Glamping: An Additional Revenue Stream
Glamping is believed to be the fastest growing holiday sector worldwide with huge potential here in the UK. In today’s economic climate additional revenue streams are all important and glamping offers a unique additional income source for farms that are looking to maximise the potential of their land.
In 2014, illuminating surveys were carried out by VisitEngland and Barclays Bank revealing that UK ‘staycations’ and short breaks are on the increase, with annual expenditure from domestic tourists projected to grow by 25% to over 1.8 billion by 2017. If ever there was a time to establish a glamping site that time is now!
There are farms up and down the country that have taken the plunge. Glampers can take a farm holiday several times a year and find a completely different glamping experience to the one they have had before. In Devon alone you will find safari tents and yurts at Cuckoo Down Farm in East Devon, safari lodges at Longlands Farm in North Devon and log pods at West Middlewick Farm in mid Devon.
If you are considering ways in which to increase your farm revenue then glamping may be the answer. Here’s a brief look at what needs to be considered to ensure success when establishing a glamping site.
Planning
It’s all about planning; if you get it right the returns can be considerable! Throughout the planning process do remember that Glampers want luxury; they want to enjoy everything about living in the great outdoors, having lots of space around them but without compromising on their everyday creature comforts. Don’t make the mistake of cramming too much accommodation into the space you have available; there’s a fine line between a luxurious glamping site and a holiday park!
Accommodation
Deciding on the type of glamping experience you want to offer can be daunting as there are so many different types of accommodation available ranging from five-star safari tents, lavish yurts and luxurious bell tents to environmentally friendly eco-pods and period inspired shepherd’s huts and Gypsy wagons. However, before you decide on the type of accommodation you wish to offer you will need to consider the space you have available, the income level you are planning to generate and how quickly you wish to get a return on your investment.
Investment & Return
Costs of buying and establishing a glamping site vary considerably. Eco-pods, relatively new in the market place, and Shepherd’s huts tend to be the cheapest options ranging between £6,000 and £15,000. For a top of the range Shepherd’s hut with under floor heating, fully fitted kitchens and en-suite shower rooms with flushing WCs and wash basins you could pay up to £27,000. However, due to the fact that shepherd’s huts only sleep two they will provide a slow return on your investment. Safari tents on the other hand, although more expensive per unit (between £25,000 and £30,000 to buy, set-up and furnish), have the ability to sleep up to six people at a time with the potential to generate a gross income of £20,000 per annum. As a result the unit could pay for itself in just over two years. If you are willing and able to invest in top-end glamping facilities you are most likely to see a quicker and better return on your investment.
First Steps
Make sure you talk to the experts; many of whom will be offering free business advice at the first ever Glamping Show being held at Stoneleigh Agricultural Showground from 24th to 26th September. The Show is completely dedicated to Glamping and you will have the chance to meet with exhibitors from all corners of the glamping industry who will be showcasing everything from glamping accessories, eco toilets and technology to all types of glamping accommodation including safari tents, tipis, yurts, shepherd’s huts, eco pods and other amazing structures that will be launching onto the glamping scene at the Show.
In addition, there will be a comprehensive seminar programme, which will provide you with a wealth of knowledge on how to launch, and run, a successful Glamping business. These seminars will cover everything from planning and funding, options and resources for fledgling businesses, the pitfalls and how to avoid them to how to engage social media successfully, the importance of good photography and how to find and train good staff plus everything in between. All the speakers are experts in their field within the Glamping industry and the business community at large and you can find the full list by visiting www.theglampingshow.com.
Glamping guru, Kate Morel of Quality Unearthed, is thrilled about the prospect of a dedicated Glamping Show. Having charted the progress of the glamping phenomenon over the past few years, she had this to say:
“For those considering starting their own glamping sites, The Glamping Show is right on cue. With glamping holidays increasing year on year I am convinced that glamping is not just a trend; it is a much needed unique experience that is here to stay and will provide businesses with a continual revenue stream!”