l ping m G INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS
Issue 38 July 2023
Stand Out! MORE THAN JUST GLAMPING FIRES, STOVES & WOOD
KERRY ROY
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
INTERVIEW WITH DERRY GREEN
FOCUS ON PATAGONIA
REPORT
THE WORLD’S FIRST GEODESIC DOMES
INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION FOR GLAMPING OPERATORS
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Welcome to
Welcome to our November issue and our final issue of 2023. We’ve had an excellent year and have been busy since our last issue – attending both The Glamping Show and Glamping Show Americas in September and October, respectively, allowed us to see the current market offerings and have some interesting discussions with suppliers on their plans for next year. We have reports from both shows within this issue. As the high season draws to a close, it may be time to pack everything away and enjoy the fruits of your labour from the summer. However, just because the weather becomes more dreary, it doesn’t mean your season has to end. Kerry Roy is back with a column on offering more than just glamping – with wintery and unique experiences to keep guests coming back. In this issue, we spoke to wood suppliers and stove manufacturers on what sets their products apart from the rest. New fire safety legislation has also recently come into effect for the UK and we talk you through the new requirements. We interviewed Javier López, co-founder of EcoCamp Patagonia, on their outstanding sustainability efforts and the challenges of operating the world’s first geodesic dome hotel – especially in such a volatile climate. We also interviewed Derry Green, owner of The Secret Garden Glamping, on his secrets to success; we discussed what he’s doing differently in this sector, where other operators might be getting it wrong and what advice he would give. This issue also has top tips for linen selection, your ultimate guide to seasonal tent storage, and how to ensure you’re testing hot tub water correctly and safely. 2023, it’s been a blast. We’ll see you in the new year – until then, happy glamping!
Annie
Editor, International Glamping Business
BUSINESS
Contents 05 09 14 18 23 26 28 32 37 INDUSTRY NEWS
THE GLAMPING SHOW REPORT
THE WORLD’S FIRST GEODESIC DOME HOTEL DERRY GREEN’S SECRETS TO SUCCESS
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR LINEN SELECTION OFFERING MORE THAN JUST GLAMPING FIRES, STOVES AND WOOD
GLAMPING SHOW AMERICAS REPORT PRODUCT NEWS
International Glamping Business is published by: Upgrade Publishing. Registered address: 47 Oliver Close, London W4 3RL Publisher: Upgrade Publishing, Steph Curtis-Raleigh. e: steph@upgradepublishing.com Design: Dean Coulter, Design on Tap. www.designontap.co.uk www.glampingbusiness.com Instagram @thisisglamping Facebook @thisisglamping Other Events: The Glamping Show w: www.glampingshow.com e: dan.w@swanevents.co.uk Glamping Show Americas w: www.glampingshow.us e: david@glampingshow.us Eco Resort Network w: www.ecoresort.network e: steph@ecoresort.network © 2023 Upgrade Publishing Ltd. International Glamping Business is published 6 times a year. No reproduction of any part of the magazine is permitted, nor storage in a retrieval system without prior consent of the publisher. No commercial exploitation is permitted. No warranty is implied in respect of any product or trader mentioned herewith.
Advertising Sales: Kathryn Kelly t: +44 (0) 7575 408580 e: kath@upgradepublishing.com Paula Worswick t: +44 (0) 7360 041486 e: paula@upgradepublishing.com Digital Media Manager: Annabelle Hilton e: media@upgradepublishing.com
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NEWS HEKIPIA OPENS ITS FIRST FACTORY IN THE USA
Hekipia, a French company specializing in tiny houses since 1987, opens its first factory in the USA. Hekipia is a French company based in the Lyon region that has specialized in the design and manufacture of tiny houses since 1987. Over its rich history, the company has installed over 27,000 accommodation units in Europe and become a leader in this market. Noting the development of the glamping and tiny house market in the United States,
Hekipa decided to offer its products to the American market and opened a factory in Allentown, Pennsylvania last April to manufacture its products directly in the USA.
space optimization (the Roulotte sleeps 4), design quality and the fact that everything is included at a reasonable price, even the furniture. Not to mention a certain “French touch”!
Its first “designed in France and made in USA” accommodation, the Roulotte, was presented on October 3 and 4 at the Glamping Show Americas in Denver, Colorado and was very well received. Visitors appreciated the innovative design,
The Roulotte complies with ANSI 119.5 standards and, being mounted on a wheel frame with a VIN number, is considered a park model RV. Visit america.hekipia.com. “This is a great opportunity for growth and development as the IP is registered across five international markets including Europe and the UK.”
