times more than in the previous three years.

Source:

1. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-01-06/Glamping-becomes-new-vacation-fad-in-China-16BNopxxzNK/index.html 2. https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1008625/chinese-travelers-embrace-the-glamor-and-glitz-of-glamping

TWO ANTHROPOD BLERIOT PLUS MODELS INSTALLED IN THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK Two Anthropod Bleriot Plus Models Installed in The Lake District National Park On a cold, snowy day in early January 2022, the first of two Bleriot Plus models were delivered and installed at Black Beck Holiday Park, near Ulverston in the Southern Lake District. For park operator, Partingtons, who own seven parks across the Fylde, Lake District and North of England, this is their first installation of luxury glamping pods, a move away from traditional lodges and static caravans. ‘We are the first Holiday Park in the Lake District to offer luxury glamping Anthropods and we can’t wait to welcome our first customers this February,’ said Lisa Ripley, Partingtons Holiday Park Manager. ‘These two new additions will offer the perfect glamping experience for those customers wishing to re-connect with nature but keep those luxury modern touches!’ ‘These latest Bleriot Plus 7.2 metre length models feature all the latest developments

The Changing Face of Glamping The pandemic has accelerated an already growing staycation market in the UK, but consumers are now seeking new, quality experiences in outdoor accommodation that do not compromise creature comforts and all year around availability.

and refinements that make our Anthropods so popular,’ said Rik Currie, Anthropod CEO and Head of Design. ‘They combine LPG gas for heating and cooking plus electrics for lighting and phone charging. We have included for the first time, heated seating in the exterior porch/viewing area complemented with a fold-down drinks table,’ In addition, the four berth on-grid Bleriot Plus comes with a full wet room with shower, flushing toilet, heated towel rail and hand basin, kitchen with hob, cooker and fridge, Bluetooth speakers, media area and plenty of storage, ensuring civilized, warm accommodation whatever the weather.

‘Any time of the year Is a good time to take break; site owners are looking to extend their seasons and install products that have a long sustainable life and can realise a fast return on their investment,’ said Douglas Adamson, Anthropods Chairman. ‘Our pods meet these market demands with their revolutionary shape, green credentials and trademark registered, leg design, that enables our pods to be located on sloping and uneven terrain. ‘We are also seeing greater demand for offgrid configurations and new developments in technology for waste treatment and green power sources are making these a realistic alternative.’ To find out more, visit anthropods.co.uk.

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NEWS SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION BOOKING PLATFORM CLOSES €1.5M IN FUNDING Oslo-based nature travel startup, Campanyon (campanyon.com), has raised more than €1.5 million (NOK 15.5 million) in funding for the goal to make nature accessible to all travellers. Their accommodation booking platform is of the belief that incredible adventures start with local, sustainable, authentic, and easy travel opportunities, including glamping. The announcement was made less than a year after the travel tech startup closed a €499,000 (NOK 5 million) seed round and less than two years after Campanyon was formed. Schibsted Ventures (schibsted.com) has become the largest external investor in Campanyon, and joins existing investors such as Eirik Frøyland Ribe (tisegroup. com), Even Heggernes (nabobil.no), Trond Riber Knudsen, Odd Reidar Øie, Aleksander Gamme, Jan Grønbech (former Google Norway country manager), Stratel (stratel.no) and Startuplab (startuplab.no) in investing in the company. The investment manager of Schibsted Ventures, Christian Horn-Hanssen, concurs, saying: “There is a growing market

for sustainable tourism with proximity to good nature experiences. There is a broad agreement on whether these are trends we know will be even stronger in the years to come, and Schibsted Ventures is of course pleased to be early in a platform like this.” Campanyon’s digital marketplace enables campers and adventurers to explore new destinations and book a range of nature travel experiences, such as camping, glamping, hammocks, cabin rentals, motorhome parks and farms. Both travellers and hosts are actively encouraged to interact before the trip and share tips and knowledge about how to get the most out of the experience and protect the environment.

In just two years, the startup has expanded into 16 countries, attracted over 400 hosts and created 900 listings. Campanyon already claims to have reached several thousand users and is aiming to hit 100,000 users in 2022. Co-founder Alexander Raknes says, “Campanyon is primed to offer a new travel proposition across Europe and globally, given the increasing awareness of nature travel and the potential for rapid growth in the future.” He continues, “Many have opened their eyes to camping, outdoor life and various types of farm tourism in recent years, and this market has enormous potential. Think of all those who sit on a gem, but who do not quite know how to organise a rental.” Campanyon’s newly developed app also launched in January 2022, to help them reach even more traveller demographics across the continent. Their goal is to continue growing their community and offer more local and sustainable tourism opportunities, and plans to use the latest investment to fund resources for marketing, sales and development in both new and existing markets.

SG BLOCKS ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE EXPANSION INTO RV AND GLAMPING INDUSTRY SG Blocks (sgblocks.com) are manufacturers of modular structures and have been selected by HTR Investors (htrinvestors.com) for full-suite engineering and architectural consulting services to create RV and glamping structures. According to a recent press release, these units will be constructed to then be delivered to various campgrounds throughout the U.S, with a contract for approximately 150 units. HTR Investors is a real estate investment company, founded with the goal to expand within the RV and camping industries. “We’re pleased to be working with HTR Investors on its exciting

endeavours into the creative RV, camping and glamping space,” says SG Blocks Chairman and CEO Paul Galvin. “This collaboration is a fantastic use of our technology and we anticipate an innovative and fruitful working relationship.” HTR Managing Partner, Minh Tran, says, “SG Blocks has developed a unique and scalable product that we feel fits well with our internal goals towards sustainability and low impact development, and that supports and embraces the communities we engage.” The initial campground locations will be focused in such places as Moab (Utah), Estes Park (Colorado), the Berkshires

(Massachusetts), the NY Adirondacks, Egg Harbour (Wisconsin) and Kerrville (Texas). The units will be constructed at SG ECHO’s plant in Durant. “We knew from our initial consultation with HTR Investors that their vision of interactive, unique, experiential properties that are sustainable and nomadic in nature aligned with ours.” explains Perry Ludy, sales and business development consultant for SG Blocks. She continues, “With this, these initial selected locations are only growing in popularity, and we’re pleased to be a part of that.”

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GLAMPING INNOVATIONS WINS INNOVATION DESIGN OF THE YEAR AWARD Glamping Innovations, founded by Sara Gladstone in July of 2020, was recently declared winner of the Farm Business Innovation Show’s “Innovation Design of the Year Award 2021”. The Innovation Design of the Year Award aims to, celebrate the design of pods, cabins, lodges and all accommodation structural designs which are transforming the industry following the staycation boom within the UK. The Glamping Innovations line-up originally included the Glamtainer, glamping accommodation in the form of an extendable shipping container described as ‘a penthouse

in a box’, and the Panoramic Sauna, a selfcontained sauna unit shaped like a barrel with a huge Panoramic window. Since then, there have been a number of new accommodation types added along with some exciting business developments.

UK sales agents for Anthropods. Having grown incredibly quickly, the list of accommodation units available from Glamping Innovations now also includes the Panorama tent and dome, the Arcade, the Anthropod, the Omnipod and safari lodges.

Firstly, a deal was agreed with Kerry Roy, founder of Camp Katur and Cerchio Del Desiderio, to collaborate for sole distribution rights of Glamping Innovations products in Italy. Shortly after, Innovative North Yorkshire based Anthropods, designers and manufacturers of the Bleriot range of glamping pods and micro-dwellings, agreed terms with Glamping Innovations to act as

Speaking to International Glamping Business about the award, founder of Glamping Innovations Sara Gladstone said, “We’re incredibly happy, this is a massive achievement for us as such a new company.” To find out more about Glamping Innovations, visit their website at glampinginnovations.co.uk.

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TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2022 How Can Glamping Make the Most of Them?

As we emerge, blinking from the last two years of travel restrictions what will this mean for glamping? Will Rusbridge investigates what the lie of the land is for outdoor hospitality.

