In the April 12th episode of MC Fireside Chats, hosts Brian Searl and Cara Czismadia were joined by glamping experts to discuss the latest trends of the evolving industry.

This week’s panel included recurring guest and Founder of the American Glamping Association, Ruben Martinez, as well as special guests the owner of Creekside RNR Glamping, Angele Miller, and the owner of The Destination Glamping Resort, Skip Courtney, who shared their insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on the glamping industry. 

The conversation centered around the challenges and opportunities faced by glamping businesses in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, shifting guest expectations, and the importance of adaptability.

Angele Miller discussed her strategy to enhance guest experiences by partnering with local farms and companies. 

Miller's resort offers luxurious dome structures and unique mirror cabins, providing memorable experiences like llama hiking and Nordic Spa retreats. To ensure clear communication with guests, Miller introduced premium amenities such as custom soaps and organic olive oil to align with their expectations.

Skip Courtney entered the glamping business after attending a conference in Denver and embracing the safari tent concept. Courtney's resort features luxurious amenities, and he built a stage for live music to further enhance the guest experience. 

He noted that the majority of his business comes from within a 150-mile radius, suggesting that utilizing booking channels like VRBO or Airbnb may attract more distant guests.

The participants also discussed the importance of adaptability in the glamping market due to the changing environment and increasing competition. Instead of relying solely on high prices, they emphasized the need to focus on building a sustainable brand that offers unique experiences for guests. 

The conversation also touched upon finding the right pricing strategy, with Courtney sharing his experience of incrementally increasing rates to find the optimal price point for his market.

Looking ahead, the panelists predicted an increase in demand for outdoor experiences and glamping as more people seek to disconnect from their daily lives and reconnect with nature. They expect the wellness aspect of glamping to grow, with more people viewing these adventures as opportunities for relaxation and healing. 

The group anticipates a rise in unique experiences and partnerships between glamping businesses and other sectors of the hospitality industry.

The participants underscored the importance of taking a step back to assess and adjust to changing market conditions. They emphasized the impact of small details, such as well-made beds and fresh flowers, on guests' experiences and word-of-mouth marketing. 

The episode provided valuable insights into the glamping industry, highlighting the need for adaptability, marketing adjustments, and enhanced guest experiences. 

As the market continues to evolve, glamping resort owners must innovate and partner with local businesses to provide unique offerings that cater to the ever-changing expectations of their guests.