Enjoy! | Glamping Business Americas | July 2023

ENTITLEMENTS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE THEM

THIS SUMMER’S FURNITURE TRENDS

HOW I BUILT A GLAMP-SITE FROM SCRATCH (& WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY)

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Welcome to the July issue of Glamping Business Americas

This month we look at some ways in which you can build an F&B offer into your glamping business. John Griffiths from Outbound Kitchen explains that it doesn’t have to be difficult or prohibitively expensive.

Todd Wynne-Parry talks entitlement –in planning terms – and how to approach it the right way. This is the biggest impediment for new entrants to the sector, so save yourselves time and money and find out more.

One person who has been through the process and is enthusiastic to do it again is Tyler Watts from Broad River Campsite, which opened in July 2022. In this issue, Tyler shares with us some of the things he learned along the way and what he might do differently with the benefit of hindsight!

If you are starting on your glamping business or looking to grow, do come along to The Glamping Show Americas taking place October 3-4 in Colorado. We have a short preview in this issue and you can find out more by visiting glampingshow.us

David Korse Director

KOA REGISTRATION REVENUE UP 12% OVER JULY 4 WEEKEND

The 2023 Fourth of July holiday results across Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) family of campgrounds showed an increase in registration revenue of more than 12% over the record results of the prior year. In Canada, registrations for the Canada Day holiday were up nearly 7%.

“It’s exciting to see such strong growth over one of our busiest periods,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Our research shows that camping in general over the holiday was fairly flat year-over-year. However, we didn’t see that at KOA – our properties welcomed a record number of campers this year.”

According to data from KOA’s upcoming Monthly Research Report – July Edition, 21.7 million households camped over the Fourth of July this year, less than a 1% increase compared to 2022.

“The numbers are a great indicator of how the public responds to the KOA brand,” O’Rourke said. “Our employees and franchise partners provide an exceptional customer experience through their service and amenities at every KOA campground.”

The remainder of 2023 also looks to be well ahead of 2022. Looking forward, advanced deposits for the KOA system are up almost 10% over last year. Visit koa.com

BUSHTEC SAFARI IS GROWING AND OFFERING NEW SERVICES

As the camping season continues to heat up, fueled in part by the rising popularity of glamping, B2B companies that support the outdoor hospitality sector are expanding their offerings. One such company is Bushtec Safari, a division of Canvas and Tent, and a well-known producer of canvas luxury tents, camping tents and accessories.

AUTHENTIC LUXURY – THE NEW FACE OF WORLD OF GLAMPING

The established high-end outdoor hospitality platform World of Glamping has rebranded as Authentic Luxury – with a raft of new features and benefits – and it’s ready to take bookings.

“This is a new era for travellers seeking an eco-friendly, experiential stays,” says Founder Maja Dimnik, who unveiled the rebrand at the Eco Resort Network event in Montenegro in May, which she co-organises. “We are already the most comprehensive collection of luxury outdoor hospitality in the market and now we will communicate more closely with our end user to give them a truly seamless and enjoyable booking experience,” she adds.

Using Artificial Intelligence to power the booking process, the next phase of development of the platform will see adventures and experiences offered alongside accommodation, to allow guests to create the holiday of a lifetime, which is unique to them. Future development will see an app to store all aspects of the booking, to inform and to allow guests to share experiences with like-minded travellers.

Authentic Luxury features exceptional properties that prioritize their communities and the environment. Through its new program, the brand offer members the opportunity to achieve recognition as part of its planet-friendly collection, known as the CONSCIOUS COLLECTION.

“We go beyond the superficiality of green certificates and greenwashing by carefully curating properties that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability,” says Dimnik. “Our affiliated members, who earn the esteemed Planet-Friendly accolade, will undergo a rigorous evaluation and be assessed on over 50 sustainability indicators, showcasing their dedication to global sustainable tourism standards.”

Authentic Luxury also offers valuable assistance to properties, enabling them to optimize their resource efficiency. By doing so, they can not only achieve cost savings in management but also contribute to the well-being of the environment.

The brand has also partnered with the leading travel club Hotel Swaps to offer members the chance to swap hotel stays with other Authentic Luxury members. Visit authentic-luxury.com.

In a nod to the growing interest in glamping, Bushtec now offers businesses the option to buy tents “off the shelf.” Traditionally, Bushtec tents have all been custom-made. However, over time, they discovered the most popular layouts that people enjoy and they’ve begun producing these layouts which are kept as stock models. This means that business owners can receive their luxury tents more quickly than if they were fully custom-made.

If park owners want to expand their offerings, but want to test if it will work for their location, they can also try Bushtec’s newest offering, “Wyld.” They’re testing it right now, but early results are promising, according to Flaks. It’s a revenue share program for park owners and it’s tied to an app that Bushtec has created.

“We don’t charge the parks and all they’ve got to do is provide some sites for us to place the tents on,” he said. “They might give us six sites and then the campers basically go onto the app and book the sites from there. The park gets a report and gets paid its percentage of the sale.”

If raising capital is an issue, business owners will have one more choice to consider, as the company will soon be offering financing through a new division, Bushtec Finance.

“We are close to going live with our financing,” noted Flaks. “Everyone’s going to be able to finance their purchases through us which opens up more doors.” Visit bushtecsafari.com.

Nayara Tented Camp

DOME MANUFACTURER REPORTS SURGE IN INVESTMENT FROM HOTEL BRANDS

The hotel sector has recognised a post-pandemic craving to connect with nature and enjoy open spaces. Glamping serves that need while providing similar amenities to hotels.”

Kelda continues, “As a result, all kinds of brands are embracing the glamping concept, from high-end experiential resorts to more traditional hotel companies looking to evolve and enhance their offering. In recent years, we have seen the likes of Marriott, Summit Hotel Properties and Dan Hotels entering the market.”

TruDomes Vice President, Louise Stone, said, “Hotel operators have recognised that glamping accommodation streamlines the planning process in comparison to traditional hospitality space and only requires a small initial investment to deliver a fast return and substantially boost profits.

The glamping market is enjoying a surge in investment with the arrival of big hotel brands, according to British dome manufacturer, TruDomes. The company, which operates globally, has experienced increased demand from hotel operators in Europe, Asia and North America looking to diversify their portfolio with open-air hospitality. Chain and boutique hotels are

establishing glamping accommodation to compete for growing customer desire for the luxury outdoor experience.

TruDomes President and CEO, Kelda Bassett, said, “Glamping has become an expanding segment of the hospitality industry in recent years, with a market size value of $2.78 billion in 2021 and with projected growth to nearly $6 billion by 2030.