GLAMPING INNOVATIONS LOOKS TO NEW INTERNATIONAL MARKETS Glamping Innovations (GI) has acquired Anthropod, adding their full range of pods to the GI portfolio of bespoke and predesigned accommodation products. The Anthropod family is a perfect fit for the Glamping Innovations range due to the unique aspects of sustainability and design – in particular, the utilisation of recycled materials. Exterior cladding uses Western Red Cedar and together with the interior timber is sourced from certified sustainable sources. Insulation is made from recycled plastic
bottles and the wet room shell is crafted from recycled polypropylene. The Anthropod range consists of 7 different units: Bleriot Classic, Bleriot Plus, Bleriot Pus Air, Bleriot Janus, Bleriot Aqua, Bleriot Tilly and Bleriot GO. Sara Gladstone, founder and Managing Director of Glamping Innovations, said, “This is an exciting opportunity for us. We have worked closely with Rik Currie (founder and former CEO of Anthropod) over a number of years and have an indepth knowledge of the ‘Anthropod family’.
Glamping Innovations is a consultancy and a manufacturing accommodation sales business. Working with business associates, the consultancy can provide the landowner/developer with full turnkey project management and project delivery service. GI works with designers and manufacturers to create tailored tourism and business accommodation solutions. Its clients span both commercial business and tourism sectors, including estate owners, holiday parks, hotels, and guest accommodation who either want to enter the glamping market and create new sites, or diversify their range of accommodation options on existing sites. If you are interested in further information on the Anthropod, please contact hello@ glampinginnovations.co.uk or call 03333 447 566 / 07515 653 823.
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NEWS NEW PLANNING LAWS ARE A GAMECHANGER FOR UK GLAMPING
Many more businesses are now likely to enter the market following the government’s decision to extend permitted development rights (PDR) which allow the operation of temporary recreational campsites without going through the burdensome process of applying for full planning permission.
locations, including the site of a scheduled monument, a safety hazard area, a military explosives storage area, a site of special scientific interest and site of a listed building. The overwhelming majority of sites fall outside of those categories, so there is enormous potential for expansion in the UK glamping industry.
The new PDR allows sites of up to 50 units to operate for up to 60 days per year, compared to the previous limit of 28 days.
For temporary glampsites, it’s sensible to choose accommodation which can be easily erected and dismantled as the units will need to be removed when the site is not in operation. Anything that requires infrastructure, or a wooden base, is unsuitable for the needs of ‘popup’ glamping.
The idea has already been successfully trialled. Between lockdowns, the government temporarily doubled the PDR limit to 56 days per year to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on rural communities. The measure received a very positive response and, following a consultation, the latest PDR extension came into effect from 26 July 2023. For many entrepreneurs, the 28-day timeframe was too short to make the investment in time and money worthwhile. The permanent increase to 60 is a game-changer, enabling temporary sites to operate throughout the peak season spanning the height of the UK summer. Meeting the requirements of PDR is a relatively straightforward process. Firstly, a temporary recreational campsite must have on-site provision for toilet and waste disposal facilities. Secondly, the site owner/operator needs to submit prior notification to the Local Planning Authority every year, including the dates intended for use and a site plan showing the location of toilet and waste disposal facilities. There are a few exceptions where PDR do not apply. Temporary recreational campsites are not permitted on a limited range of
All aspiring glamping businesses will need to do their homework on their potential yield in relation to the initial investment in accommodation/facilities and annual running costs including a website for marketing and bookings. However, based on our experience in supporting glamping businesses, a site renting geodomes with the basic provision of toilets and waste disposal should be aiming for a minimum charge of around £70 per night per unit if the 60 days of operation take place during the peak summer period, yielding at least £4,200 yield per dome for a fullybooked season. There are already signs that the PDR extension has stimulated activity in the market. Hipcamp has reported enquiries from potential new hosts interested in its insurance and marketing to fasttrack their business plans. For aspiring temporary glampsites, the time is ripe to start developing a business model. This article was provided exclusively for International Glamping Business by TruDomes.