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Who isn’t thinking about a sunny holiday right now? It’s the middle of winter and everyone has been deprived of exotic travel for almost two years. However, although a surge in bookings is anticipated for the spring school holidays, will this necessarily have any effect on the surge in popularity for glamping holidays we saw in 2021?

J Mendes

“I think for the first part of this year most of the world countries will go back to some kind of normality although at different speeds,” says J Mendes, Founder of No Footprint Consulting and a digital nomad. “You have UK and South Africa taking the lead for opening up, and I really hope that the trends continue.” Ged Brown, Founder and CEO of Low Season Traveller thinks that outdoor hospitality and domestic trips will remain popular for some time yet. “I think one of the most significant challenges is that we have all been living in the sanctity, safety and security of our “caves” for nearly 2 years now. There can be a real sense of anxiety when we first start to venture out again after this prolonged period of hibernation and we all need to be understanding of this,” he says.

“It is even apparent that some of us are nervous travelling within the same country now that we have become accustomed to living and working at home for so long. But this presents a fabulous set of opportunities for us.” “We know from several pieces of travel industry research, that the demand for travel remains very high. We are seeing that people are seeking a return to nature and the natural environment after spending so long confined

Ged Brown

indoors in front of their screens. There is a real urge for people to get back outdoors and reconnect with nature,” he concludes. Being outdoors was all the rage (and the only option) in the pre-vaccinated days of the pandemic in 2020. Travelers began to make their way back to urban centers—craving more socialization, nightlife, and simply being indoors in winter—starting in the summer of 2021. But that renewed interest in the great outdoors hasn’t died out just yet—and it might be getting bigger than ever. Club Wyndham and WorldMark by Wyndham

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www.glamptubs.com e. sales@glamptubs.com t. 01926 504067

AUTHENTICITY AND MINIMAL MAINTENANCE WITH GLAMPTUBS Glamptubs.com supplies robust LDPE plastic lined hot tubs specifically designed with the busy glamping site in mind. Easy to Clean and requiring minimal maintenance, these tubs are ideal for fast and hygienic handovers. Very popular with customers due to generous water depth and unhindered bathing space, these tubs perform fantastically in the challenging environment encountered in the glamping / leisure industry. Available in two sizes: Standard 4-6 people for couples and small groups, and Family 6-8 people, ideal for families and larger groups. Both internal and external log-fired heater options available. Finished externally with durable Thermowood, these tubs have the appearance of their Scandinavian ancestors but without the drawbacks of being hard to maintain. The exclusion of noisy and unreliable water jets and bubbles makes them an industry leader in reliability where lack of “down time” is imperative to the operator.

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time-share properties near U.S. national parks, for example, have seen a 71% uptick in bookings. Outdoorsy destinations are also dominating Kayak’s top-trending list at the tail end of 2021, with Colorado and Montana making up four of the top 10 trending destinations for 2022, with an increase in search share of at least 46% compared to 2019. And while it’s typically filled with cities like New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Atlanta, Kayak’s most popular destinations list is seeing these destinations replaced by outdoor beach towns like Cancun, Honolulu, and Maui. This is the first time in years that New York City has not been among the top 10. How glamping might benefit: if travellers get their beach holidays booked in February and March they will still want to enjoy the glamping season in European countries from Easter onwards

Ethical travel 81% of adults would like to stay in a sustainable resort; five years ago, only 62% of respondents said they would. RX Global, one of the organisers of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has revealed that 2022 will see a rise in brand-conscious travel. We have prioritised what we want from our travel throughout lockdowns and we have also experienced more domestic trips in the outdoors. As a result of that and the increased messaging around the environment in the news, people want to feel good about their trips and do less harm to the planet. Still the most harmful aspect of most holidays is the flight itself – so perhaps it is no surprise that more people are looking to involve train journeys as part of their holiday. Long-distance overnight services in Europe have seen something of a revival over the past few years, and even more are set to spring up over the next 12 months. For instance, the Swedish state-owned SJ railway is introducing a Stockholm-Hamburg night service later this year, allowing you to sleep your way through 670 miles of rail travel overnight, passing through Copenhagen on the way. Source Time Out

How glamping sites might benefit: Why not offer incentives for people who leave their cars at home and arrive by train? Make sure your guests know what lengths you go to in order to be sustainable and tell them on your website and email correspondence. Low season travel Why wouldn’t we want to beat the crowds when it comes to travel after socially distancing for so long. One of the easiest ways of doing this and also of seeing another side to popular destinations is simply to go out of season. “Low season travellers are wired differently. They feel truly alive and invigorated by looking at what everyone else is doing and then continuing to do the very opposite!” says Ged. “If most

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people accept that Sri Lanka is perfect in the northern hemisphere winter months, low season traveller will travel there in the greener summer months when less visitors are there. Why? Well, low season travellers love people but hate crowds. They do all they can to avoid crowds and avoid being part of the crowd. In any given destination, most people (up to 70% of all visitors) travel during the destinations peak season months. Low season travellers understand that travel during the low season months means that they will have a unique and different experience to most travellers in that place. They understand that there are greater opportunities for interaction with the locals so that they can truly get under the skin of the destination and they know that they are providing an economic lift to the communities they visit at times when they need it most.”

How glamping can benefit: n First of all, be open all year round if possible, but other than that, embrace the low season months as if they were a precious jewel. n Never fall into the trap of stating “the best time to come is…”. There is no such thing as a best nor worst time to visit, just different and unique experiences depending on what the guests are seeking. n Ensure that you understand what each season offers for guests, what activities they can enjoy as well as the emotions they will feel at different times of the year when they participate in these activities. Low season periods are offer the rarest experiences and they are niche. n Also, don’t lead on the lower prices of the low season experiences. The lower prices are a bonus (a reward almost!), but they are not the primary reason why travellers visit in the low seasons. They come for unique experiences and the fact that it is a more responsible time of the year to visit. n Finally, celebrate the arrival of your low season months with a fanfare. Shout about how wonderful it is and how this is the time you enjoy the destination the most as you can engage more with your guests as they discover the unique wonder of your home right now. Pitchup (pitchup.com), a platform for booking outdoor holidays throughout Europe, has recorded its highest growth rates and an 84% increase in overnight stays in autumn 2021, with September and October posting an increase of arrivals of 206% and 187% compared with 2019

Longer Trips/Slow travel As mentioned earlier – train travel looks set to become more popular, with the journey becoming literally part of the holiday itself – rather than just a means to an end. After years of chasing our favourite destinations, flitting from country to country, trying to cross off as many places on our scratch maps as possible, the pandemic forced us to stop in our tracks and reassess. What do we want from travel? If we want to experience the truly authentic side of a place, we need to slow down, stay longer and take it all in. It’s a chance to connect with the people, culture, and our surroundings. It’s a way to live like the locals do, and explore deeper, by train, bike, or foot. On top of this, slow travel will reduce your carbon footprint, minimising your impact on the environment. Bonus! www.wanderlust.co.uk How glamping sites can benefit: special offers for longer stays are a great way of riding out the shoulder seasons for those with suitable accommodation.

Experiential travel Travel has always been about the experiences. Travel is about feelings and emotions, and connecting travellers with feelings and emotions which they may not have experienced before is the best strategy for success in driving low season travel. “We need to highlight not only the unique experiences which are on offer in our sites, but also the feelings and emotions which these experiences will elicit,” says Ged. “Think about how they will feel when they are with

you. Consider the images, words, videos and sounds which you use to promote your experiences and make sure that they elicit the feelings which you hope to share with them once they arrive.” How glamping sites can benefit: make sure you have some experiences which are true to your local area. Get in touch with local restaurants, suppliers and experience providers and work alongside them. You can offer treks, tastings and talks – in fact all sorts of things that will go into your guests memory banks!