Louise continues, “As a mobile unit which doesn’t have to be tied to a specific location, it also gives hotel owners and property managers flexibility in the management of their estates and assets. It can be transported, revamped and repurposed at minimal cost and has an exit residual value on the second-hand market.”

Visit trudomes.com.

SENSIBLE WEATHER ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH CAMPSPOT

Climate risk technology company, Sensible Weather, announced its new strategic partnership with Campspot, one of the leading online marketplaces for RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins and glamping.

Sensible Weather is focused on helping change the way consumers interact with the weather, with Weather Guarantees that provide reimbursements when Mother Nature has other plans for their outdoor experiences. Through this partnership, Campspot campers will be able to add a Weather Guarantee to their bookings at 200,000+ campsites through the Campspot marketplace. As part of the site’s intuitive, easyto-navigate guest booking experience, Weather Guarantees are now offered as an add-on to protect campers’ purchases.

Sensible Weather quantifies and manages weather risk, using cutting-edge satellite imagery and climate analytics developed from over a decade’s worth of research in industry

and academia. Sensible Weather’s payouts are managed based on pre-set parameters, which means no haggling or claims processes. Sensible Weather pays travelers up to 100% of their nightly rate in real-time, based on the day-of forecast, via a text notification typically before the predicted weather event occurs.

“We want to empower everyone to enjoy stress-free adventures, and partnering with Campspot to offer our Weather Guarantees at campsites across the U.S. is our way of helping to make the unpredictable more predictable and give campers peace of mind,” says Nick Cavanaugh, Ph.D., Sensible Weather CEO & Founder.

Camping has grown incrementally over the last few years, with more than 10 million new participants taking part in outdoor recreation

since March 2020, according to an August 2022 report from the Outdoor Industry Association. With 3 million+ site reservations made through Campspot in 2022 alone, the company is focused on creating a more modern, unparalleled camping booking experience for campers and campgrounds owners alike.

“Being outdoors and appreciating nature is a fundamental part of any camping trip, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer our campers a way to ensure they can enjoy their experience with Campspot - or to be reimbursed quickly and easily by Sensible’s Weather Guarantees even if they can’t,” says Campspot CEO Michael Scheinman. Visit campspot.com/about/weather-guarantee

Stories provided by moderncampground.com

GLAMPING GROWS IN POPULARITY AMID SOARING PRICES

blend of comfort and adventure that keeps customers coming back.

According to Kampgrounds of America Inc.’s (KOA) 2023 North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, the number of households choosing to glamp skyrocketed from 7.7 million in 2020 to an estimated 10.5 million in 2022.

While some campground owners may feel threatened by this shift in consumer preference, glamping offers an opportunity for innovation and growth. Higher glamping prices can translate into better profit margins for operators willing to upgrade their amenities and services to meet the glamping standard.

Glamping has been on a steady upward trajectory, despite commanding prices that often surpass those of high-end hotels. According to a 2021 visitor spending report by the Department of the Interior, visitors to U.S. national parks spent an average of $351 per day per group on traditional lodging options such as hotels or bed-and-breakfast establishments. On the other hand, those who opted to camp spent only $149, which translates to a 58% cost savings.

However, it’s worth noting that glamping may not necessarily result in cost savings. A night at

Under Canvas Zion can set you back at least $650 after taxes and resort fees, reaching nearly $850 for a suite tent that is more family-friendly. Yet, despite these lofty prices, glamping is witnessing an unprecedented surge in popularity.

The appeal of glamping lies in its unique fusion of opulence and nature. The concept has successfully managed to pull in a large swath of travelers who are willing to pay a premium. This trend has not gone unnoticed by campground owners and operators – glamping facilities are constantly evolving, trying to provide a unique

Additionally, the high cost of glamping hasn’t deterred customers. In 2022, glampers were found to have spent approximately 18% ($61) more than traditional campers, and about 3% ($12) more than regular hotel guests, according to a KOA survey.

The rise of glamping signifies a dramatic shift in the camping industry as a whole. With glamping, campground owners have the opportunity to provide a unique experience that appeals to both nature enthusiasts and comfort seekers. Operators who adapt could find themselves at the forefront of a rapidly expanding and profitable sector.

BC PARKS UNVEILS NEW “NOTIFY ME” FEATURE FOR RESERVATIONS

allow park-goers to sign up for up to five alerts for reservable campgrounds and specific dates. When a campsite becomes available for the desired date and location, an automated email notification is triggered, keeping the outdoor enthusiasts informed in real-time. This functionality has been crafted with the aim to provide users with a second opportunity at their preferred camping spots, particularly beneficial when cancellations occur.

a campsite, but it does provide a simple way for people to keep track of desired camping opportunities when cancellations occur.”

Aman Singh, parliamentary secretary for Environment, shed light on the growing popularity of camping in B.C. and the increasing demand for campsites in popular parks.

BC Parks (British Columbia, Canada), the body responsible for overseeing the province’s beautiful campgrounds, has announced the introduction of a convenient “notify me” feature to its reservation service. This innovative service development will provide enthusiasts with timely email notifications when previously booked campsites at their specified campgrounds become available, further enhancing the camping experience in the region. The newly launched feature is designed to

George Heyman, minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy highlighted the community’s sentiments during the announcement, “British Columbians have told us how disappointed they are when a campsite in their favorite campground is not available, and we — and they — also know there are thousands of canceled camping reservations each year.”

“We’ve worked hard to find a fair way to give people a second chance at their first choices. Receiving a notification email does not guarantee

As of the 2023 season, enthusiasts will be able to book campsites four months in advance of their planned arrival date. In response to growing demand, BC Parks has also expanded its reservation service to include eight previously unreservable campgrounds, such as Gwillim Lake Park near Chetwynd, Yahk Park near the Kingsgate border crossing, and Allison Lake Park near Princeton.

The inclusion of the “notify me” feature is a testament to BC Parks’ commitment to improving the user experience, making outdoor adventures more accessible to all British Columbians. Visit bcparks.ca.

Under Canvas Zion

MY CABIN SEEKS TO MODERNIZE OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS WITH SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED CABINS

Stove, Vermont right now,” COO Peter Seltenright told MC.

With 74% of glampers expressing intent to go glamping again (2022 North American Glamping Report) and 72% of glampers preferring to stay in cabins, the company’s timing couldn’t be better.

The design philosophy of My Cabin is rooted in simplicity and functionality. The original cabin designs came out of Latvia, built for the company’s founder as his getaway place. These designs, featuring a typical pitched roof and ample space for glass, give a unique indoor-outdoor feel that is very Scandinavian.