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2023 Wows The Glamping Show returned in September 2023 with another successful event and remains the favourite expo for those in the alternative and outdoor hospitality industry. International Glamping Business is the official show guide publication and our team was thrilled to reunite at the NAEC in Stoneleigh Park. The number of exhibitors increased by over 10% compared to 2022 – 118 companies were positioned across both indoor and outdoor stands, offering a huge range of accommodation units, services and accessories. New-on-the-scene manufacturer NAKO Modular wowed with its not-so-tiny two-storey tiny home, and Naked Flame – who has been attending since day dot – returned with the show-stopping ‘LuvTub’. Exhibitors reported phenomenal sales, with one company selling hundreds of hot tub units across the three days of the show, and another team selling everything on their stand on day one – as just two examples! There was a huge range of accommodation
offerings, ranging from the classic yurt from Yurts for Life, to geodesic domes from TruDomes, grass-roofed pods from Escape Pods and charming off-grid converted horse box from Full Circle Campervans – and so many more. On the flip side, services for the industry were abound, varying from septic tanks from Premier Tech, planning and consultancy services from Crown and Canopy, hot tub water testing kits from Lovibond and remote-access keys from DOM UK and Easy Secure. The expert-led seminar programme was back for 2023, addressing the key topics and issues facing the glamping sector and beyond. Leaders in the industry held 17 sessions held over the three days of the show, with topics
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ranging from “Has the Glamping Bubble Burst?” by marketing and OTA company Canopy & Stars, to the future of hospitality, led by Sarah Riley of Inspired Courses. Our publisher Steph Curtis-Raleigh led a round-up of the key learnings from day one and with standing room only, the feedback from visitors was fantastic. Our highlight from the show was being invited to the Woodpecker Tubs stand to witness them jumping in one of their wood fired hot tubs – with a sauna hat on, of course. The herd of alpacas from Blackberry Alpacas steadily munching through the hay also gave visitors a good smile.
Premier Tech
“Despite the rain, visitor flow was steady throughout the day and we’ve been blown away by the reaction to our Fusion Brace Shepherd Hut launched at the Show. The Glamping Show is a really important date in our calendar and it’s been great to see old friends and new customers.”
At the end of the second day, The Glamping Show organised a get-together for all exhibitors. With a live band and steady flow of drinks and nibbles, it was a wonderful way for new exhibitors to get to know each other, and for old friends to catch up in an industry that truly is like one big family. It was a wonderful evening that we hope returns for next year. Over 3,000 valuable buyers and decision-makers attended the show, with 25% of overall attendance being experienced glamping operators hailing from 42 countries. No other event or marketing activity delivers such a broad selection of leads from a wide range of sectors, including farmers, wedding venues, holiday lets and many more.
Hydro Heater
New Forest Containers
– Blackdown Shepherd Huts
Canopy
and Sta
rs Linen Co
nnect
“We’ve had a fantastic response. The Glamping Show has clientele that we can’t find anywhere else.” – DeWaard Tents
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Landpod Stands are already being booked for The Glamping Show 2024, with several asking for increased space for next year. The location at the NAEC in Stoneleigh Park remains popular, with strong transport access from both air, rail and car. Despite some wet weather at the start, exhibitors and visitors didn’t let it dampen their spirits – a major success for The Glamping Show 2023.
““What great inspiration we got from our (now becoming annual) trip to The Glamping Show. We have a stocked car, plans for further development and lots of ideas to bring to our guests!” – Comeragh Pods
Woodpecker
For information on next year’s event, visit theglampingshow.com or contact Dan Wiseman at dan.w@ swanevents.co.uk to enquire about booking a stand
Woodp
ecker T
ubs The Seed
PrePitched
“Thank you for a great show and for making the whole experience run smoothly. Also, the meet and greet for exhibitors on Friday was an excellent idea that made the whole thing feel like one big family.” – Marine Living
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pod
NAKO M
odular
“Interesting visit to The Glamping Show today. Lots of information and food for thought for our future endeavours.” – @countryside_to_city
Blackberry Alpacas
Lovibo
Crossov
er Lodg
nd
e Unique H
ideaways
“We had an amazing time at The Glamping Show yesterday. The weather was beautiful and we got lots more ideas for our little glamping project. There was so much to see!” – @themahojos
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The World’s First GEODESIC DOME HOTEL
Interview with EcoCamp Patagonia
All photos courtesy of EcoCamp Patagonia EcoCamp Patagonia is an award-winning, sustainable resort in Torres del Paine National Park and the world’s first geodesic dome hotel. International Glamping Business spoke to owner and co-founder Javier López about EcoCamp’s journey – from a team of passionate environmentalists to becoming the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon. Tell us about EcoCamp Patagonia – where was the idea born and how did it come about? In 1994 and 1996, we were devastated with the catastrophic construction of the second of two massive dams on the epic Biobío river, which drowned the most magnificent rapids and pristine forests in the southern hemisphere – displacing an entire community of indigenous people, the Pehuenches. As a result of this Armageddon, we were not only distressed and thrown out of business (we were then the main rafting outfitter in the region), but we were homeless – looking for a new place to settle and a new Nature Sacred Totem to worship. This painful scar imprinted on us a strong environmentalism ethos which arrived with us afoot of the gigantic granite spires of Paine in Patagonia. We knew this was our new home and Las Torres our new Totem.
tented lodges were the most sustainable way to lodge guests with comfort and safety – both key factors in Patagonia where harsh climate and Huracan winds made traditional mountain camping unsuitable for longer stays. At the same time, trekking huts within Torres del Paine were absolutely precarious, poor in design and environmentally appalling, so there was an opportunity for us to prove our environmental commitment with a challenging innovation.
