Starting a Glamping Business in 2016: The Essentials
With breaks in the UK becoming more popular, there is a growing trend for camping amongst UK holidaymakers and, in particular, glamping. This offers all the excitement of outdoor adventures without the risk of muddy tent floors and wet, cramped conditions.
According to CITYA.M., in 2015 less than half of UK residents travelled to foreign climes, and 22% of the population travelled within the UK. 2016 looks set to follow this trend, which means now is a great time to consider setting up your own glamping business.
So here are some essential tips to consider before setting up your business.
Location, Location, Location
Where are you planning to set up your glamping site? Is it easily accessible via road links, trains or coaches? Although people enjoy tranquil and quiet locations for their holidays, if the site is too isolated then many people will be put off by the troublesome journey or lack of other activities available. Is it somewhere that generates tourism already, which you can then utilise? If it is in an area used to tourism, planning permission should be easier. However, it is vital that you check on this, and you can do this by visiting the government’s planning portal.
Choosing the Accommodation
When it comes to glamping, there are a variety of accommodation options, and these can range from huge five-star safari tents and ultra-luxurious yurts to trendy bell tents and shepherds huts, which are available to buy from a range of companies, including http://www.cotswoldshepherdshuts.co.uk/. The accommodation you choose will depend on the land you have, planning permission and the experience you wish to offer your guests. Will it be an elegant and sophisticated holiday or more an old-fashioned getaway from the rat race?
Extra Features
You will need to think about offering your guests something extra that will make your business stand out from all the other glamping sites. This could be a meal for two at the local pub, pottery classes or other kinds of tuition or leisure activities such as a swimming pool, archery or tennis. Whatever you decide upon, it must be a unique selling point (USP) that grabs attention away from your competitors. Do some research in your local area – could you link up with an established tourist attraction?