Cabins provide extra creature comforts that some glampers look for. Imagine, though, if these comforts went beyond the traditional—if they encapsulated modern design, privacy, and a seamless connection with nature. This is the vision of PrefabPads LLC for the North American versions of the My Cabin units.

In a recent interview with Modern Campground, Peter and Anisha Seltenright, two of the

innovative minds behind PrefabPads, a US-based manufacturing and distribution company that licenses the design of the prefabricated Scandinavian My Cabin units, shared their vision as the company seeks to tap into the outdoor hospitality market.

“We definitely want to be very much in that market. We’re starting to kind of get into there. We’re doing nine units for a hotel (Tälta Lodge) in

“What we really liked about the design is it’s not overly designed; it’s very straightforward. It’s your typical pitched roof. It’s got all the space for glass and that Scandinavian feel. And we just wanted to carry that over here,” Peter explained. And so, the company reengineered the My Cabin Latvian plans to adhere to building codes for almost every U.S. state as well as Canada. Visit prefabpads.co.

Q EVON ANNOUNCES VINTAGE CARAVAN GLAMPING SITE

Jewelry designer Q Evon announced the completion of an upscale glamping site in Western, NC.

“Welcome to my retro house on wheels,” said Q, as finishing touches were completed on the fully restored 1954 Spartan Imperial Mansion. She added that reservations are available through Airbnb for “Caravan Q”, which includes private covered outdoor living space and a cantilevered deck overlooking one of the best views in Western North Carolina.

Caravan Q is a completely private holiday rental for up to 3 people with approximately 340 square feet of interior space, with all luxury amenities. The covered patio adds 550 square feet of outdoor living space attached to the 350 sq. ft cantilevered deck. An outdoor shower/cold water immersion therapy tank, infrared sauna, cook station equipped with a gas grill, and an outdoor fireplace complete the exterior amenities.

Q combined her passion for metal and her appreciation for nature in the outdoor elements on the site. She curated everything for the outdoor space with an eye towards upcycling metal and creating a place of luxury and sanctuary, with a vintage look and feel, as if it had been there for

decades. From the metal patio dining table to the privacy screen with its botanical motif, the corrugated metal fence and steel covered patio, and the raw steel beams and supports of the outdoor living space – metal choices influence the look and feel of the exterior at every turn.

The interior woodwork was completely restored to its original beauty and everything from light fixtures to the original Kelvinator refrigerator has been carefully redone. Q’s

must-haves included a luxury mattress and linens, updated lighting, and a restful color palette to create as much of a refuge from the outside world as the cantilevered deck invites guests to enjoy the mountains.

Features like the hand-painted canvas valances above the windows, a cocktail station with mid-century bar accessories, and mid-century furnishings throughout the space complete the upscale vintage feel. Visit abnb.me/XOqA5KJdFzb.

GLAMPING

SHOW AMERICAS - BIGGER AND BETTER IN 2023

Glamping Show Americas is the only trade event dedicated to the glamping industry in the Americas. From structures and furnishing, to business services and much more, this is the go-to event for anyone looking for products and information to support or start their outdoor hospitality business. This event is fertile ground for information gathering, brainstorming and deal making. Your fellow attendees face the same business challenges as you and are key to helping you find solutions.

The Expo at Glamping Show Americas has grown significantly and, this year, we are looking to provide an even bigger array of products and services to supercharge your glamping efforts.This year’s Glamping Show is materially exponentially larger than 2022, and many of our exhibitors are bringing more products to display than they did last year. No matter what accommodations your glamping business offers – treehouses to tents and everything in between – you can also find furniture, insurance, WiFi, reservation booking systems, consulting services, accessories, solar power and more among the indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces.With exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Turkey, The Netherlands, UK, Spain, Poland, South Africa, Australia and China, visitors can accomplish more work and research in two days at Glamping Show Americas than they could in a year trying to do it on their own.

The expert-led conference program is entirely new this year, with eight new sessions in the full two-day program and completely new content in

Conferences

our two workshops: Funding your Glamping Business & Glamping Business Basics – you’ll hear from industry experts about how to turn your glamping aspirations into a viable business, and how to secure the start-up or expansion funding you need. Whether you are brand new to the outdoor hospitality industry or you had a glampsite before glamping became a thing, you will come away with success-driven action items. Learn how to leverage AI, overcome legal hurdles, secure funding, seamlessly integrate glamping into your campground and enhance your bottom line with the right amenities.

We’re once again partnering with Stout Tent to offer visitors the option to glamp on-site in our

completely immersive Glamping Village. Not only will you enjoy a comfortable bell tent, but Stout Tent will also host a private, VIP glampers-only party on Sunday, October 1st complete with live music, food, beverages and more.

Life in Tents

We are offering Early Bird rates on the pre-show workshops and conference passes until August 11th 2023. To register and join us October 3–4 at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Colorado, visit www.glampingshow.us

Mariarchi band entertaining the crowds

Letter from AGA founder:

BY RUBEN MARTINEZ

As we enter the heart of the 2023 season, it’s important for us to take a step back and take a quick look at what we have learned so far this year. We now know that there are more options than ever for those first time and long time glampers, which is more than exciting for the entire glamping industry. With record development and properties operating this year, that also means that operators now more than ever, need to constantly look at how they are differentiating themselves versus other operators in and around their market. It is important to help maximize total revenue per unit but it is also vital for operators to create experiences and provide unforgettable moments for guests. And it is key to be consistently obsessing over how to turn first time glampers into life long glampers and maximize total revenues by creating a loyal customer base.

determine how and if they have a place in your operation. Food and beverage is by far the trickiest one that operators are still navigating this year. When it is done right it can really increase the number of days that guests are willing to spend on the property. Often, figuring out a way to partner with local restaurants can be an easier way to provide options for your guests and help create a win-win for everyone. But be aware, providing a quality food and beverage option is complicated at best and has many hidden obstacles, so please proceed methodically.

Having tailored options for groups such as corporate retreats can really help fill out the slower days of the week. These groups typically have clear needs such as a space to meet and access to food and beverage, so often adjustments will be needed to ensure they have the right experience. Proving clear and transparent information about your property and presenting an easy to understand pricing model will be critical as these stakeholders make decisions on which property can provide the best experience for their organization and budget.

While there is no perfect execution and a one size fits all strategy to maximizing your revenue, there are a few key items to consider and to

The one revenue generating activity that most operators are navigating is onsite and offsite activities and experiences such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, biking and wine tasting. These are often the most straightforward offering a property can provide and are now expected at some level by guests. We have known for a long time that people don’t go glamping to just sit in their unit all day long. Therefore, it is important to figure out what the property and local area can easily provide to enhance their time spent on and around the property. It is always a good idea to research and

implement a software or service that allows guests to rent or purchase the experience on the ground and in real time. Operators can lose revenue if there isn’t an easy system in place to capture the transaction.

