Tune into the Glamping Americas Podcast

Glamping Academy's Sarah Riley explores all the ins and outs of the business of upscale camping, glamping and luxury outdoor hospitality. In this podcast, you'll gain insights into new trends, events, business models and investment potential in the rapidly growing world of luxury camping that delivers an experience.

Have a listen here or on your favorite platform and be sure to give the show a starred review and/or leave a comment.

 

Where else can you listen to Glamping Americas Podcast?

Don't miss these glamping business gems!

Episode 1: Glamping Americas Podcast - For Glamping Business Professionals
Episode 2: When Starting A Glamping Business, Begin Here For Quick Success
Episode 3: What Glamping Business Models Are Available in The Americas
Episode 4: Are You Heading For Glamping Business Success?
Episode 5: Under Canvas® – From a small idea to a multi-million glamping business
Episode 6: Cielo Glamping Canada – A Business Start-Up Success Story
Episode 7: Carolina Glamping Domes With Tessa Mayo
Episode 8: Exploring The Business of Luxury Camping at The Glamping Show Americas
Episode 9: Gaining Investment For An Immersion Travel Glamping Project - The Coal Burned Spoon Sanctuary
Episode 10: Glamping Market Size And Is It Still A Good Investment
Episode 11: How to Stand Out in A Crowded Market – Glamping Business Tips with Sarah Riley
Episode 12: Should you use OTA's to promote your glamping business and attract guests?
Episode 13: Unlocking the Secrets to Sourcing the Right Glamping Tents for your Project
Episode 14: Glamping Trends and Stability in Economic Uncertainty
Episode 15: A property developer's shift to glamping and luxury outdoor accommodation with Tyler Watts
Episode 16: Expertly Handling Complaints to Ignite Glowing Reviews And Improve Guest Satisfaction
Episode 17: The Biggest Opportunities For Outdoor Hospitality Entrepreneurs Today
Episode 18: Your glamping business can dominate the online world And Attract Guests!
Episode 19: Mobile Glamping + Retreat Events = More Customer Bookings

Episode 1: Glamping Americas Podcast - For Glamping Business Professionals

 

This is an inspirational and aspirational podcast sharing tips and information to ignite your imagination and shape your vision for your own outdoor luxury camping business. This is where you learn from guest experts and podcast host Sarah Riley from The Glamping Academy who has been immersed in unique accommodations around the world for more than 20 years. Together with the owners of Glamping Show Americas, we will be sharing how to launch or evolve your glamping enterprise, and pros from every corner of the industry will be sharing their hard-earned hospitality expertise to support your success.

This podcast is published by Glamping Show Americas in partnership with Sarah Riley, for Glamping business professionals who visit from the four corners of the world. This outstanding Show, their trade magazine Glamping Business Americas together with this podcast offers a year-round immersive experience complementing the regular in-person live events in Colorado, giving an invaluable opportunity for information gathering, brainstorming and deal-making in the Americas.

The annual Glamping Show is a gold mine for glamping pros. It is the place to overcome your challenges and discover solutions for your business barriers, allowing you to reach your goals with ease.

So are you ready to capitalize on the thriving glamping industry?

Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Episode 2: When Starting A Glamping Business, Begin Here For Quick Success

 

Very few people talk about this when starting a unique outdoor guest accommodation or glamping business. This is step one and if you get this bit wrong in your start-up journey you will constantly come across barriers when trying to achieve early business success.

Often the inspiration to start a glamping business comes from an experience you have had with your family or friends. It can be so very exciting when you realise this type of new start can change your life for the better, forever, if you decide to get involved so you move forwards quickly as your mind opens, ideas start to hit you and you feel excited by the potential in the industry.

This is why I do what I do and I thoroughly enjoy watching the lightbulb moments for new owners in the world of glamping business start-ups.

However, there is a step that many don't consider and so few give advice about, but it is key to your success.

To help you go through the process and identify what's right for you I have given an exercise to follow called the '7 Whys'. This will help you understand your core goals when starting your glamping business as these are different for everyone.

Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Episode 3: What Glamping Business Models Are Available in The Americas

 

Having supported thousands of people to launch their luxury camping and glamping businesses across 18 countries around the world, some common questions often come up. One of those is about the glamping business models available, particularly in the Americas.

There is a lot of confusion about what makes up a glamping business model so in this episode I outline 3 tiers of structure you can think through to decide what's best for you.