Digital Nomads With a growing demand for blending the flexibility of remote work with leisure travel, more than 40% of Gen Z employees plan to take a “workcation” (essentially, working while traveling—but not traveling for work and not taking PTO days for it) in 2022, according to data provided by Kayak. www.kayak.co.uk “Digital nomadism have always been growing, and now with Covid it just became a permanent trend. And it feeds on itself, because when you start to share images of your new lifestyle your friends and colleagues will want to do the same, and now they can,” says J Mendes. “To the majority of people working fully remote for the first time is like when you open a cage to a bird that has been inside it for all its life, it will take them a while to understand they can leave the cage. As soon as they find

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out they can spend three months working in Thailand instead of saving for an expensive 10 days excursion then we will see the full power of remote work in our society, he adds. Ged agrees, “We now realise that in many cases, we can work just as effectively (and arguably more efficiently) remotely and this means that many people will now consider working from another location in the world from 2 weeks to 6 months. I foresee an opportunity for a new form of travel where we can experience life in a different country whilst still working. A new form of business/ leisure travel where both elements are combined and this ultimately could lead to longer stays which are more environmentally responsible.”

J’s advice for those glamping sites looking to attract digital nomads:

are working with domestic remote workers, the international one will not want to travel to a location if no other remote workers are known to be around. The exception could be family remote workers who don’t need socialisation so much. A remote worker will look for good destinations before checking out accommodation, and if your destination is not famous in the remote worker community then your site will not be searched. Platforms like https://nomadlist.com/ are the starting point for most of the travellers. What operators need to do is to understand that a short-stay traveler has very different needs to someone that can stay for months in one place. They will spend many more hours with you and explore the destination at a much lower pace, this will create more touch points for your staff.

Good working conditions are essential in accommodation or common areas with lightening-speed internet. Having a desk and a kitchenette in the room are great attracting features for this market, and meeting rooms are the premium feature.

It is not easy to have an hybrid approach, where some of your rooms are available for longer stays while the rest are for short term. Every case is a case and there are many remote work experts in the market today that can help tailor that kind of offer.

These are the tangible conditions an operator can create, but it will be hard to attract a lot of remote workers if the city or country is not creating the conditions for this type of medium/long term traveler. Unless you

Look at the messaging on your marketing, big sale prices for weekends will not be attractive, while a monthly price with pool and gym will do wonders if you outreach to this community.

Another way of taking advantage of this market is to focus on it during your low season period, some destinations are doing that like the Nomad Village project in the Madeira Island. ( https://www. washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/02/22/ digital-nomad-visas-covid/

Geographical trends: “I see the island destinations getting a lot of attention as they have an advantage controlling outbreaks due to their easier border control. I have moved to one also because of this reason myself,” says J. “So safer choices will be in order, and regions that have dealt poorly with the pandemic will continue to suffer, Southeast Asia on top of my mind as the most hit destination in relation with their previous levels. Zero Covid policy countries like New Zealand and Australia also also not great on top preferences because of their continuous tight restrictions, and I would not be surprised if episodes like the Djokovic saga made this even worse. “If Europe gets its act together during the year I would see it as the preferable destination for everyone around the world that want to travel and stay safe,” he concludes We will explore the trend for Wellness travel in detail in our upcoming May issue of International Glamping Business

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Growing and Green

IN SERBIA

Serbia is slowly growing in consciousness with international tourists. Given the country’s incredible natural beauty, it is therefore no surprise that its first ever glamping site has opened to great acclaim. International Glamping Business publisher Steph Curtis-Raleigh catches up with Lala Vineyard’s co-founder Olja Zvizdic to find out more.

The story behind Serbia’s first glamping site starts – strangely enough – in the UAE. Olja Zvizdic is based in Dubai and back in 2016 started to take an interest in the phenomenon of glamping. “It inspired me to think about a glamping project in my own country – Serbia,” she says. “We conducted thorough market research and identified the perfect plot of land and then formed Nicholl Group as an international glamping developer and operator in June 2020.” Nicholl Group’s first project is Lala Vineyard, which is also the first-ever glamping resort in Serbia. As a green field investment and one of the very few adults-only resorts in the country, Lala has opened up a whole new world – the world of glamping - not only for domestic travellers but it has provided a completely new way to experience Serbia to international travellers as well. “Serbia is a country of incredible natural beauty. With seven national parks, the River Danube, lakes, mountains and the only desert in Europe, it has a lot to offer,” says Olja. “Apart from the capital Belgrade and a few other micro-destinations, the rest of the

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country is still under-developed and relatively unknown to world travellers. Glamping however presents an opportunity to unlock these hidden gems without damaging them but rather through developing them in a sustainable and regenerative way.” Nicholl Group hopes the location of Lala Vineyard will spark a curiosity for our guests to explore the area further. Set in one of the oldest wine regions on the continent Lala provides an affordable luxurious oasis of tranquillity. A place to be in touch with nature, enjoy the great outdoors, recharge one’s batteries, enjoy long walks or to cycle in nearby Fruska Gora National Park or simply to enjoy some of the best local wines from the heated saltwater pool overlooking the River Danube. “It is not a rare sight to spot a pair of eagles soaring above the resort reminding us that we are the guests and should obey the house rules!” says Olja. As a ground-breaking concept not seen before in Serbia, Lala has sparked considerable curiosity from local and regional travel, lifestyle bloggers, magazines as well as the national press and TV.

“We knew that glamping as a concept was unknown to the vast majority of domestic travellers and our approach and storytelling from a day one had to be educational,” she adds. “We were delighted that our product of blending an escape into nature far away from the urban crowds with unique local experiences paired with the luxury facilities and service, became popular with senior executives as much as with millennials.” One of Lala’s values is to locally source products and services where possible to generate a positive economic impact on the local area. Their contractors – cleaning, maintenance and those responsible for the upkeep of the vineyard and orchard – are employed locally and they promote the nearby restaurants, shops and attractions to their guests. “Lala Vineyard’s approach to sustainability, resort programming and customer focus has attracted significant attention from industry and our existing and future partnerships will determine our international expansion strategy,” says Olja. “The single most important factor to us when it comes to expansion is sustainability - locally grown food, waste-water management, clean energy sources and the availability of quality staff and suppliers.” Olja believes that the global pandemic has changed the perception of what we consider as luxury. “During curfews, furloughs, home schooling and the other unforeseen circumstances COVID has brought upon us, we have been deprived of having time for ourselves or being out in the countryside. When you can escape; the location needs to be beyond interesting, it needs to deliver a true WOW factor,” she says. “Lala Vineyard’s location is awesome! Tucked into a hillside and surrounded by vineyards and orchards, its “million-dollar view” is towards the River Danube and the vast plains of Vojvodina, Serbia’s northern province.” “Having our own vineyard and orchard, provides our guests with the opportunity to develop their green fingers and learn the basics of viticulture while savouring some of the best locally produced wines. Depending on the season, they can also enjoy our organically grown cherries, peaches, plums, figs, and apples which they can pick straight from the tree,” she adds. Lala’s Vineyard is situated only 45min away from the international airport and

the capital Belgrade and 15min from Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest and the most beautiful city making it accessible for both domestic and international travellers. The oldest national park in the country Fruska Gora with its cycling and hiking trails, boutique wineries, picnic spots and restaurants is only minutes away, providing guests with plenty of experiences to choose from. When it comes to choosing what accommodation to offer, Nicholl Group had some clear ideas. “Our priority in terms of development and architectural design was to have a minimum impact on the environment whilst still providing a comfortable level of affordable luxury,” says Olja. They chose safari tents from Slovenian manufacturer Adria. “The tents are constructed from natural materials, their architecture and earthy tones blend gently with the surrounding natural colours leaving a minimal impact on the environment,” says Olja. “Each has a private covered terrace to extend the guests’ living space outside, providing a connection with nature and an opportunity to de-stress while enjoying the breath-taking view that changes throughout the seasons.” In the years leading up to 2019, Serbia had achieved a steady annual growth of international arrivals, by 2019 they accounted for just over 50%. As you would expect in 2020 and 2021, due to travel restrictions around the world, numbers have seen a sharp decline. However, in the first year of operation, Nicholl Group is pleased to report that 30% of Lala Vineyard visitors were international and they expect this figure to increase as the travel restrictions become more relaxed. “Interestingly, we are a popular stop-over for travellers from Central and Western Europe on their journey to summer holiday in Greece,” says Olja. Nicholl Group is looking to replicate the success of Lala Vineyard in other locations. “We are looking at several new potential developments and, of course, we are looking to make long term sustainable partnerships to make our new projects feasible,” says Olja. “Our partners are likely to match our mind-set of determination, passion and a sense of adventure and fun.” www.lalavineyard.com

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A Guide to

BOOKING SYSTEMS

Choosing the right booking system for your glamping site is an important decision, but due to the large number of providers available, this decision can quickly become overwhelming. International Glamping Business Social Media Editor Annie Hilton has reached out to a number of booking system providers to highlight the best options out there, providing the information you need to make an informed decision on who is right for you and your glamping site.