As we sprint through the 2023 season it is important to start thinking about the next year and lessons learned so far from this season. Maximizing revenue is critical to an operator’s growth strategy and needs to be constantly reviewed as the industry continues to evolve and move in an exciting direction.

For more info please contact:

https://americanglampingassociation.net/ info@americanglampingassociation.net

“While there is no perfect execution and a one size fits all strategy to maximizing your revenue, there are a few key items to consider and to determine how and if they have a place in your operation.”

ARE WE ENTITLED TO ENTITLEMENTS?

BY TODD WYNNE-PARRY

Ask any glamping brand executive to name their top impediment to growth, and they will say: “Entitlements”. Why is this the case? Glamping is providing a new and more approachable way for nature lovers to experience the great outdoors. To connect with the natural world and grow a new appreciation for the environment. Right? These are all good things. So why is the process of obtaining a municipality’s approval to develop a glamping project halting so many new developments? The case for demand outstripping supply for this product is quite compelling. The economic benefit of having a glamping destination in an otherwise remote rural area is also clear. The fact is there

is often an inherent dilemma in the quest for glamping development. On the one hand, we are all generally committed to being good custodians of Mother Nature and the greater good of exposing more souls to her beauty. But at what cost? Many times, residents in these desirable locations are understandably at odds with a new glamping development.

GLAMPING’S MOTTE & BAILEY FALLACY

The Motte (the defensible argument) is that glamping is good because it offers a low impact and hopefully more sustainable version of accommodation. Who doesn’t want that? The

Bailey (the less defensible argument) is that because this is an altruistic approach to providing accommodation, all glamping developments should be approved. Of course, that is a fallacy. Not all glamping projects are entitled to permits based solely on their good intentions. As we have seen several high-profile brands have projects denied approval in many key outdoor destinations. New York’s Catskills, California’s Joshua Tree (or just California in general) to name a few, have had would-be glamping projects thwarted. These projects would arguably bring added employment and new revenue to local businesses and governments. But local governments and their citizens coalesced, and their interests prevailed.

WHAT’S THE RUB?

Where the rubber hits the road and skids is similar across the country. Glamping projects tend to be located where antiquated or insufficient infrastructure is stressed under heavy seasonal visitation. Therefore, local governments struggle to balance their need to preserve their natural environment while serving the needs of their constituents’ livelihoods that depend on visitor dollars. Destinations such as Lake Tahoe and Sedona are clear examples where this issue challenges local planning departments daily. Traffic congestion and limited workforce or workforce housing tend to be common arguments against any new accommodation development. Environmental issues requiring local, regional, or federal approval can also derail many projects. Locations where the land has poor septic percolation, dwindling water supply or threateningly low flood plain levels can make the cost of mitigation kill the project’s economics. In some instances, all the above limitations on growth are clearly warranted. Adding to that strong local no-growth argument, many times the developer did not foresee the difficulty in obtaining public support. Another dubious tactic is to go for the moonshot (say applying for 200 units and hoping to settle for 80) and having that backfire by scaring the bejesus out of the residents.

THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE

When the glamping development is either replacing a deteriorated campground or RV Park with a higher caliber or sustainable style of accommodation the argument for increasing pressure on existing infrastructure is mitigated. In this case, or for a smaller insignificant addition to the accommodation supply, there are some effective guidelines to avoiding a brick wall in your development process. Before we start that journey though, there is one key fact about entitlements. That is: every jurisdiction is completely unique. From California to Georgia, North Dakota to Texas all state, regional and local authorities can have vastly different approval

processes and more importantly a wide variety of definitions for glamping, campgrounds, accommodation, and zoning types. Therefore, the guidelines or approaches to getting entitlements that work in one jurisdiction may be completely useless for another.

With that basic understanding, the first step to the process is to have a clear understanding of your vision or your development plan. That is, you must have a very clear idea of what you plan to build and who your customer will be. This includes a full understanding of the construction plan, the operations program, and the human resource needs. It will also be good practice to understand the potential positive and negative impacts on the local community and natural environment. Hopefully, your preliminary due diligence would have come up positive on your ability to build what you want to build.

THE HOMEWORK

It is critical to know what similar projects in the same jurisdiction were approved or denied approval and why over the last five to ten years. This homework may require going through the freedom of information act, reading through exhaustive hearing minutes, and identifying who was involved with the projects as applicants as well as the individuals that made the planning decisions. Knowing who the successful local land-use attorneys, architects, civil engineers, and consultants is critical as these key players need to be on your team. You need to have local representation that is familiar to the authority. It makes no sense to enter a planning committee hearing and present as a complete outsider. You need to have someone that lives in and participates in the local community advocating on your behalf. This local forward approach will save you time and money. Set aside the ego and the excitement about your project. Keep your eye on

the prize and delegate the community outreach to a member of the community.

Developing a glamping site has challenges even when the project is completely entitled. But when the project is a net benefit for the region and the local community, the juice is almost always worth the squeeze. Luckily there are like minded individuals and firms across the country that can assist with everything from site selection, site analysis, feasibility, and the dreaded entitlement process. You might not be entitled to entitlement, but if you have done your homework and selected a site that has a clear pathway to development and a feasible business plan, you should be granted the privilege of offering this great product to the market.

A seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, Todd has over 30 years of hotel development experience, having held senior leadership positions at several major hotel brands and most recently AutoCamp and Two Roads Hospitality. A dual-citizen of the US and Australia, Wynne-Parry has lived and worked in the U.S., Asia, Australia and the United Kingdom. He was instrumental in the development efforts for IHG, Starwood and Marriott in the Asia Pacific region and for Two Roads Hospitality globally. He began his career as a hotel consultant in the San Diego office of Laventhol & Horwath, the predecessor to Horwath HTL. He is now Managing Director of Horwath HTL and leads the Outdoor Hospitality practice for North America. Horwath HTL is the largest independent hospitality consultancy with 52 offices worldwide.

Todd earned an MBA from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and sits on the advisory council of the American Glamping Association. In his spare time, Todd enjoys fly fishing and exploring the western US in his 1953 Airstream.

About Todd G. Wynne-Parry

“Knowing who the successful local land-use attorneys, architects, civil engineers, and consultants is critical as these key players need to be on your team.”

