An insightful keynote presentation by Terramor Outdoor Resort’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Whitney Scott early today prefaced what seems to be another successful event for the glamping industry—The Glamping Show USA.
The show underway at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado takes place today and will be held until tomorrow, October 5.
During her keynote address, Scott, who also serves as the chief marketing officer of Kampgrounds of America (KOA), shared Terramor’s glamping research for the first time.
According to the study, newer markets consider looking at the entire resort versus just the accommodations offered at each glamping property.
Moreover, while cabins remain the largely preferred accommodation type, newer offerings entering the scene are causing a shift in preferences.
“Could what we are providing and how we’re growing actually be pushing preferences of the glamping market?” Scott said, intriguing the audience in attendance during the keynote presentation.
For the first time, the COO said, there has been a decrease in preference as newer variations of accommodations are being introduced. Numbers previously indicated that 72% of glampers preferred cabins as a glamping accommodation. New data by Terramor revealed that the number has boiled down to 38%.
“We’ve seen very large growth year over year in covered wagons, canvas tents, and onsite usage of RVs,” Scott said.
To prove her theory, Scott shared that available glamping accommodations in the market now are 36% safari tents, 9% AirStreams or vintage trailers, 6% bell tents, 4% yurts, 2% covered wagons, 2% teepees, 2% treehouses, and 1% domes.
In revealing what consumers are saying about glamping accommodations, 61% said they are willing to pay extra to ensure their accommodation has an ensuite bathroom.
Regarding their expectations of services, 27% of campers and 30% of non-camping leisure travelers said they expect full-service accommodation, including a linen exchange and beds made daily.
The majority of campers (29%) and non-camping leisure travelers (31%), on the other hand, expect linens to be provided with no daily service.
At the end of the day, glamping is a business; and money-wise, the study revealed a promising insight for owners and operators.
Eighteen percent (18%) of glampers and 21% of non-glampers are willing to pay more than $350 per night to go glamping. This was followed by 21% of glampers and 5% of non-glampers who said they will pay $201-$250 per night for a glamping experience.
Other points that Scott touched on during her presentation included the three most important expected glampground services (WiFi, en-suite bathrooms, and comfortable beds with linens), preferred recreation services (on-site recreation, access to outdoor recreation, etc.), where glampers want to go, and more.
The Glamping Show USA 2022 is underway with more educational sessions lined up until tomorrow. Other seminars for today will tackle off-grid solutions, brand development, and loans.
To learn more about the conference’s program, visit https://www.glampingshow.us/conference.html#program.
Just wanted to share my take after Whitney Scott’s amazing keynote at The Glamping Show USA 2022. Exciting stuff on newer glamping trends and eco-friendly initiatives for sustainability-conscious travelers!