How to Start a Glamping Business
If you're reading this, then you're probably at least a little bit interested in the idea of starting your own glamping business. And that's great! Glamping is a rapidly growing industry, and there's definitely room for more.
But before you start investing money, it's important to understand the industry and the lifestyle that it offers. Only then can you develop the perfect business plan that will help you achieve your goals.
Fortunately, we're here to help. In this article, we've put together everything you need to know about getting started in the glamping business. We'll go through the basics of glamping: what it is, and how many varieties there are.
We'll also give you some tips on what to look for when choosing the right location. And finally, we'll share some insider secrets on how to market your new business and get people talking about your site.
Why you should start a glamping business
We're not the only ones who love glamping! This leisure activity is bringing a new market into the camping and tourism business, full of individuals who enjoy the idea of camping but aren't keen on roughing it. And all the evidence suggests that it will continue to grow in popularity.
It appears you've noticed this as well, and you're interested in joining the unique vacation rental and staycation party in the hospitality business.
So, to assist you with your research on how to establish a glamping site, we've gone through everything you need to know about this growing trend and why it's becoming so popular.
Understand the various glamping business models and alternatives available
Before you can start planning how to set up a camping or glamping business, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a work/life balance? Or are you aiming for a complete lifestyle change? Once you know what you want out of your business, you can start to research which model will suit your needs.
There are plenty of options available, from small-scale businesses that can be run from home to larger operations that require more investment. The key is to find something that suits your location, budget, and potential customers, but also that suits you. So, if you're wondering how to start a camping or glamping business and how much it might cost to set up, begin by asking yourself what kind of lifestyle you want to create.
Understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.
It's important to understand the distinct types of glamping and their respective benefits and drawbacks, as well as a season duration (and therefore turnover), setup costs, and maintenance expenses. Glamping pods are a popular option, but they require a larger upfront investment. Safari tents are another popular choice, but they have a shorter season duration.
Understanding your company's profitability and set up budget is critical to determining your cash flow forecasts and return on investment. It's also crucial to consider the resale worth of whatever you're purchasing for whenever you need to create your exit strategy.
Focus on the feasibility of your land before setting up a site
Considerations for setting up a site should be focused on the feasibility of owning land in that area. You want to understand what tourism naturally exists, as well as any other factors such like topography or flora/fauna presence before making your decision, this will help you to understand how your guests may use the area and what it has on offer for them.
Seek advice for obtaining permissions
Each country has different regulations when it comes to setting up a business, including health and safety regulations and permissions needed for new holiday rentals. One of the biggest issues reported by new business owners is how long it takes to achieve planning permission. Planning departments usually suggest that it will take a minimum of six months, but often it can take one or two years.
Knowing the potential pitfalls for your site will help you get through the process faster. For example, make sure you have all the necessary documentation in order before you submit your application. In addition, keep in contact with your local planning department and check in regularly to see the status of your application. By following these tips, you can help reduce the amount of time it takes to get approved for your new business.
Would buying a camping or glamping site be a better option?
If you're looking to get into the camping business, one option is to buy an existing campground or glamping business. This can be a great way to get started, as the business will already be permitted for camping. Additionally, the previous owner may have already done some of the work in terms of marketing and creating a following.
However, it's important to do your due diligence before purchasing an existing business to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations. This can make it easier to implement your business plan and generate higher revenues from your glamping services.
Understanding how much you can expect to make?
The thought of starting a new business can be daunting, but by doing some prep work before your big debut and setting yourself up for success from day one, you'll find that the process is much more manageable than expected.
One of the most important things you can do before launching your business is to create a cash-flow spreadsheet that includes all of your projected costs for at least the first three years. This will help you to understand exactly how much money you will need to keep your business afloat and whether or not you will be able to generate a profit.
Additionally, it is important to factor in costs such as staff salaries, office expenses, land rental fees, infrastructure costs, and booking agent fees. By taking the time to do your sums and understand the income you can expect to generate, you will put yourself in a much better position to grow and further develop your site and succeed in the long run.
Create a complete Business Plan Template based on real-life examples.
This is essential for any new business venture. It can help you to identify what resources are required and which ones will be available to spend on your site, as well as the potential earning capacity in the early stages.
It is also necessary when applying for funding or investment in your business. If you're curious about how much it costs to establish a glamping site, the revenue you might make and how long it will take you to break even, start with a solid business plan.
Familiarise yourself with necessary maintenance procedures
No two glamping businesses are exactly the same, so their maintenance needs will vary as well. The land and buildings you'll need for your business also come with a unique set of considerations to factor in while you're making decisions about your future years in this industry.
Focus on what sets you apart from your competition and advertise, advertise, advertise!
As the competition in this sector grows, it's more important than ever to figure out how to set yourself apart from the crowd. Also known as the "Wow Factor," and it refers to using your distinctiveness and key promotional methods to ensure the success of your new project when it debuts and expands.
Remember, there's only one of you; this is the ideal place to start when trying to set yourself apart from the competition.