WHAT I LEARNED THE HARD WAY…

Glamping Business Americas speaks to Tyler Watts who built and co-owns the Broad River Campground located in Mooresboro, North Carolina and finds out how the build of his first glamping and RV site went and what he might do differently next time round!

10 THINGS TYLER LEARNED

1. Don’t underestimate what it takes to build a glamping site.

2. Your budget is your budget, and it’s likely not high enough!

3. Develop a good team of contractors, and work with them and take care of them.

4. Understand your market and your competition.

5. Tour other parks, talk with owners, developers, park managers on the pros and cons.

6. Network with contractors, lenders, city officials to develop relationships.

7. Be flexible with design.

8. Understand your land, soil testing is a must, know where your views are.

9. Set yourself apart, offer something different than the norm.

10. Bring on a good team, people that share your passion.

What is your background and how did you come to build a glamping resort?

I hold a Civil Engineering Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and I am also a General Contractor who built Broad River Campground. I discovered real estate about 10 years ago and our group focused primarily on apartments. In 2020, I decided to pitch the idea of building a luxury RV & Glamping resort and fast forward to July 2022, we took an 82-acre tract of raw hunting land and developed it into a resort destination! My knowledge and lessons learned from building RV sites/Cabins/Glamping Domes can be utilized for others to learn from my mistakes. We went through all of the steps from selecting a piece of land, to permitting, to literally crawling on top of a Glamping Dome and tightening the bolts!

Timing - how long did it take (did it take longer than expected?)

It took around 9 months (full time) for us to build the park. Permitting and Engineering took a year. It did take longer than expected naturally due to materials on back order and contractors running behind on schedule. We opened one month past our deadline, on July 1, 2022

Cost - did this fall in line with what you thought?

No way! To our defense, a lot changed from the time we developed our budget, and the time we started to develop. During 2021/2022 pricing on materials were going up daily so our initial material cost that we budget didn’t align. We also changed some things during development that added cost.

You lived near this location but is this essential? This particular build was great as I live 20 minutes away. The next park will likely be farther out now that we have our first one built. Location doesn’t scare us, we will build anywhere in the United States. We hope to continue building up and down the East Coast.

Tell us about groundworks and water management – yes those toilets again…  One of the biggest undertakings is your sewer. We had to install septic on this project and that requires extensive testing and engineering to understand where you develop and not develop. We wanted to understand this more, so we went and received our certification to install septic  ystems.

Why did you choose the accommodation types you did?

The goal of our park was to build something that everyone could enjoy, whether you want to tent camp like in the old glory days or spent your weekend in a luxury cabin with all the amenities. We wanted to be different than other parks by offering multiple ways to stay and play! Our guests love the luxury domes, there were not too many other sites in this area offering them.

Tell us about constructing the domes yourself… Dome construction is a love/hate story. We purchased five Domes and the only instructions we got was a picture of a completed dome and some letters. After multiple failed attempts and some prayers, we built our first ever Dome and the first one in our city. Let’s just say the first one took about a week, the next 4 we built in 4 days!

How do you manage with staffing?

We currently have one full time member of staff (Park Manager) and five part time employees. On holiday weekends we will staff up more to accommodate guest needs.

How did you approach marketing and choosing your sales channels?

We use all the social media platforms to promote Broad River Campground. Our biggest platforms right now are Facebook and TikTok. We also

have been featured on Woodall’s podcast, we are presenting at ARVC in Kansas City in 2023, we are presenting at CARVC in Myrtle Beach, SC in 2024 along with being included in many local magazines and newspaper articles. We are going to be featured on Charlotte’s WCNC News network as well.

How have your found your guests so far? Did any throw you a curveball?

Here at Broad River Campground, we have an amazing staff who have been extraordinary in us maintaining our 5-Star Google review. We want the guest to feel at home and that they can truly relax and enjoy everything we have to offer. The staff do an amazing job at being flexible and understanding guest needs, our reviews show for themselves!

What are your future expansion plans, might do anything differently next time?

Future expansion for Broad River Campground includes 45 more RV sites on Phase II. Phase III is still up in the air, however, we have a few ideas we think the market would like to see!

Of course, you learn as you build more and there are a lot of little things we are doing now that speeds up the process of developing phase II. We now have the established contacts with contractors, engineers, manufactures to get what we need, and when we need it. Phase II should be fully developed in around half the time it took us to develop phase I. We don’t have to worry with utilities as much as they are already on the property.

Watch a video about Broad River Campground here https://drive.google.com/ file/d/1Hl7MFTZn96SedH6TZ_ppoECEhpLboWmO/ view

About Tyler Otto

Tyler is the President and Owner of Glamping Bookkeepers, a remote accounting and tax firm dedicated to helping glamping operations drive profit and build wealth. Tyler has served as a Finance Director in the hospitality industry for everything from 2-star to 5-star accommodations and loves helping business owners perfect their financial performance.

www.glampingbookkeepers.com

Tyler@GlampBK.com

ENHANCING

THE

GLAMPING EXPERIENCE: THE POWER OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROGRAMS

BY JOHN GRIFFITHS

In the dynamic travel industry, glamping resorts are emerging as a popular choice for travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences.

To meet these modern adventurers’ demands, glamping operators must now go beyond offering exceptional accommodations and breathtaking views. They must embrace the growing trend of food tourism. This article explores the benefits, potential investment, and profitability of introducing Food and Beverage (F+B) programs.

Hospitality is about so much more than a transaction. Hospitality is about creating a meaningful connection with guests, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience. F+B plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. F+B professionals, trained in hospitality, are adept at caring for guests, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Incorporating F+B programs can increase touchpoints with guests, gather feedback,

“Hospitality is about so much more than a transaction. Hospitality is about creating a meaningful connection with guests, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.”

and engage with them throughout their stay, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

F+B offerings should not be seen merely as a convenience for guests; they can significantly influence their choice of glamping resort. With 56% of campers emphasizing the importance of top-tier F+B when glamping, providing exceptional F+B experiences can attract guests willing to pay more for quality and authenticity. Offering a purposeful F+B program tailored to guests’ preferences can help them disconnect from their daily lives and fully immerse themselves in the glamping experience.

The KOA 2023 North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report reveals that over onethird (36%) of campers now prioritize food tourism and culinary experiences. These “food tourists” spend an average of $300 more per trip than other campers and travel over 140 miles farther. This trend indicates that campers are seeking highquality F+B experiences and are willing to go the extra mile, quite literally, to find them.