GEMAPARK netguides.co.uk/gemapark What makes your system unique? GemaPark is designed around making life easier for you, your staff and your customers. It provides comprehensive functionality to manage bookings and accommodation in a way that is intuitive and a pleasure to use. Our development is based around smoothing out the creases, improving connectivity and making data easier to interpret, so you, your staff and your customers can get the most out of your business. What are the main advantages to glamping sites using your system? GemaPark provides an easy process for taking and managing bookings that gives you the ability to be consistent. This is key in becoming great. As you work on continually improving your offering you know it will be rolled out to all your customers by the system. From an easy online booking experience to great communications and an informed warm welcome, your customers will love it. Is your system more suitable for larger or smaller sites? Our system is very scalable and suitable for all sizes. We believe you should be able to start as you mean to go on and, as you grow, you shouldn’t lose site of the keenness to please you had when you started.

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What geographical markets do you cover? GemaPark manages parks in the UK and Europe. Would there be a discount for several sites under the same company? Our pricing is simply based on the number of accommodation units managed by the company, regardless of how many parks. There are discounts as the number of units increases. How available is your customer service? Our phones are manned and answered by people based in the UK, usually within 3 rings. We also offer 24/7 support. How long are you tied into the contract? Our contracts are a minimum of 6 months to start and then a rolling month contract. How do you compare price wise to others on the market? We are competitively priced.

BOOKING Systems

CLOUDBEDS cloudbeds.com

What makes your system unique? The Cloudbeds Hospitality Platform was created to democratize access to modern, innovative hospitality software to every hotelier or host regardless of the size, property type or location. It seamlessly combines tools for operations, revenue management, guest experience, and marketing with a marketplace of thirdparty integrations to help independent hoteliers and hosts grow revenue, streamline operations, and deliver memorable guest experiences.

OTAs through beautifully designed, mobilefriendly websites. And with Cloudbeds Payments, accept contactless credit card and mobile payments securely and sync them automatically with your guest reservation — save your staff time and reduce your risk of fraud and chargebacks.

With Cloudbeds, glamping businesses can run their entire reservations, distribution, and marketing strategy through a single platform. A drag-and-drop reservations calendar makes managing guests and checkins and checkouts simple and easy. With a seamlessly integrated channel manager, properties can instantly send and sync rates and availability with hundreds of booking channels, including Airbnb, Booking.com, and more — no more overbookings.

Recognised by the hospitality industry at the 2021 HotelTechAwards for Best Booking Engine and again in 2022 claiming the Best Hotel Management Software award, Cloudbeds Hospitality Platform is completely cloud-based (no installation required), easy-to-learn and easy-to-use (saves your staff time), and helps you to grow your business and delight your guests.

Using Cloudbeds Websites and Booking Engine, glamping businesses can capture more direct bookings and reduce reliance on

The Cloudbeds Marketplace also offers hundreds of apps to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience, including keyless entry, self check-in, and mobile concierge.

What are the main advantages to glamping sites using your system? n Say goodbye to double bookings and manage your inventory across all channels in real-time. Cloudbeds’ built-in channel manager gives you a centralized place to manage your inventory on Airbnb, Booking. com, Expedia, plus specialized listing sites. Rates and reservations sync instantly across your system and all channels, so you never have to worry about overbookings. n Drive 20% more direct bookings. With Cloudbeds, you can turn your website into your top-performing booking channel—with no added commissions—using a mobilefriendly, customizable booking engine. n Integrated property management software with flexible inventory. With just a few

clicks, you have the flexibility to maximize your revenue by selling the same space as either a private room or a dorm (per bed). Our online booking engine supports all inventory types and configurations. Is your system more suitable for larger or smaller sites? Cloudbeds Hospitality Platform is suitable for glamping sites of all sizes, including single sites and brands with multiple locations across multiple cities. What geographical markets do you cover? Cloudbeds is available in all geographies across the world with 24/7 support. The platform is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, and Thai. Would there be a discount for several sites under the same company? Pricing varies depending on a number of factors, including property size and number of rooms. For more information, contact a sales representative. How available is your customer service? Our customer support team is located across 40+ countries and offers support 24/7. How long are you tied into the contract? There is no contract minimum, though we are able to offer discounts for annual pricing. How do you compare price wise to others on the market? Pricing is competitive with other similar solutions on the market.

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ARE YOU A GLAMPING INDUSTRY SUPPLIER? BOOST YOUR PROFILE IN OUR MARCH DIRECTORY ISSUE ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE There is no better way to promote your products to buyers and decision makers around the world than with International Glamping Business Directory 2022.

With hundreds of suppliers listed across the Glamping industry it’s easy to find the products and services you need. Contact Kath or Paula for more details kath@upgradepublishing.com paula@upgradepublishing.com

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BOOKING Systems

What geographical markets do you cover? We predominantly service the UK, but we do have some clients in the Far East and Europe. ould there be a discount for W several sites under the same company? Yes. We are happy to have those conversations and to look at how we can work together to make resources go further or spread costs.

ANYTIME BOOKING anytimebooking.co.uk What makes your system unique? Anytime Booking is an excellent option as a booking management system for your glamping site - but with us, you are not only buying into the tech, you are buying into the people here that support you. We are well known for our flexible software, packed with the right features to support the complexities of outdoor hospitality. But we are equally as known for our outstanding service. We deeply understand the difference between a business migrating from another system and a business onboarding to us from a paperdiary or spreadsheet for the first time. Our tailored approach to discovery, training and ongoing after-care for each client is one of our unique differentiators from other softwares in the market. We also service multiple accommodation types in outdoor holidays. Camping, glamping, holiday parks, motorhome/ campervan hire, and holiday let agencies all use our system. This gives ultimate flexibility to businesses who want to diversify their model or who already have more than one accommodation type. What are the main advantages to glamping sites using your system? n Enjoy expertise and outstanding care from us as you go about managing your business. n Join a user community with other likeminded businesses, many of them award-

winning. Share ideas in our forum, join webinars and online huddles, access guides and talk to our team. n Use feature-rich software designed specifically for the glamping sector; you’ll want for nothing. n It’s super accessible - being a cloud-based system, all you need is a device with an internet connection. n Give instant bookability through your website so your guests get the best impression of you and experience from the start. n Create more revenue by selling extras such as welcome hampers, champagne, fire-pits, logs and activities. Really make the booking process feel as high level as your glamping experience itself. n For more visibility and bookings, utilise connections to relevant sales channels for your market, like Canopy & Stars, Cool Camping, Campsites.co.uk, Pitch Up, Airbnb, Holidu and Booking.com. n You can use our simple web builder to create a new, beautiful, affordable website for your glamping business, at the same time as you come onboard to the booking software. I s your system more suitable for larger or smaller sites? We welcome businesses of all sizes into the Anytime community. We make sure right at the beginning that we are a good fit and that expectations of the business and the guest will be met.

How available is your customer service? The office hours are 9-5, Monday to Friday, for general support but we will answer emails, in-app or by phone outside of these times if the query is time-sensitive or urgent. Our first-time response to client queries is usually within a few minutes and we work hard for fast resolutions. We have invested heavily in the communication tools we use internally so we can offer the very best in client care. How long are you tied into the contract? When you come onboard with Anytime Booking, we ask you to sign up to a 12 month contract, with a rolling 3 month notice period after that. How do you compare price wise to others on the market? We don’t like to compare. When it comes to pricing, we set our own standard and price fairly for our own unique software and for our style of service. Our pricing depends on the infrastructure of the site, the support you’ll need and number of units we’ll be servicing – and it can scale up or down. There will be more - and less - expensive options out there, and if price is your main driver then we might not be the system for you. If you’re looking for an expert, hands-on team who become a natural extension of your business, together with a flexible, powerful and easy-to-use software to match, please come and talk to us. We’d be delighted to welcome you into our user community.