Tier 1 - The type of business that fits your entrepreneurial goals
Tier 2 - The style of business that fits your vision
Tier 3 - Your method of implementation, depending on the assets available to you

There are many different combinations so you can use these elements to develop a unique business model that fits your needs perfectly. In fact, the only limit is your imagination.

Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Episode 4: Are You Heading For Glamping Business Success?

 

What elements make it more likely for a glamping business to enjoy success during the start-up process, while others fail?

Starting a new glamping business can be intense and lots of fun but it can also be hard work. However, if you remain bold, determined, diligent and dynamic, then the right path will open up so you can make progress.

But can you be sure?

In this episode, we talk about the factors that have been shown to accelerate a business owner's success, allowing you to measure yourself to see how you are doing against their high-performing benchmark.

To make it fun we have even provided an annual scorecard so you can keep an eye on your own performance. You will be able to check if you've mastered the same factors that have led to million-dollar businesses being set up all over the Americas.

Download your copy of the Success Scorecard for episode 4 here.

This is all with the purpose of building your confidence that with the right tools and framework, you can achieve the same level of success and have the potential to build an epic glamping business in the Americas.

So how did you do?

Did you hit all the points or do you still have a bit of work to do?

Or maybe you are already a top-performing glamping site owner. If so, get in touch as we'd love to feature your story on the podcast.

Next steps:
Subscribe to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live show in Colorado, USA.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Episode 5: Under Canvas® – From a small idea to a multi-million glamping business

 

Special guest Sarah Dusek from Under Canvas® shares her story with us about how she and her husband Jacob grew their business from just a small idea into a multi-million business that has attracted a major investor from the hospitality industry.

Sarah shares her story for Under Canvas® USA and how she ended up moving countries to set up her business, which has now attracted significant expansion investment from KSL Capital Partners. She also talks about her hopes for the industry in the USA and what every owner needs to think about to have an impact.

Sarah also talks about how when building a legacy business, the owner needs to consider their wider environmental impacts and how they can put more back than they take out from a locality. This is essential listening for anyone wanting to make a positive impact in the luxury outdoor hospitality industry in the Americas, from someone who has already achieved outstanding success.

Next steps:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, USA.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses
Under Canvas®

Episode 6: Cielo Glamping Canada – A Business Start-Up Success Story

 

Cielo Glamping Maritime in New Brunswick Canada, is a success story from the Americas. Pat, together with his partner Emilie, is the co-owner of a four-season eco-tourism accommodation site that opened in January 2019. Since its launch, they have enjoyed fantastic reviews from guests, abundant coverage from the media and a social media following to be admired.

But how did they do it?

In this episode, Pat gives his advice and tips for succeeding with a new glamping business in today's marketplace in the Americas.
This is essential listening for anyone wanting to make a positive impact in the luxury outdoor hospitality industry in the Americas, from someone who has already achieved outstanding success.

About Cielo:
Cielo is located on the shore of St. Simon's Bay where guests can enjoy the sunset from one of the five luxurious domes, which they have nicknamed the 'Pearls'. They each offer full facilities for guests and local activities, together with the creativity of the Hub, which completes the guest experience.

The glamping site also includes an ample garden space where they produce vegetables, berries and edible flowers to be transformed in the kitchen at Cielo, making it a destination for tourists and local people who want to explore their menu featuring delicious creations.

Their vision was always to demonstrate the amazing location they feel privileged to call home and showcase the local businesses, producers and creators they partner with. Cielo is much more than a tourist destination for guests. It is also a community hub and a creative melting pot for incredible people who feel energized by the space provided by Pat and Emilie.

Get Involved:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, USA.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Visit Cielo stay in their four-season domes and hang out in the Hub: https://en.glampingcielo.com/

Location: P6QJ+V5, Haut-Shippagan, NB E8S 2N6, Canada

Episode 7: Carolina Glamping Domes With Tessa Mayo

 

Tessa returned to her homeland in Carolina, USA, with her family, a dream for a glamping business and plenty of energy. Without hesitation, they sold their home to release funds, bought a piece of land and started to build their new lifestyle.

Within a short time, they have launched Carolina Domes, one of the fastest independently financed developments I have witnessed. Now they have their domes in place, ready for the season, so I caught up with Tessa to find out what went well, what didn't and exactly how they got started with their luxury camping and glamping business so quickly.