The American Express Travel Report further underscores this trend, revealing that 81% of travelers worldwide look forward to trying local foods while traveling. Additionally, 36% of travelers are interested in learning about local cultures or giving back to the local community. By developing even the simplest of retail food programs, like stocking artisan food products, running a local coffee program, or arranging delivery from a bakery, a glamping operator can connect to this consumer, support local businesses, and ensure the quality of the F+B experience while generating low-cost revenues. This growing desire for authenticity and local experiences presents an opportunity for glamping resorts to offer more substantial and unique F+B programs that showcase local flavors and culinary traditions. Engaging a local chef or caterer to deliver or lead dinners on certain nights of the week during high season can be a great way to do this. This is what we call a third-party origination program. By utilizing the licensed facility of a local caterer or restaurant, the glamping resort only needs to provide a minimally functional “finishing” kitchen or space with which to execute the meal. Profit-sharing models make this shared risk scenario very profitable and less capital intensive than full-service restaurant construction.

To optimize the success of an F+B program, it is essential to align it with guests’ expectations and preferences. Understanding the activities popular in the resort’s vicinity, guests’ activity levels, and their wellness orientation can help shape the F+B offerings accordingly. Whether it’s offering healthy, packaged lunches for active

guests or creating menus suitable for wine pairings in winery-rich regions, catering to guests’ specific expectations enhances their overall experience and strengthens the resort’s appeal.

Research by Sage Outdoor Advisory indicates that glamping resorts with substantial food service experience over a 100% increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) compared to those with minimal or no F+B offerings. This ADR lift, as well as the addition to the potential revenue from meals, is a very enticing opportunity. But it also enables resorts to have greater control over the guest experience, curating it to align with their unique vision. This is an essential part of attracting a higher-end

traveler. These travelers want to know their needs will be met. Furthermore, with the right team or partner, resorts can provide offerings above the quality level available locally, further attracting guests to spend on property

While some concerns exist around the costs and profitability of F+B programs, there are ways to mitigate these challenges. Expensive startup costs can be minimized by adopting modular kitchen and restaurant designs that optimize space and reduce building expenses. Leveraging low-cost technology for efficient scheduling, ordering processes, demand oriented operating hours, and menu optimization can help address labor-intensive

aspects and increase profitability by minimizing waste and maximizing revenue per square foot. Diners in experiential hospitality are satisfied with menus that are up to 40% smaller than restaurants they normally dine in. This helps operators keep food costs and inventories down, mitigating the shrinkage that plagues operators that offer “something for everyone”

The upfront investment of F+B facilities is one of the most consequential pieces of the F+B puzzle. Given the wide-ranging costs of construction across North America, it is hard to pinpoint numbers for the sake of this article. However, we can advise on ways to maximize the efficiency with which you work. Be early, analyze your F+B opportunity in pre-development, and the potential impact on your project’s ROI could be significant. Identify and configure the potential sites for F+B, and running services in development will help with later construction. Creating an F+B plan that grows alongside any phased development will create the intention early on and allow your team or partner-operator to anticipate the evolving needs of your resort and guests. This phased approach helps to mitigate upfront costs and can allow the growing F+B program to help subsidize its own growth.

Glamping resorts can adopt different F+B models based on their size, location, and target audience. Retail or marketplace options can provide essential food items, local products, and curated experiences within communal spaces. Third-party origination programs, such

as experiential dining with local chefs, offer immersive and engaging opportunities for guests to connect with the resort, staff, and other guests. Full-service F+B programs, including restaurants and bars, and cafes, provide the most comprehensive and lucrative options, allowing for multiple daily meals, packaged foods, and a variety of beverage offerings.

The success of F+B programs certainly depends on a few factors. A critical mass of guests is necessary for any F+B operation. We find that resorts with at least 20 accommodations and an Average Daily Rate (ADR) over $150 are best suited for F+B success. Location is the second key to potential success. In our modeling, we have come to understand a “goldilocks zone” for resort location. That zone is ideally, and loosely, within 30 to 100 miles of a major population center or city. This distance makes frequent trips “to town” an inconvenience for guests, but also close enough that you will be able to appropriately staff your venues, and receive commercial deliveries.

In conclusion, F+B programs can have an impact that far outweighs their initial investment and any fears of unprofitable operations. With careful planning, strategic partnerships, and a keen understanding of guests’ preferences, glamping operators can leverage F+B programs to enhance the guest experience, boost revenues, and set their resorts apart in a competitive market. As the glamping industry continues to evolve, those who adapt and innovate will undoubtedly reap the rewards.

About John Griffiths

John and his team helps operators create and run successful F+B programs.

Offering project management for design and construction, they support municipal clearances, and provide a comprehensive operations playbook. They recruit local partners, recommend equipment, conduct menu testing, training, and offer consulting and contract management services for long-term success.

With Outbound Kitchen, operators can rely on their expertise for exceptional F+B programs. Contact John at john@outboundkitchen.com or visit outboundkitchen.com

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Land deal puts michigan glamping entrepreneurs within reach of their dream

Mike and Melissa Crowe have been in the glamping business for a few years now, but they have yet to host a single guest – or even open their park. But that might be changing soon.

The Crowes are the owners of the Mitten Getaways Glamping Company – a Michigan based firm that has been stretching the definition of “startup” since 2020. But the persevering duo (he’s a full-time pharmacist and she’s a full-time mom) had big news this month . . . they finally have a purchase agreement for land for their 12-unit resort.

“We found our land and we have it under contract,” Mike Crowe said. “It’s about 100 acres on a private lake near Howell, Michigan (midway between Lansing and Detroit). It’s surrounded by hundreds acres of state land, so we’ll have the seclusion we want without having to purchase the extra land around us.”

“We found our land and we have it under contract.”

The Crowes, like hundreds of entrepreneurs around North America, long dreamed of hosting glamping guests along their own quiet lakefront. But unlike most, they’ve now managed to take their project well beyond the dream stage.

METHOD TO THE MADNESS

The Crowes have gone about things in a very methodical, yet less-than-traditional manner. Mike channeled the attention to detail required of a pharmacist into gathering reams of data on glamping and worked with consultants to develop detailed feasibility studies regarding his glamping facility.

At the same time, the two got busy on the marketing side, launching a slick website as well as a very active presence on social media to both pump up their fledgling brand and help gauge consumer interest in central Michigan glamping.

On their website, you can now purchase your own Mitten Getaways merchandise from shirts to hats, backpacks, mugs and even baby onesies.

There’s also a monthly e-newsletter that already has eight issues, and a new podcast called Mitten Minute (hosted by Mike and Melissa) that is being launch on the popular Woodall’s Campground Magazine website.

