Glamping continues to rise in popularity, with 34% of new campers identifying as glampers, according to a Kampgrounds of America (KOA) report. The announcement is part of the annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series.
The profile of glampers showed a diverse group. Nearly half of first-time glampers in the past year were millennials with disposable income. Notably, 37% of these new glampers reported a household income of $100,000 or more.
The report also revealed that one-third of new glamping households in the last year included Black (20%) or Hispanic (13%) guests.
According to a press release, 40% of glampers are attracted to glamping because of safety concerns. Among those who prioritize safety, the demographics tend to be younger, with 61% being millennials or Gen Zers, 58% having children in the household, and 41% identifying as people of color.
KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke noted that the past five years have seen exponential growth in glamping.
“Glamping is a great way to introduce new campers into the camping and outdoor hospitality space, and our research shows once they try glamping, they become very loyal to outdoor hospitality,” O’Rourke said.
Another highlight of the report is glamping experiences. Glampers have high expectations for outdoor hospitality, emphasizing the importance for outdoor enthusiasts of self-guided services, guided trips, and outdoor food services.
Additionally, 84% of glampers favor dedicated glamping resorts or full-service campgrounds that offer a wide range of amenities, including bathrooms, showers, on-site activities, stores, food service, and Wi-Fi. Cabins are the preferred accommodations, especially among boomers and guests without children.
In 2024, glampers are increasingly interested in trips featuring natural events, food tourism, all-inclusive outdoor resorts, agritourism, and wellness travel.
Beyond luxurious amenities, glampers are increasingly interested in enhancing their physical and mental well-being through activities like water-based experiences, outdoor yoga, meditation, and mindful strolls. The concept of a digital detox also appeals to many glampers.
In addition, technology is crucial for glampers, who are generally more tech-savvy than other campers. The report indicates that glampers are more likely to use AI to plan their trips.
To view the full 2024 Glamping Report, visit their website here.
