The growth that we saw in the glamping industry throughout the start of the pandemic has only continued to grow, even as COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Glamping trends are growing consistently worldwide, with Europe leading the pack at 35.11% of the market trend. Even those in the outdoor adventure industry who don’t cater to glamping enthusiasts can make modifications to their existing offerings to attract a wider range of visitors. Here are some tips for investing in the glamping trend, expanding your customer base, and offering enhanced amenities so that you too can get in on the glamping revolution.

How the Glamping Trend Is Growing Worldwide

Now is absolutely the best time to expand into the glamping industry, as the market size has continued to grow steadily since the start of the pandemic. According to market research from Grand View Research, the glamping market size worldwide will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.9% from 2022 to 2030. Its valuation in 2021 was $2.35 billion and this year it’s expected to increase to $2.74 billion. Europe is currently the leading market for the glamping industry and holds 35.11% of the market share. European business owners may be so successful because they have strategically diversified their amenities and the types of accommodations they offer, so they have truly embraced and exploited the trend toward unique guest services. Throughout the world, however, glamping relies on access to both the beauty of the great outdoors as well as high-tech amenities and the comforts of home in the form of well-equipped and maintained tents, cabins, trailers, and more. 

Knowing Your Target Demographic

The target demographic for the glamping market is young people or young families who are seeking unusual, unique, and luxury vacations that allow them unparalleled access to the outdoors, as well as the comfort and luxury of hotel accommodations. Many of the people who choose glamping over traditional camping are also middle to upper class and very eco-conscious. The trend is especially popular among young adults aged 18-32. 

Research has suggested that the primary appeal of glamping to young adults is that it is romantic, cozy, and has highly shareable aesthetics that translate well to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In fact, social media is partly responsible for the rapid spread of awareness of glamping, as 64% of Instagram users under the age of 34, and 45% of TikTok users age 18-24 have been creating or sharing content related to glamping. Glamping has also become increasingly popular for destination weddings among couples in their 20s and 30s. Altogether, 70% of the glamping demographic is between the ages of 18 and 50. 

Glamping Trends to Follow

The primary appeal of glamping to those between 18-32 years of age is the illusion of being in the great outdoors or isolated from the modern world, while still maintaining access to the luxuries of home. Even post-pandemic, travelers want to maintain social distance during vacations and remove themselves from the noise and demands of their regular day-to-day lives. In addition, more people are now working from home than ever before, leading to an increase in both free time and the desire to leave home and seek adventure. Younger people who are still working in offices are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of getting back to nature, even if only for a weekend. 

With the increase in portability and accessibility of smaller digital devices, younger people can now travel without having to commit to being fully off the grid or away from technology. Smart technology and WiFi access are two vital amenities for the glamping industry, as younger people prefer to remain connected to the outside world as much as possible. 

Another rising trend in the world of glamping is the increased popularity of outdoor music festivals, luxury camping, and destination weddings or large group getaways. Glamping options have long been an add-on or upsell to traditional camping at outdoor festivals and music festivals, and consumers are becoming more and more aware of how nice it is to not “rough it” or truly commit to living in nature. Younger people are particularly interested in communal glamping options that allow them to be around their friends in cabins or pods, or the use of tents or yurts around a common area that allows for socialization. 

Increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability and maintaining the illusion of being eco-friendly has also been driving growth in glamping and van life movements. Glamping operators can tap into this by ensuring they offer eco-friendly plumbing solutions, recycling and composting options, and eco-friendly soaps and shampoos. Additionally, people of all ages are becoming increasingly committed to improving their overall wellness. This further drives the glamping trend by encouraging them to seek out restorative experiences closer to nature, and opt for vacations and getaways that include wellness offerings like meditation, yoga, hiking, and fasting. 

Challenges to Overcome

With the increase in glamping trends also comes an increase in competition. Those who are choosing to expand their outdoor adventure offerings to include glamping should research local market rates and ensure theirs are competitive. Achieving the correct price point for your services may depend on the area in which you operate, the amenities and activities you offer, and your proximity to other attractions. 

Including robust amenities is also a key factor to balance with your price point. Visitors may want modern conveniences like WiFi access, showers, beds, electricity, plumbing, and opportunities for group activities or socialization. In addition, glamping operators should consider accessibility. Unlike traditional camping, a glamping operator has the unique opportunity to create an accessible experience for their guests that includes wheelchair ramps, smooth-surface pathways, descriptive text on websites, accessibility devices, and more.

Tap Into the Growth of the Glamping Industry With Advanced Outdoor Solutions

If you’re interested in learning more about how to tap into the growth of the glamping industry, contact us at Advanced Outdoor Solutions. Our experienced staff has our eyes and ears on rising and changing trends in the outdoor adventure and lifestyle industry, and we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned with others in the industry. We do our research, keep up with trends and demands, and translate statistics into meaningful growth opportunities. 

In addition to market research, we also offer management, marketing, and accounting services to the outdoor tourism industry, as well as 3^rd party property management services, including human resources, staffing, compliance, and quality assurance assessments. To learn more about these services, contact us today at 1-800-579-9796 or fill out our online contact form.