While it may seem the Crowes have things a bit out of order, they have been highly successful in building an online following and significantly raised the profile of their brand and their yet-tobe-built resort.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED

When we first wrote about the Crowes and Mitten Getaways in the February/March 2023 edition of Glamping Business Americas Magazine, they’d been stymied by government process paperwork, and an inability to close the deal of any piece of adequate land. They couldn’t find a seller willing to give them the time they needed to finalize a land deal.

“We had put in three different purchase agreements on two other pieces of land in Michigan, but we just couldn’t get the owners to

give us enough time to put everything together and the land went to other buyers,” Crowe said. “Now, we are so glad that we didn’t get those first deals done because each piece of land we’ve looked at has been better than the last one.”

The new parcel near Howell is currently a private residence, with plenty of room to add the three dome structures, three safari tents, three pole tents, two covered wagons, and one teepee the Crowes plan to erect to launch Mitten Getaways. The Crowes plan to keep it simple, providing clean, quiet, and comfortable accommodations in a setting that allows guests to take advantage of the nature around them.

“We are both very excited,” said Crowe. “We’ve got our momentum back. We’ve learned a lot along the way, and we’ve fine-tuned our budget. We’re a lot smarter now about all of the different processes required and the timelines.”

The Crowes plan to open their new resort by June 2024. In the meantime, they still have their work cut out. They’ll need a completed Michigan wetlands delineation to ensure there won’t be any environmental restrictions on the land, and there’s plans for a more detailed independent feasibility study along with site surveys and other planning.

BEING GOOD NEIGHBORS

The Crowes have also grown to expect some degree of resistance from neighbors to their plans. “We’ve taken what we learned in the past,” he said. “We won’t be publicly divulging the exact location of the property until after township approval.”

Mike Crowe said he’s considering going doorto-door to introduce he and Melissa’s vision. He’s confident he can convince area residents that Mitten Getaways intends to be a very good neighbor, but he knows misconceptions combined with lead time could be detrimental to their success.

“If a private party purchased this land and moved in with a bunch of motorized toys, it would ruin it for the neighbors,” he said. “We in fact won’t allow those types of activities. Our resort will be a quiet place for our guests to relax. We also plan to be a destination pillar for the community and be very supportive of other local businesses. I envision a lot of partnerships with area businesses.”

FINANCING THE DREAM

Of course, a dream of glamping success is only a dream unless you have the financing.

“Our current approach is a USDA loan,” Crowe said. “We have to have 25% down on the total project cost, which is about $3 million.”

The Crowes are currently working with a bank loan and are also raising funds through private equity investment and a somewhat unique glamper loyalty program.

The Crowes hope their glamper loyalty program, called the 5 Finger Discount Club, can be a major piece in their financing puzzle. The discount club is already being promoted on the www.mittengetaways.com website.

For $500 every five years, Club members would receive their first night free; 10% off all future bookings; a free equipment rental (such as kayaks) during their stay; priority booking at least two weeks before non-members; and 5% off for friends and family you bring along for your stay. If you aren’t quite ready to be a club member, you can still purchase Mitten Getaways glamping gift cards online.

No one can accuse the Crowes of standing still: By the end of June, the Crowes had commissioned a “pitch video,” created an online investor’s page, and launched a first round of fundraising. They’ve also created corporate partnership packages, contracted with an engineering firm to create site plans, hired a general contractor, and are anxiously awaiting their state wetlands delineation in early July.

ADVICE FROM THE TRENCHES

Crowe has simple advice for anyone thinking of following in their glamping footsteps . . . don’t go it alone.

“Surround yourself with experienced people,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. I know that I’m not an expert in every aspect of pharmacy. It’s the same thing with the glamping industry. It takes a team to do this.”

MORE INFO

If you missed Part 1 of Glamping Business Americas Magazine’s coverage of the Crowes and their Mitten Getaways glamping startup, you can read it here.

You can watch the Crowes’ Mitten Minute podcast on Woodall’s Campground Magazine’s Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn pages or at www.mittengetaways.com/minute. The show will also be distributed as a podcast and can be listened to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mike Gast was the Vice President of Communications for Kampgrounds of America, Inc. for the past 20 years. Now, he’s on to new adventures, helping others tell their stories through his freelance company, ‘Imi Ola Group. You can reach Mike at mike.imiolagroup@gmail.com

“Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. I know that I’m not an expert in every aspect of pharmacy. It’s the same thing with the glamping industry. It takes a team to do this.”

THE DYRT ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2023 GLAMPY AWARDS

More than 80 million Americans went camping last year according to The Dyrt’s 2023 Camping Report, 1.7 million of them said they primarily opted for glamping. Millions more mixed in some glamorous camping with their regular camping routines.

Among The Dyrt’s community of campers, there was a 10 percent increase in the number of people who went glamping in 2022 compared to the year before. If you’re wondering why glamping is so hot right now, we have just one question for you: Have you seen some of these places?!

A mirror space pod in the middle of the Texas desert. Hundred-mile views from 10,000 feet up in the Colorado Rockies. King-size beds perched above a river bend in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains. No, these are not Mad Libs. These are all actual glampgrounds that you can book right now on The Dyrt!

They are also among the winners of the 2023 Glampy Awards. Last year’s inaugural Glampys featured cocoon treehouses, a fire tower and a caboose. This year’s group of honorees is just as impressive and all new — with so many amazing glampgrounds across the U.S.

And the winners are...

1. SPACE COWBOYS - TEXAS

At first glance, this glampground looks like a spaceship just happened to land in the desert close to Big Bend National Park by the Texas-Mexico border. For the older crowd or fans of classic TV, there’s a definite Mork from Ork vibe going on here.

The mirror space pod at Space Cowboys is the centerpiece of this 10-acre property and is situated on a volcanic hill surrounded by meteor rocks. Full 360-degree views of the desert landscape and mountains in the distance can’t be beat. There are also numerous tent and RV sites at Space Cowboys, but the pod is what earned the property this year’s top spot on our list.

2. DESERT GLAMPING GETAWAYARIZONA

Like a sort of glamping bee hive, these hexagonal hideaways provide luxury accommodations fully

immersed in a spectacular Arizona desert setting with mountain vistas.

Desert Glamping Getaway is an offering from Arcadian American Farms, an agricultural enterprise with a community model trying to get the world excited about farming and village life. What better way to do that than with a glamping visit to AAF complete with miniature goats, chickens and gardens.

3. 105 WEST RANCH - COLORADO

Glamping is reaching new heights. Especially when you spend some time 10,000 feet above

sea level at 105 West Ranch. Thin air, don’t care. This glampground sits on more than 100 acres of private, pristine Colorado mountain land and offers 100 miles worth of visibility that contains Pikes Peak, Beaver Creek Canyon and the Arkansas River Valley.

