How to set up a glamping site in 2023?

Defining the New Era of Glamping

If one were to distil glamping to its most basic form, it's often defined as 'glamorous camping'. However, we believe this definition, while catchy, doesn't quite capture the full essence of the concept. The perception of glamping has undergone a significant evolution since its inception, and it continues to be shaped by innovative business owners and increasingly sophisticated travellers.

While some traditionalists might insist that glamping only pertains to temporary structures like tents and yurts, we believe this viewpoint is too narrow. Glamping, in our eyes, transcends physical constructs and encapsulates the entire experience - one that harmonises luxury and the great outdoors.

Yes, tents, pods, shepherd huts and even yurts, have all contributed to the glamping phenomenon. Yet, as the market saturates with these models, it's time to introduce new visions of glamping. The future beckons us towards sustainable, energy-efficient cabins and lodges that can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to their adherence to the passive house principle of construction, their unique architectural designs, and stunning interiors.

A future tiny house glamping site?

The Cost of Embarking on Your Glamping Venture - Setting up Capital

Embarking on a glamping or holiday site venture has a relatively smaller capital requirement when compared to other property investments. The primary investment will be the glamping units, with high-end, luxury models that have longevity priced between £45,000-100,000, and the traditional, lower-end pods and yurts, ranging between £5,000-35,000.

The additional expenditures you should consider when planning your glamping business include:

• Land purchase or lease

• Groundworks and landscaping

• Utility connections, including water, electricity, and drainage

• Infrastructure improvements such as access roads and parking

• Adding unique selling points, like local food hampers, personalised touches, off-grid stays, and more

• Online setup and digital presence

The expenses for setting up a glamping site can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your project. As a case study, our four-cabin site totalled up to £260,000.

Yet, don't let the costs deter you from your glamping ambitions. Several funding methods are available for aspiring glamping entrepreneurs, including business loans, external investors, and financing for glamping units. An essential first step to securing funds is crafting a thorough and compelling glamping business plan.

The Stunning Betula Cabin

Evaluating Profitability and Revenue in the Glamping Industry with Eco Cabins

Profitability is always a top concern for entrepreneurs entering any new business, and the glamping sector is no exception. Profit potential in the glamping industry can be determined by examining three main variables: the number of units, the nightly rate, and the occupancy rate.

Let's imagine you're planning to install four eco-cabins on your land, and after studying your competitors, you decide on a nightly rate of £180. By exploring various occupancy rates, you can get a rough estimate of potential annual revenues:

• At an 50% occupancy rate, your projected revenue amounts to £131,400 (£180 x 4 cabins x 365 days x 0.5).

• At an 60% occupancy rate, your projected revenue increases to £157,680 (£180 x 4 cabins x 365 days x 0.6 - which is the UK average occupancy rate)

• At an 70% occupancy rate, your projected revenue rises further to £183,960 (£180 x 4 cabins x 365 days x 0.7).

• At an 85% occupancy rate, your projected revenue could reach up to a huge £223,380 (£180 x 4 cabins x 365 days x 0.85 - Hoseasons data suggests we could reach this amount).

Once you've estimated your potential revenue, you'll need to account for operating expenses such as energy costs, cleaning and laundry services, consumables, maintenance, marketing, and insurance.

One of the key benefits of eco cabins is the significant reduction in energy costs. Compared to traditional glamping units, energy costs for eco cabins could be approximately 60% lower. If you opt to incorporate solar panels into your cabins, your energy costs could be virtually eliminated. This improves profitability and aligns your business with a sustainable, environmentally friendly ethos - an increasingly appealing factor for many modern travellers.

How much could you make from your site?

A Comprehensive Guide on Setting up a Glamping Site: Getting Your Planning Permission

To set the foundation of your glamping business, it's essential to get your planning permission approved by the local council. This process is a cornerstone of starting your glamping site and can be quite a time-consuming and stress-inducing endeavor, so it's imperative that you do it right. The documentation you'll need for a solid application includes:

• Detailed site layout and location plans

• Design and access statements

• Precise technical drawings

• A thorough market research statement

• Plans outlining your parking and road layouts

• A comprehensive drainage plan

• Access drawings

Once submitted, the council will consult with public agencies such as the highways and environment agency before they greenlight your glamping business proposal. A free consultation call with us will guide you through the process, increasing your chances of success.

2. Keys to Securing Planning Permission for your Glamping Pods

Before fully diving into your glamping planning application, you might consider a pre-planning application. This process allows you to present a general outline of your proposed project to the council. The feedback can offer insight into the likelihood of your application being approved and may provide guidance on changes to improve your chances.

However, the responses to pre-planning applications vary among councils, so investing in a Glampitect Feasibility Study could prove to be more beneficial. It provides an in-depth analysis of your council's policies and past decisions, giving you a clear indication of your probability of success.

3. Crafting an Aesthetically Pleasing Glamping Site Design

A key principle in setting up a glamping site is ensuring it integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The design of your site should complement the local landscape and community, rather than stand as an eyesore. One effective strategy is to place your glamping units behind natural cover, like trees, and avoid building on elevated land.

Betula Tiny House Cabin - Glamping Site nestled in the Trees

4. Ensuring Adequate Access to your Holiday Parks

Accessibility is a significant aspect to consider. Your site should be easily reachable by car, which could necessitate forming a new access route. Without it, you risk negative feedback from the highways agency and possible rejection from the council. Don’t also forget about future-proofing your site, EV cars are growing in number year on year, and this could be a small additional cost, whilst offering more reason for EV car customers will book.

5. Adopting Sustainable Practices for Your Glamping Business in 2023

While going entirely carbon neutral may not be a requirement yet, adhering to sustainable practices is increasingly becoming a priority. Providing access through means other than personal cars can greatly increase your standing. The closer your site is to public transport, the higher your score in this regard. The beauty of using eco-cabins, such as ours, is that we already have gone that extra mile to offer you low carbon footprint homes, that, when combined with solar, are close to being net zero and may produce more energy than they use! A win win for sustainable practices, which is something of a growing trend according to Booking.com’s Sustainability Report.

6. Stand out from the Glamping Crowd with Unique Selling Points

With the glamping market becoming more competitive, it's crucial to carve out a unique niche for your glamping business. Whether it's offering hot tubs, farm tours, yoga sessions, or an outdoor cinema, finding the right unique selling point (USP) ensures your glamping site remains appealing and relevant for years to come. We find offering local produce, unique insider information into what’s going on in the local area, and personal touches, really helps to set your site apart from the rest.

7. Establishing a Strong Online Presence for your Glamping Site

In this digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for the success of your glamping business. Your online setup should ideally consist of:

• A custom website with integrated booking features

• Utilising Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

• Implementing a channel manager

• Effective marketing strategies

Creating a user-friendly website that allows direct booking and showcases the unique features of your site is vital. While OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com are great tools for expanding your reach, your ultimate goal should be to have a majority of bookings made directly through your website.

To avoid double booking, a channel manager can sync all your booking calendars into one place.

Effective marketing, especially via social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, helps you showcase your site and engage with your audience.

For personalised advice on setting up your glamping site, book a free consultation with us. Our in-house experts will guide you through every step, ensuring your venture into the glamping business is a success.