In this special episode of MC Fireside Chats, glamping and camping industry experts from all over the world joined us to talk about the challenges they faced in developing their businesses and how they overcame them. 

This week’s special guests are Olja Nicholl, owner of Serbia’s first-ever glamping resort, Stephanie Bias of Camp Aramoni in Illinois, Italian Architectural Design Manager Giacomo Sanna, and Valentina Kožarić from Croatia. 

Nicholl shared how they started Lala Vineyard Glamping Resort, Serbia’s first glamping resort. She said she was inspired by United Arab Emirates’ growing glamping industry and decided to bring glamping to Serbia. 

For Nicholl, bringing glamping to Serbia was not an easy feat. Nestled in a landlocked country, they had to be resourceful and utilize the little natural resources they had to offer unique experiences to guests. Lala Vineyard started small and is now a glamping resort based on sustainability, local experiences, and wine production.

She highlighted that developing not just a glamping business but a community that continuously explores tries local, and collaborates with local suppliers is essential.

Sanna, an architectural design manager and architecture and parametric design consultant, talked about the struggles of bureaucracy affecting the glamping industry in Italy and how they develop new solutions that can help glamping businesses in the country. 

Kožarić, a front office manager for a camping and glamping resort in Croatia offering pitches for campers and mobile homes, said the camping and glamping industry in Croatia is growing. Since the company’s inception, they had to offer something different each year. 

Bias of Camp Aramoni shared how they struggled to define their identity. From glamping to luxury camping and now boutique camping. When asked what the future holds for them, Bias said they aim to create better, unique experiences, add more accommodations, and open year-round.