They are located in the heart of the Blue Ridge near Lake Lure, less than an hour from Asheville in North Carolina, with 3 domes in 15 acres of beautiful surroundings and luxury.

This is an inspirational start-up story about what it really takes to risk everything to physically build a dream lifestyle business.

Get Involved:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, USA.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Visit Carolina Domes:
https://www.instagram.com/carolinadomeglamping/
https://www.carolinadomes.com/

Exploring The Business of Luxury Camping at The Glamping Show Americas

 

How can you completely immerse yourself in your glamping project or ideas? Where can you find everything you need in one place? Who are the professionals you need to speak with? How can you network with them and get the experts on your side to help you with the complexities of running unique luxury accommodations in the Americas? And where can you get the industry data you've been seeking for your investment pitch?

Well, this episode delivers all this and more by showcasing what's happening at the Glamping Show Americas this year on October 3-4.

Get Involved in the Podcast:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, USA.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Episode 9: Gaining Investment For An Immersion Travel Glamping Project - The Coal Burned Spoon Sanctuary

 

Immersion travel provides intimate local interactions and authentic cultural experiences, in a regenerative way. In essence, the visitor to an immersion travel destination will take home more than just memories.

This is what Karen and John have set out to achieve with The Coal Burned Spoon Sanctuary in Maine, which they have recently achieved major investment for.

In our inspirational conversation, we talked about the trials and tribulations of a glamping business startup, the key to achieving investment and what their project seeks to provide, including:

• Forest therapy and nature-based wellness
• Foraging and edible trail networks
• Treehouses and yurt-based education and activities
• Meal kits with a difference
• Positive light touch land management and tailoring it to meet the needs of the guest
• The criteria for the land they set out to purchase and connecting to the spirit of the place during the site design process

Get ready to ignite your passion for experiential accommodation by diving into this inspirational conversation, which will leave you revitalised and motivated to start your own exciting adventure in the world of glamping.

The Coal Burned Spoon Sanctuary: coalburnedspoon.com
Instagram: instagram.com/coalburnedspoon

Get Involved in the Podcast:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, USA.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

Episode 10: Glamping Market Size And Is It Still A Good Investment

 

I have returned from the Glamping Show Americas feeling inspired and re-energised, with lots of resources in my back pocket. One of those was the results of the significant glamping market consultation shared at the Glamping Show Americas by Cairn Consulting Group.

This consultation exercise, completed in partnership with the Glamping Show Americas, highlighted the level of demand in the industry, optimism levels amongst current operators, and key findings essential for those planning to start this style of outdoor hospitality.

As more people experience glamping, their level of expectations change. The research demonstrates how operators need to elevate the level of amenities they provide to compete in the industry as it develops over the coming years. This is being fueled by increasing expectations from guests and illustrates the customer profile entering the industry and increasing the market share of this hospitality niche. The consultation also measures operational profit expectations for startups and how they have secured early and ongoing investments for growth.

This is a fascinating piece of consultation that the Glamping Show Americas and Cairn Consultation Group plan to repeat over time to measure ongoing trends in the industry as they happen. 

Next steps:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, USA.

Scott Bahr: Visit Cairn Consulting Group, or connect via LinkedIn or email at sbahr@cairnconsultinggroup.com. 

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

 

Episode 11: How to Stand Out in A Crowded Market – Glamping Business Tips with Sarah Riley

It can be hard to stand out from the crowd but in this episode, Sarah Riley shares why increased competition is a good thing, what you can do to get the attention of your guests and ways to turn lookers into bookers. So get out your notebook as you'll want to get scribbling!

Next Steps:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, USA.

Check out the free retreat startup training mentioned in this episode.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

 

Episode 12: Should you use OTA's to promote your glamping business and attract guests?

There are 3 key stages to launching a glamping or unique camping business and in this episode, I discuss the different elements of those stages and how getting your marketing right is vital when attracting guests.

But should you use OTA's (online travel agents) as part of that process and what are the pitfalls?

Today, many business owners are taking their guest attraction marketing into their own hands and using direct booking techniques to avoid the pitfalls of working with commission-heavy booking agents and OTA's. But that's often not the only reason.

I share owner stories and the different elements you need to think through and put in place to make sure you stay safe in the complex world of online guest attraction, for your short-stay vacation rental, luxury camping or glamping business.