There are three miles of private hiking trails among the towering aspen trees, pine forest ravine and rolling meadow. This place doesn’t skimp on the topography.

4. SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANGALITSA - NORTH CAROLINA

For context, Mangalitsa is a Hungarian breed of domestic pig. So yes, this glampground in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains is also a pig farm.

Space Cowboys - Texas, photo by Slava C

Desert Glamping Getaway - Arizona, photo by Desert Glamping Getaway

105 West Ranch - Colorado, photo by Jeff P

Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa - North Carolina, photo by Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa

These 95 acres are all about private farmland views, the surrounding mountains and the halfmile of river that flows through the property.

The Bamboo River Tent is a beautiful riverside retreat for two adults (no kids allowed for this one) with a king-size bed with fine linens and a headboard crafted from tobacco sticks found on the farm. It’s perched on a large deck nestled in bamboo.

7. GRAND CANYON ECO RETREATARIZONA

5. HUTTOPIA SOUTHERN MAINEMAINE

First things first — Huttopia rhymes with utopia, so don’t go around saying “hut topia.” Although they’d love to have you as a guest either way.

Huttopia was started by Céline and Philippe Bossanne of France, and there are now more than 60 Huttopia locations on three continents. Huttopia Southern Maine features a large, freshwater pond and mature forest setting. There is a variety of wood and canvas tents to choose from, two-bedroom Trappeur tents with electricity, a kitchen and bathroom, or Vista tiny houses with large glass walls and screened-in porches.

Another off-grid offering is Grand Canyon Eco Retreat, which is located on 10 acres near the Kaibab National Forest. Everything here is done with sustainability in mind. Most items are built from up-cycled wood and the use of concrete and plastic is limited. Reusable metal water bottles are available for purchase.

Three glamping yurts are open six months out of the year and a tiny A-frame cabin is open year round. There’s a yoga deck, cold tub, composting bathrooms and open-air hot showers, with more projects in the works. Four-day yoga retreats take place from Friday to Monday on most weekends, and there are also guided hikes, a sauna and Reiki available as an add-on.

8. RIVER ISLAND ADVENTURESSOUTH CAROLINA

This one-acre outpost on the Waccamaw River in South Carolina features yard games, tree swings, hammocks, a large fire pit, boat dock and ramp, riverside picnic tables and access to a 48-acre private island in the middle of the river where you can camp overnight.

Float down the river on a tube and get picked up by a pontoon boat for the return trip. There is also a pontoon island tour or guided kayak tours if you want to spend some solid time on the water. If you really want to crank it up a notch, sign up for Escape River Island, where teams of two go to the private island to compete in 10 Survivor-style challenges.

6. GLAMPING CANYONLANDSUTAH

Go off the grid at Glamping Canyonlands in Utah where all the power comes from the sun.

There are four bell tents, a canvas wall tent and a pod. Each is furnished with a comfortable bed fitted with linens, extra blankets, area rugs, string lights, board games, a phone charging pack, deck chairs, private fire pit with grill top, shaded hammocks and a picnic table.

9. MY TINY CREEKSIDE RETREATWASHINGTON

On the north side of the Columbia River near the Washington-Oregon state line, My Tiny Creekside Retreat is tucked into the hills above Longview. The waterfront A-frame glamping cabin has two beds and a bathroom in a cozy, rustic space. There’s also a campers’ kitchen and a cooler. Open the side walls to create an open-air glamping experience and let the sounds of the river lull you to sleep. Common areas on the 2.5acre property include a grape arbor sitting area, fire rings, picnic tables, yoga decks and creek-front beach area.

10. EMBERGLOW OUTDOOR RESORT - NORTH CAROLINA

Seventy-two acres in the rolling hills of western North Carolina are home to the Emberglow Outdoor Resort. The private valley has picturesque spring-fed creeks and at night there are more stars than you can count even if you pull an all-nighter.

Conveniently located near Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville and Columbia, Emberglow is a perfect way to get away from it all without going too far. There are 20 unique lodging opportunities to suit parties of all sizes that include RVs, treehouses, vintage campers, tiny homes, safari tents and yurts.

reports.thedyrt.com

Huttopia Southern Maine - Maine, photo by Huttopia Southern Maine

Glamping Canyonlands - Utah, photo by Glamping Canyonlands

Grand Canyon Eco Retreat - Arizona, photo by Grand Canyon Eco Retreat

Emberglow Outdoor Resort - North Carolina, photo by Emberglow Outdoor Resort

River Island Adventures - South Carolina, photo by River Island Adventures

My Tiny Creekside Retreat - Washington, photo by My Tiny Creekside Retreat

Outdoor HOSPITALITY TRENDS

Elise Nicpon, Director of Business Customer Experience for Room & Board for Business shares the top three trends in outdoor aesthetics, materials, and more.

Hospitality spaces are being reimagined and refined at a faster pace than ever before, adapting to evolving trends, preferences, and needs. When it comes to the future of outdoor hospitality design, the focus is on shared experiences and making guests feel like they’re right at home.

DESIGNING FOR THE BLEISURE GUEST

The days of arriving at the check-in desk and hearing “are you traveling for business or leisure?” are over. The hospitality industry is facing pressure to offer blended accommodations for guests planning to work remotely and enjoy time off within the duration of their stay. With this change, transitional lobbies are expanding with shaded workspace hubs located outside for heads-down work”. Bleisure guests are looking for a perch for their laptop, WIFI accessibility, and even a secluded outdoor area to hop on an afternoon conference call.

COMMUNAL, EXPERIENCE-BASED SPACES

In 2023 the ‘guest experience’ has shifted beyond the confines of private dwellings and housekeeping service. Think outdoor recreation and the explosion of rooftop spaces - what design elements are needed to create a successful communal experience? Many are

UPHOLSTERED SEATING TO WEATHER THE ELEMENTS

Home-like hospitality is a top trend in both commercial interior design and furniture design. Outdoor furnishings have seen a drastic rise in weather-resistant upholstered seating, such as plush modern sectionals with materials that combine the beauty of indoor designs with the performance needed to face the sun, rain, and wind. In turn, hospitality designers are selecting products that are resistant to moisture, fading, mildew, and stains, for property managers to easily maintain.

turning to furnishings that can easily move around and convert the space depending on use. Take AutoCamp properties for example, all locations offer customizable public spaces for groups large and small, adding to the guests experience.

Photos courtesy of Room & Board for Business

Montego Lounge Collection in Urban Wood

Emmet Lounge Chair

Montego Outdoor Collection

Westbrook Sectional with Coffee Table