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BOOKING Systems

BEDFUL bedful.com What makes your system unique? Bedful is extremely easy to use, but also very powerful and flexible. For example, our flexible pricing allows for every kind of rates structure and we also integrate handy tools like upselling extras, taking security deposits and automating messages such as a friendly ‘welcome’ or ‘goodbye’ message to guests. We also get great feedback about our support team! We have a team of eight amazing Customer Happiness specialists based in Birmingham who are always happy to help with any issues or questions. What are the main advantages to glamping sites using your system? The main advantage of using Bedful is the time saving that glamping hosts will enjoy. Bedful automates lots of manual tasks and reduces admin, allowing hosts to concentrate on more important things like marketing, welcoming guests personally – or cleaning the showers! It’s a busy life being a glamping host so using Bedful to eliminate availability enquiries, repetitive emails, balance payments, security deposits, upselling extras

and lots more is like having an extra member of staff or two on the team! Is your system more suitable for larger or smaller sites? We have both large and small sites using Bedful – our largest hosts have over 200 units, but we have plenty of hosts that only have one treehouse or cabin. The system works equally well for both types of hosts. What geographical markets do you cover? We are focused mainly on the UK, although we do have a growing number of sites elsewhere using Bedful too. We support transactions in Euros and US dollars as well as GB£, so that has attracted glamping hosts from outside the UK. Would there be a discount for several sites under the same company? Yes, we do offer a discount to companies with multiple sites as they tend to require less support overall. We also offer an ‘agency’ package for those hosts, so they can view a global dashboard showing metrics from all

their sites, as well as a dashboard for each individual site. They can also choose to allow customers to search across all their locations, or just each individual location – there’s a huge amount of flexibility with the agency package so Bedful suits multi-site hosts very well. How available is your customer service? Our UK Customer Service team, based in Birmingham, is available Monday-Saturday from 8am to 6pm. How long are you tied into the contract? A Bedful subscription lasts for a year. How do you compare price wise to others on the market? Our pricing is very competitive, with packages starting from just £21 per month plus VAT. Pricing is on a sliding scale depending on how many glamping units are on the system, and there is a handy pricing calculator at bedful.com. There is no initial set up fee either, so as a result, our pricing compares well with other booking systems.

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STEPPING UP & STANDING OUT 10 simple design tips to be bold in the Glamping business For those among us who shriek in terror when anyone asks them to “get creative”, don’t panic – these handy hints are intended to assist, not overwhelm. The goal is to make the process accessible, and the following guidelines will hopefully allow you to develop ideas that you can apply at whatever level you feel comfortable, in whatever space you may be working on. From tipis and tents to tree houses, we have created your fool-proof guide to flawless features and finishing touches that will help you create a truly unique and memorable space. Touching briefly on not just how to think outside the box – but wonder what the box itself could be used for! Whether you are just starting up or seasoned owners, these tried and tested tips will help you to create or elevate your space and lead the way in the listings.

What’s the Story? Where to start and how to do it

Consider this; Who is your space? Yes, that’s right, who they are. No, there is not gin in my coffee, and this method truly works. If you can try and consider all of the elements of your space, the factors that come together at your site and your values for your business, its “identity” so to speak, should come naturally. Have a peek at the below case history to better explain my theory. This is the way that all of our spaces at The Moon and I have evolved. Should this not happen as organically as you had hoped, can also apply this concept to objects, items of furniture or even images (artwork is a great source of inspiration for interior design) to birth your design. This way of approaching things creates a narrative for all of your design choices – a bespoke map to get you to the end of a project with all of the elements working together in perfect harmony. It also gives you the opportunity to reflect on an aspect of your business that is unique in some way to you or your site.

By Martha Fosberry, owner of The Moon & I

Case Study Temi & Katrin’s Shepherd’s Hut Hereford UK. Temi & Katrin approached me to help them get to know their stunning bespoke Shepherd’s Hut in Herefordshire, set to open in the Summer of 2022. They have created a beautiful space but it needed its finished “wow” factor, the character to make the space truly memorable. We pulled up to the wintery allotment affectingly known by them as “The Hive” where their hut lives. Temi is a skilled natural bee keeper and has in fact written several books on the subject, hence the land’s namesake. I explained that in order to finish the hut they needed to find a sense of identity, a linchpin to bring together a concept in the space, which could then lead them in their design processes. I remarked on the internal curved natural oak frames and explained the space felt quite feminine, so it was mutually decided “it” was in fact a “she”. After expressing an interest in Temi’s bee keeping we discussed the wild flower meadow that is also being created adjacent to the hut and how it would benefit the resident bees. I also noted that the sunrises that would grace the cabin in the early hours of the morning would be a glorious golden wonder to behold, almost honey in colour; we pondered... see where we are heading? After a very short time “she” had a name, “Queen Bee” - I am sure the rest will be history as they say. I look forward to helping Temi & Katrin create Queen Bee at The Hive in the coming months.

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Get passionate about pin boards from Pinterest to good old fashioned Pritt stick, how a vision board can bring your ideas to life

Creating a vision board is a fantastic way to bring together all of the elements of your design ideas in one place. This can be done manually with a good old fashioned collage (get your glue stick out!) or digitally via online platforms such as Pinterest. Gather together images that embody the theme / identity of the space you are creating or reinventing. Images do not necessarily need to be of the obvious items that would appear in your space such as beds, rugs and mugs (although these things will also became part of your finished concept), try to choose images that inspire you and feel like they are in aliment with your concept or the idea of “who” your space is. You can include samples of fabric, paint and wallpaper. Create a board for each room in your space, even if your space is open plan and the bedroom is part of the living area (such as in cabins, tents and pods). There are plenty of subtle ways to create a different design narrative in each area – size isn’t everything!

Know your audience who will you be hosting and how to your space will welcome them

Once you are on first name terms with your space be they hut, cabin, treehouse or canvas – it is now time to consider what audience you are hoping to attract bookings from. Couples, families, or a bit of both? Will you be allowing pets? These questions will help shape the foundation of your design choices in many ways; for example you may not choose to spend hundreds of pounds on luxury velvet sofas for your cabin if you are hoping to welcome families of little muddy booted explorers (and their dog!) for the weekend. Conversely, you wouldn’t want couples who have booked a blow the budget romantic weekend away to feel they cant use the space in a relaxed way due to it feeling like a showroom. As with so many things in life, the beauty is in the balance, and this I’m sure will apply to your space too. Let this consideration be present when you are purchasing any furniture and kitchenware for your space. You wouldn’t want little Timmy to be sipping his morning milk from a crystal tumbler would you?! Consider always the needs of crowd you aim to please.

*Top tip: Enamel kitchenware is a very stylish way to circumvent the issues of breakages in spaces that welcome families.

Bold is beautiful– even if you wouldn’t have it in your home Olive & Sage

Whether you choose to market your space/s with an agency or independently, you will want to be sure to stand out in the crowd. More and more astonishing Glamping spaces are coming onto the market with the exponential growth of the industry and popularity of UK “staycations” thanks to the big C and Brexit. In order for your

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listing to pop out amongst its competitors, your design concept is paramount. You want to be the one standing out for clear and bold design choices that celebrate all you and your Glamping site has to offer. Remember, you don’t have to live in it! Feel confident making design choices that you would not necessarily like or even want in your own home. Sometimes less is more, and sometimes more is more! How about a feature wall or ceiling? (See tip 7). Consider painting old furniture in bright and bold colours to tie in with your space’s character. Remember, bold is beautiful and brave design choices like this are sure to be notable to eager Glampers looking to book something truly unique. Is your space a canvas one? I am not suggesting for a moment you go full art attack if the walls of your space are made of cloth. Instead focus on ways to create a free standing “wow” factor. Do you have electricity in your canvas space? Check out Olive & Sage’s absolutely gorgeous standard lamps (see below link). Or how about bringing the outside in? As we are all in the business of celebrating the great outdoors why not try

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adorning a beautiful dried branch or foliage with LED wire lights? It doesn’t have to be reserved for the festive season! Why not adorn the branch with large paper flowers (find materials list and tutorials on youtube – see tip 6), or fair trade recycled floral decorations available from Baileys’ home stores online (link below). If you fancy buying in a celebration of the great outdoors to adorn your feature wall, check out @laylarobinsondesigns extraordinary oversized dried floral wreaths. (Layla is also part of the Glamping gang and owns The Majestic Bus just outside of Hay on Wye) Olive & Sage – www.oliveandsage.co.uk Baileys Homestore (recycled florals & other home interiors) – www.baileyshome.com @laylarobinsondesigns – Check out Layla’s knock out dried florals on Instagram

*Top tip: I would always recommend using chalk paint for extra texture – it also looks amazing distressed so keep your sand paper close.