Next Steps:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Aurora, Colorado near Denver.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: Glamping And Retreat Business Startup Advisor Specializing in Guest Attraction at The Glamping Academy hosted by Inspired Courses

 

Episode 13: Unlocking the Secrets to Sourcing the Right Glamping Tents for your Project

What is the right tented structure for your glamping project and more importantly what questions do you need to ask to get the right one for you?

There's a lot to consider when buying canvas tents and other unique structures for your glamping business. For example, what material is right for your location and weather conditions or topography? What is the least likely to attract mold and what happens if it does?

As glamping structures are a big investment for your business it's crucial you get this right or you could end up draining your wallet before you even start on the added extras that make a glamping stay one to remember for your guests.

So what do you need to consider before ordering your glamping tent?

Welcome to episode 13 helping you unlock the secrets of glamping tents and how ignoring these crucial questions could empty your pockets and stall your business development.

Next Steps:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Aurora, Colorado near Denver.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: Glamping And Retreat Business Startup Advisor Specializing in Guest Attraction at The Glamping Academy, hosted by Inspired Courses

Episode 14: Glamping Trends and Stability in Economic Uncertainty

One of the great things about attending the Glamping Show Americas is getting to chat with seasoned professionals about what's happening in the industry, especially in the face of economic uncertainty. It's an opportunity to learn things you simply can't find anywhere else.

So, I was very happy when Todd Wynne-Parry gave me some of his valuable time to share his views on emerging trends in the glamping industry and how it's likely to cope with economic uncertainty.

Todd is the Managing Director of Outdoor Hospitality Advisory Services Horwath HTL and leads the practice for North America. He has over 30 years of hotel development experience, and most recently AutoCamp and Two Roads Hospitality. He also sits on the advisory council of the American Glamping Association.

Next Steps:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Aurora, Colorado near Denver.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: Glamping And Retreat Business Startup Advisor Specializing in Guest Attraction at The Glamping Academy, hosted by Inspired Courses
Todd Wynne-Parry: Outdoor Hospitality Advisory Services

Email: Twynneparry@horwathhtl.com

Episode 15: A property developer's shift to glamping and luxury outdoor accommodation with Tyler Watts

What makes a property developer turn away from traditional projects to develop glamping and RV parks? Property developers are all about the return on their investment and the IRR (internal rate of return). They spend years researching their markets before deciding to invest. Before Tyler Watts took steps to purchase his first site, that's exactly what he did and he has never looked back. He has been so successful with his site Broad River Campground in Mooresboro, North Carolina that he plans to set up 40 more parks across the USA. In this fascinating conversation, we explore:

• How to choose the perfect site for a glamping resort
• The importance of networking to achieve quick success
• What to know about zoning, planning, engineering, topography and site utilities
• How not having access to a public water and waste system isn't a problem
• Why the secret to success is in the added extras
• How to figure out the complexities of building a dome structure
• The importance of motivating and caring about your staff

Now, Tyler and his team operate a fully booked Glamping and RV park and are excited about the potential of the luxury outdoor hospitality industry in the future. For him, it has been a great investment, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Next Steps:
Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Aurora, Colorado near Denver.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: Glamping And Retreat Business Startup Advisor Specializing in Guest Attraction at The Glamping Academy, hosted by Inspired Courses

Contact Tyler Watts here: Broad River Campground

Expertly Handling Complaints to Ignite Glowing Reviews And Improve Guest Satisfaction

Glamping customers like to go glamping because they want the experience of being out in nature, or they want to try something they’ve never tried before. Although many like it, a few don’t enjoy it because of unexpected encounters with wildlife, sounds they are not used to, the deep darkness of being out in nature at night and things they maybe haven’t experienced before, especially if they come from the city. So the host of the unique accommodation might find themselves handling an issue and dealing with a complaint that isn’t their fault - one they have no power to change. So how can a business owner handle the situation, mitigate what is happening and stop things from escalating?

It's true that some glamping customers are drawn to the experience of being out in nature but may feel uncomfortable or unprepared when faced with unexpected encounters with wildlife and nature sounds, particularly if they're accustomed to city living. 

In this episode we share exactly how to respond to a guest complaint and what you can do to increase the number of positive reviews in the future.

Next steps:

Subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Also, contact Sarah or David below for more information about The Glamping Academy and the live Glamping Show Americas in Aurora, Colorado near Denver.

David Korse: Glamping Show Americas
Sarah Riley: Glamping And Retreat Business Startup Advisor Specializing in Guest Attraction at The Glamping Academy, hosted by Inspired Courses