Pledge Allegiance to possibility

how to repurpose with passion

The possibilities of objects and preloved furniture is something that excites me greatly as a designer and features heavily in the overall concept of our site as it has evolved. We have vintage bicycles propping up our sinks, tin bath extractor fans above our oven and all of our drawer handles are made of vintage silver cutlery. These quirky little ideas delight our guests and certainly help us to stand out. Ask yourself how upcycling could work for you. Not only is it a budget friendly way to decorate your space, it’s better for the environment, win win! Furniture can be purchased second hand via eBay or Facebook marketplace. It’s amazing what a lick of paint can do to resurrect a dis-guarded bureau or beaten-up bench. Apply the “bold is beautiful” theory and explore different ways to finish furniture. Decoupage is the art of collaging onto surfaces with your choice of paper and sealing with varnish. We have decorated whole walls before, using this method with vintage maps of the local area. You can also source relevant vintage magazine, books or maps and use them to adorn walls or furniture in your space further celebrating who your space is. Why not clad your shower with corrugated iron or copper? Think outside the box, well cubicle. *A good example of this is that I will be suggesting Temi & Katrin consider adorning their bathroom feature wall with vintage bee keeping manual images – I also have designs on reinventing a vintage bee smoker into a lamp for the reading area of the space. It all becomes part of telling the story of the space to your guests.

Show yourself the ropes

Your love affair with YouTube

While this tip comes with a big fat common sense disclaimer – (*please ensure whatever you try is safe and would not cause you or your guests harm) YouTube has a wealth of information that you can tap into and, it’s free! It’s the home of the “have a go” design enthusiast. Bedecked with paper flower making tutorials, grouting gurus, cladding kings & queens – there isn’t much you can’t learn on YouTube. You can also discover a great deal of videos to help your business grow in more divergent ways. I have watched many a “how to use instagram” videos or tutorials on how to building a website, it’s a cave of wonders that I encourage you to explore.

The power of a feature wall/ceiling They pack a powerful design punch

Lush Designs

Hovia Wallpaper

A feature wall is a bright and bold way to express the identity of your space and tie together all of the objects, soft furnishing and artwork that hold your concept together. For this next tip it’s important to remind yourself of my “you don’t have to live in it” theory. Being courageous enough to apply big ideas in your business space means you are focusing fully on the guest experience – give yourself the freedom to be a bit OTT. Those who make a booking will spend as little as one night enjoying your design so let’s make it memorable. If the space is brave and bold you are more likely to get guests sharing images on social media platforms, therefore encouraging more traffic and you guessed it, more bookings! You don’t have to be an artist yourself to do this to a high standard. Can you collaborate with a local artist who might be able to help you; or even discuss exchanging a mural for a weekend away in your space? This type of gift economy won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but is a very special way to share skills and connect with like-minded people. If you are not feeling the mural vibe wallpapers are also a fabulous option, they are becoming more and more extraordinary and easy to apply. (See some suggested suppliers below) Should you struggle for wall space feel free to get your Michaelangelo on and apply the above theory to the ceiling of your space. You or the artist / practitioner you are collaborating with can practice any mural, stencil or painting ideas you may have on a large piece of plain paper roll (I use unwanted wallpaper lengths) simply bluetac the paper in place in your space. This will allow you to consider it fully before committing to the final design. Emma J Shipley - Emma’s work is wonderful and her website sells soft furnishings and homeware to match her wallpaper collections – www.emmajshipley.com, Hovia Wallpapers - www.hovia.com – amazing collections of ethically made & environmentally friendly UK based wallpaper manufacturers Lush Designs - www.lushlampshades.co.uk – the most characterful range of nature inspired wallpaper and homeware Emma J Shipley

Lush Designs

*please always seek the advice of a qualified professional where appropriate if undertaking any DIY projects inspired by YouTube

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Lighting the way

Lighting is such an important part of creating atmosphere in your space. Choosing light fittings doesn’t have to be as obvious as you may initially think. It’s time to refer to tip 5 and pledge allegiance to the possibility. In our spaces at The Moon & I we have created light fittings out of everything from vintage tins to typewriters! Yes, typewriters... on the ceiling*. Perhaps you have an object that could be used is this way? If your space is “on grid” or uses a power source such as a 12volt leisure battery you can try using a vintage style multi-cable ceiling rose to send out lengths of fabric covered cable, usually available in a wide range of colours, paired with simple bulb holders, finished with a simple Edison bulb (a superb range of vintage lighting materials are available from independently run – The Architectural

store, see link below). These can be draped over anything from ladders to ladles; time to let your imagination run wild. Don’t let the lampshades bring you down either, see them as a blank canvas! Budget friendly bespoke lampshades are only the squeeze of a glue gun away. Why not buy a plain white lampshade and paint or decorate it? You can use abstract paint application to create a one-of-a-kind finish or adorn with vintage papers – I made these paper lampshades for our barn space from vintage letters and documents (sourced from eBay) simply glued on to a plain lampshade, they are totally unique and cost only about £20 in materials. Lighting can be more of a challenge in off grid spaces but there are still plenty of beautiful solar powered superstars on the market such as the below from the family run Nottingham based business, worm that turned. *Please always consult a professional before attempting any ambitious load bearing

The devil’s in the detail It’s the little things that count Ian Snow

Great British Florist

Remember finishing touches go along way, don’t race over the finishing line without forgetting those small things that have a big impact on check ins. Flowers are a really simple way to elevate any space, fresh or dried bouquets can be placed in jars on bedside cabinets, dining tables and sideboards to bring the outside indoors for your guests. If you have land, a rustic handful of seasonal foliage in a large glass jar looks simply stunning, or you can get hold of some fab British grown dried flowers for a more permanent posy. The Great British Florist have a beautiful range and are able to post.

Viva La throw cushion Révolution! Do not underestimate the power of the cushion & throw combo. They can change the way a space feels, instantly adding warmth and luxury in the most simple way. They are also removable and washable which is a win when it comes to keeping everything clean and feeling fresh between guest occupancies. Be sure to use your pin board to hand pick the colours and textures you choose for your textiles. A bed or cosy sofa adorned with soft blankets and inviting cushions will beckon guests to kick off their shoes and sink in for an unforgettable stay. The quality of your bed linen is also important when providing any accommodation service because let’s face it, sleeping is pretty much the main event. In my option this is an area where second hand will not cut the mustard. You can purchase quality cotton linen online or in most supermarkets (100% cotton is more breathable and better for the environment). You don’t have to stick to plain white either, patterned bed linen can make your space sing in symphony with your overall concept. www.iansnow.com - Ian snow are a UK based fair trade design house who have a stunning range of bright and bold textiles www.greatbritishflorist.co.uk – Beautifully designed dried British flowers, grown not flown.

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The Worm That Turned light fittings such as this and be sure to have all fittings checked and PAT tested by an electrician. The Architectural Store www.architecturalstore.co.uk – Independently run business selling a very comprehensive range of vintage inspired lighting equipment & supplies The Worm That Turned - www.worm.co.uk – Stand out solar lighting

Picture Perfect why good photography is so important

Excellent photography is a must – Instagram (and good old fashioned Google) is a fab way of finding local artists and photographers that you may be able to collaborate with to finish your space. Are you going with an agency? You may be able to negotiate with them to provide you with a professional photographer to capture your listing as part of your contract with them, particularly if you are considering going exclusive. (although they may require exclusivity in order to do this so check with them before signing anything). Style your shots! When your photographer comes to shoot your space why not pop some lifestyle props in place? Freshly made coffee & constants on the table, a bottle of bubbly by the hot tub. Why not pop a picturesque picnic hamper outside of your space with a blanket and open book? These subtle suggestions will play a powerful part in making your space look desirable to potential guests.

A note to finish... Vote with your wallet Where possible I have suggested you try to buy from independent businesses (preferably those local to your business). This is not only better for the economy and environment, it also gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. This simple act of reciprocity is also invaluable for growing your business, you can not only celebrate what’s on offer locally to your guests but in tern, be celebrated as part of your local community.

Thou shalt not doubt thyself It’s all too easy to feel the pressure in this industry. Especially with the growing popularity of Glamping here in the UK. Try to still your breath and trust in your vision for your space. Your intuition will usually be doing this work for you. As cliché as it sounds – trust the process, trust yourself. Good Luck Glampers!

1-2 JUNE 2022 BLED, SLOVENIA

ALONGSIDE OUR SPONSORS - YALA CANVAS LODGES - WE HAVE DECIDED TO RESUME OUR PLANS FOR AN IN-PERSON AND DIGITAL HYBRID NETWORKING AND LEARNING EVENT IN SLOVENIA ON 1-2 JUNE THIS YEAR. Think of it as an opportunity to ask all the questions you need, while finding out information you never knew to ask about! Now that travel is easing and we are learning to live with the ongoing new reality, it’s an opportunity to be inspired, see the stunning scenery and eco resorts of Slovenia (or join us remotely) and enjoy meeting new and like-minded people once more. Sponsored by

To find out more and reserve your place please contact

steph@ecoresort.network

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EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS WITH GLAMPING More than ever, guests are seeking a comfortable and luxurious stay in nature. Would you like to increase your turnover and offer your guests an experience they will never forget? Glamping offers the solution! Luxury camping is in high demand; it allows families, couples and individuals to relax in a unique setting, specifically created to provide an unforgettable experience. YALA aims to provide canvas lodges that meet the needs of this growing group of holidaymakers. YALA’s luxury canvas lodges combine the magic of the outdoors with the comfort of first-class accommodation. Together with YALA, you can provide your guests with the ultimate holiday experience. YALA works in collaboration with you YALA provides unique and versatile canvas lodges of the highest quality, fully customised and equipped with interior, sanitary and heating facilities. Take advantage of their safari tents to extend the season and increase occupancy. Maximise

your accommodation offering by investing in glamping. YALA loves to collaborate with you from design to realisation. Product range & customisation Whether you are looking for a compact, flexible or exclusive glamping tent, you will find a wide range of high-quality safari tents at YALA luxury canvas lodges. They cover the full scope of the luxury camping market with their segmented range, from classic to exclusive lodges. Each segment defines a new level of luxury. Every client, however, is unique with their specific circumstances. Therefore, YALA will discuss with you which tent model is most suitable for your location and which layout suits the needs of your guests, allowing you to tailor the floor plan and the look & feel of the lodge to your specific requirements. Quality Exceptional design, incredible construction quality and longevity are guaranteed with every YALA canvas lodge. YALA’s designs are developed and perfected by their highly specialised in-house design team. YALA

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING A BIT...DIFFERENT? Tiny Houses are taking the UK by storm as a new unique way to holiday. They’re specially designed for year-round stays with a thermal performance as good as a house! Did we mention they’re on wheels making them perfect for glamping sites, park home sites or private land. The compact design offers a fully-fitted kitchen with dining space, living room, full-sized loft bedroom with storage, and a modern bathroom. Another bonus is they arrive off-grid ready with connections for gas, water including a composting toilet. They’re a light touch on the land, and in most cases can be up & running on the day that they’re delivered, meaning you’ll be making money straight away! With numerous models and custom designs available, Tiny Housing are here to increase your revenue per night whilst offering a unique holiday experience to your customers. Get in touch today contact@thetinyhousing.co

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www.glampingbusiness.com

also offers fire retardant and fully mildewresistant PVC and canvas to ensure the highest possible quality. All tents and materials are extensively tested to ensure they can deliver on their promise to provide high quality canvas lodges. For more information, visit their website yalacanvaslodges.com.

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STAYCATION Inspiration We’ve heard the word ‘staycation’ being used more and more in recent years, particularly because of travel restrictions that have been imposed since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. If there’s one thing about British holidaymakers, their sense of wanderlust isn’t going to be diminished so easily, and so, they found freedom in the word ‘staycation’ which led them to far flung corners of our small but mighty real estate that we call Britain.

Not to brag, but TruDomes have been raving about staycations and UK Glamping holidays before it was cool. The staycation trend has seen glampsites fully booked ahead of the season, which has been a huge boost for the industry at large. Glamping domes are sprouting from the earth like daisies, and TruDomes couldn’t be more excited to be showing the world how brilliantly versatile these much-loved structures can be. Speaking of trendsetting, Purusha Retreats, based in rural Lincolnshire, are making waves in the glamping industry as they diversify and redefine what glamping can be. Purusha Retreats are the proud owners of ‘Best Dome Manufacturer’ award-winning TruDomes. Their creative approach to staycations has drawn in visitors from near and far, and they continue to push the status quo and find new and exciting ways to provide their guests with memorable moments and endless adventure. Recently, we had the pleasure of taking a road trip from our Midlands-based factory to visit Purusha Retreats and get the full story. Purusha Retreats was founded on a love of the land and farming, and a passion for yoga. The area itself is comprised of idyllic woodland; embellished by a lake, flower meadows and winding pathways through fields that is home to varying wildlife. Eco meets luxury in their thoughtfully designed glamping, dining, and event domes;

there is ample space for large groups to gather, with a woodfired hot tub allocated for each accommodation dome that is set in a private woodland glade. Everything down to the soap is meticulously chosen with sustainability in mind, proving that back to nature doesn’t mean back to basics. Katie Gordon, from Purusha, said, “The domes are just so unique, and they can hold so many people, so we can get large parties together and bring people together and that’s really special. Every time people come into the domes, they are just wowed by it and they can’t believe something like this exists in Lincolnshire. You can see the stars through the roof and it brings the countryside in”. What’s really impressive about Purusha, is the events and activities from community arts and group dining to yoga and even aerial yoga, that make this business so much more than a glampsite. This year, they are hosting weddings and additionally, have planned to host a range of wellness events, ranging from yoga workshops to restorative health and wellness sessions and craft making group classes. Purusha have evolved, and transformed into a community driven space where people can both rejuvenate and grow. In the modern age, travellers are looking for more than just a place to rest their head; searching for unique experiences, locations and little touches that

make a stay all the more memorable. The recent popularity of Geodesic Domes is perhaps in part owed to this shift in mind-set, as people search for the out of the ordinary. Kelda Bassett, from TruDomes, said, “It’s fantastic to see TruDomes’ customers pushing boundaries, it’s not just about glamping anymore, it’s about creative use of space and bringing people together. No two glampsites are the same, which is what makes the Glamping industry so inspiring, and an exciting sector to be a part of”. From yoga retreats, to equestrian holidays and off-grid experiences; TruDomes’ glampsite owners are always ahead of the curve when it comes to creating unique and memorable glamping staycations. TruDomes.com

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PRODUCT News

GLAMPING TENTS Taking You Beyond Seasonality

Glamping is becoming an increasingly popular way to celebrate special occasions. Why book a hall or venue for a regular event when you can pitch a glamping tent in the wilderness or your backyard and bring together your close ones for a getaway?

Luxury tents are an awesome way to celebrate occasions and milestones because they’re so customizable and you can set them up virtually anywhere.

for kids. The benefit of this is being able to combine a birthday with a slumber party inside the tent.

Generally, canvas tents are versatile, spacious and extremely affordable (especially when compared with an event space) so you can find a ton of creative ways to put them to good use – beyond regular camping nights.

Weddings are a great way to use your glamping tents for additional income. Glamping tents (especially wall tents) are extremely spacious and perfect for minimalist, no-hassle weddings. They also make for the perfect backdrop for photoshoots, or for bridal showers.

Wine Tastings

Weddings

Glamping resorts all over the world plan exquisite wine tasting events for visitors and glampers. A luxurious canvas tent is equipped with all modern needs, coupled with this you can spend the day exploring the vineyards and enjoying locally produced wine. If you’re not actually on a vineyard, you can buy some of your favourite local wines and create a special wine tasting evening complete with a charcuterie board and other snacks for clients in their backyards.

Corporate Retreats

Birthday Parties

Photoshoots

Celebrating birthdays in a glamping tent is the perfect way to design a themed birthday and decorate the tent. People often look to glamping and event businesses to bring in a luxury tent to create a memorable experience

Bring the glamour of glamping to your customers by setting up a photoshoot for a wedding, party or any other special occasion! Pre-wedding photoshoots have taken the glamping world by storm and you

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A glamping weekend retreat can help break the ice among a group of people. If you’re a company looking for fresh retreat ideas or a company looking to provide a new experience to clients, staying in glamping tents is a fun event you can plan. As a glamping business, the benefit of this is that retreats from companies are often in large numbers, which helps see a better return on investment on your efforts of travel or setting up.

www.glampingbusiness.com

can hop onto this new trend too. Setting up a glamping tent out in the open against a picturesque background is a unique proposition and will help your business stand out. You might also want to explore this idea for family shoots, on an anniversary or birthday.

How To Choose A Glamping Tent for Your Business If you’re thinking about going forward with this idea, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect glamping tent: n Make sure it fits your budget and you don’t have to pay extra for add-ons or features n See that the glamping tent has a built-in stove jack for cooler nights n There should be plenty of windows and a large door n The canvas tent should be made from 100% cotton canvas n The glamping tent should have a solid warranty to keep you protected n Ensure that, if you’re buying in bulk, you’re able to secure favourable pricing and shipping options To find out more, visit whiteduckoutdoors.co.uk.

UK bookings on camping booking platform, coolcamping.com, have increased by almost 90% compared to this time last year, despite an increase in travellers looking to go abroad this summer. Cornwall, Snowdonia and the Lake District remain the most popular locations, Cool Camping reported, despite noticeable shifts in travel trends, including more than five times the number of bookings for holidays in France, compared to 2021. “Travel trends continue to shift as the pandemic and its consequences unfold”, James Warner Smith from Cool Camping told International Glamping Business. “There’s still masses of confidence in the UK glamping market, and we’re seeing big increases for particular holiday types, including dog-friendly holidays and hot tub glamping.” “And while the usual places, like Cornwall and the Lake District, still see our highest bookings, it’s great to see there are also new growth areas as glampers try to avoid

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COOL CAMPING DOMESTIC BOOKINGS RISE DESPITE FRANCE TRAVEL ‘BOUNCE’

the honeypot sites. Cornwall has always been popular, but the growth is really being seen in other coastal spots, like Pembrokeshire and the Llyn Peninsula,” Warner Smith continued. “Sometimes it’s the glamping sites themselves that are driving the trend too. Creative and eco-friendly places like Bert’s Kitchen Garden in North Wales, have really helped drive tourism in their local areas, and other glamping sites on the Llyn Peninsula, like Nightsky Glamping, can book out months in advance.” Part of growth in UK bookings may also be caused by an increase in supply. Data from coolcamping.com shows a net increase in the number of glamping sites on offer compared to 2021. “There are more glamping sites than ever entering the market”, Warner Smith agreed. “But, despite the competition, the supply is really coming about as a result of the demand, which, overall, is resulting in more people than ever getting outside and taking glamping holidays.”

LOTUS BELLE MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY Lotus Belle tents is a UK based company specialising in unique and innovative canvas design. This year is our 10th anniversary, and we have more confidence in our product now than ever before - as we can now definitively say that if the tents are looked after well, they can last for 10 years! In the past 10 years our tents have survived snow, monsoons, and even a tropical hurricane. A huge percentage of our customers come back year after year to buy new accessories, expand their fleet of tents for personal or professional use, or upgrade to a bigger size or newer model. With average nightly rentals of around £100/ pn, Lotus Belle tents offer an amazing return on investment - we are often told by our glampsite owners that the tents have paid for themselves within a couple of months of opening, and certainly within one season including all additional facilities required, making them a very low risk option for start-up or experienced glampsite owners. Find out more at lotusbelle.co.uk.

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Kabina is one of the few predesigned cabins in the Holiday accommodation industry, which comes with an option to comply with full Building Regulations and a Building warrantee. This means it is an extremely well-insulated, thermally efficient building for all year round use.

INTRODUCING KABINA

BY ENCHANTED CREATIONS Why KABINA? Here are the original 4 main aesthetic design influences for this experiential, Glamping habitat: Luxurious Adventure Luxury in the 21st century comes in the form of having the space and comforts to enjoy your surroundings. Designed to have everything you need at your fingertips while adventuring with attention to details that aren’t typically in glamping pods. Inspired By Nature, For Nature Sympathetic integration into multiple

terrains, ecologies and environment. The rolling form of the sedum green roof, draws inspiration from open spaces and rolling vistas, intended to blend with landscapes. A Frame For Experiences Kabina is designed to create a customisable, instagrammable and memorable ‘frame’ for experiences with details that people won’t have in their everyday lives. Comfortable, Considered Designed with a careful balance of comfort and space, compared to many other Cabins

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available. Consideration to atmosphere, functionality and operational maintenance is key.

Whilst the Cabin is clad with sustainably sourced natural timber, the substructure is manufactured from an extremely durable Galvanised Light gauge steel substructure with a 100+ year lifespan, which is made from 80% recycled material. The specification also includes ‘renewable ready’ smart water heating systems, Low voltage Far infrared heating which all contributes to sustainability.

When designing a Kabina ‘Village’ for your retreat, we ensure they are set sympathetically into landscape with experiential add-ons factored in, focusing heavily on the visitor experience and privacy. Reach out to the team at Enchanted creations to start designing your unique retreat!

BESPOKE KOCOON CUBICLE DELIVERED THANKS TO LEADING CUSTOMER SERVICE The Kocoon is a cubicle with a difference. With all the benefits of Kinedo self-contained shower cubicles, the Kocoon differs with its luxury shower panels, rather than the glass internal panels that Kinedo cubicles are famous for. The cubicles are available in multiple sizes and are popularly used as bath replacement products. One customer, from the Midlands, was looking for such a product that would blend into the original décor of his smartly tiled bathroom and the beige patterned shower wall of the Kocoon looked like a perfect match. However, the standard specification of a recessed Kocoon - with two patterned end panels and a single plain back panel - didn’t meet his unique requirements.

“From start to finish the team to Kinedo have bent over backwards to support my requirements. I am really pleased with the cubicle which slots directly into the recess where my bath was previously. I was keen to retain the existing tiles and this cubicle gave me that opportunity. Then, when I wanted something over and above the standard spec, the team could not have been more helpful and I think the result is absolutely stunning.”

Unable to support the request, the local plumbers merchant recommended direct contact with the Kinedo technical team, who provided personalized support for a personalized shower cubicle.

The Kocoon cubicle is supplied as one integrated package that includes the tray, internal shower panels, glass external panels and door, as well as the smart shower valve, rainshower head and handheld shower with anti-twist hose.

The unit was delivered and installed within 9 weeks of the initial enquiry and the customer is delighted with the result;

The specification team at Kinedo is very happy to work with installers and specifiers to deliver solutions, including sales specials, that meet

any project requirements. The technical team will also deliver installation training on-site to ensure that all plumbers and installers can benefit from best practice installation. A Kinedo cubicle can be installed and ready to use in under half a day. With no tiles, grout or silicone required it really is an efficient solution.

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International Glamping Business | Jan/Feb 2022

Articles inside

10 Simple Design Tips to be Bold in the Glamping Business

Accommodation Booking Systems: Compared

Product News: Glamping

Serbia’s First Glampsite: Lala Vineyard

Glamping Industry News

2022 Glamping Trends - Our Predictions