We learned after visiting southern Africa for a Zambezi Rafting Expedition in 1994, that
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After 20 years of white water expertise, we set foot in Patagonia and started embracing the milder peace of hiking as our core activity. The length, beauty, mountain grandeur and its inherent difficulty made of Torres del Paine trails the perfect adventure for us and for our guests at a worldwide scale. With the help and trust of a traditional family of “Colonos” (Croatian Colonists), we leased a piece of land and settled. Observing the Founders (left to right): Javier López, Nani Astorga, Yerko Ivelic
traditional dwelling practices of the ancient Kaweskar Natives, we got the clues to design the appropriate dwellings to stand the ferocious Patagonian winds. What was the driving force to become the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon? What sustainable practices do you implement? Out of our struggle against authorities and multinational companies to prevent dams from being built, we reached a point where we either stood for protest and fought in the streets, or we could devote our energy to our work to bring balance and create awareness. We picked the second path and ended up building a true example of environmental design in a National Park that was crying for it. At the very beginning, the environmental premises we adopted to design EcoCamp Patagonia were the ones printed at the Ecolodge Book by Megan Eplerwood of the Ecotourism Society, together with the example of the arguably first ecolodge ever at Maho Bay, designed by Stanley Salengut. Basically, the precepts, which are still 100% valid, were: n Minimize the constructed area and its whole footprint n Use light, portable materials n Minimize the visual impact; try to remain unnoticed n Don’t use fossil fuels and build a renewable energy supply n Manage your waste and recycle n Involve the community n Study and honor the traditions of the place As of today, EcoCamp Patagonia relies primarily on renewable energy sources, including solar panels and hydropower. Human waste is recycled through composting
and degradation/filtering in worm tanks. All other waste is collected, classified and exported out of the National Park. Accommodation design maximizes natural light inflow and heating is mostly passive, using gas and wood. As the world’s first, why did you decide to offer Geodesic Domes? African-style tents available on the market could never be pitched in Patagonia because of the strong winds, snow load and constant rain. There weren’t any other solutions available but those of the fiberglass or aluminium pods of the military bases at the polar regions. Soon, the answer came after observing and studying the traditional huts used by the local natives, the Kaweskars, whose nomadic way of life prompted them to design domes made out of wood, branches and covered by wide Nalca leaves. The characteristics of the domes proved to be unbeatable: n Strongest resistance to vertical loads (snow) n Strongest resistance to horizontal stress (wind)
n Capability of taking stress by the mobility at its nodes n Minimum surface area for a given volume, so temperature exchange is minimized n Dismantling capacity n Holistic look and feel n Weight and portability We found our original domes in Oregon, USA by the late 90s in the form of holistic country housing and asked the manufacturer (Pacific Domes) to tailor-make smaller versions to fit with the needs of an hotel that offers small stays of 3-5 days. We underwent a trial period that led us finally to strengthen the metal frame and tailor the skin covers to stand against the severe winds, permanent snow and UV radiation. Could you tell us some of the highs and lows of creating EcoCamp? The Downs To be honest, the beginning of EcoCamp was very hard, and there were many downs as result of launching something new never seen before, for instance: n The bank wouldn’t lend money if the construction wasn’t brick and mortar The insurance company refused to sell coverage to such an ‘awkward’ hotel n The park authority wasn’t willing to offer a concession because there wasn’t going to be a tangible asset left to them by the end of the concession n Tour operators refused to risk their guest’s hotel standards (of course there were others that loved the challenge) n The initial composting devises were not working well due to the low temperatures n The original wind generators were not designed to be efficient in such irregular wind distribution along the day n Two of our first domes were blown away during severe wind storms The Highs This whole journey has without a doubt had many more highs than downs and has brought
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to immerse themselves in the wilderness of Patagonia. Guided excursions and activities showcase the region’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage, giving visitors a profound connection to nature. Educational Initiatives: EcoCamp Patagonia raise awareness about the environment and conservation. They empower guests to appreciate and protect the natural world, making their stay not just a vacation, but also a learning experience.
us great satisfaction, for example: n The initial investment per square feet was the lowest we could possibly made for such high standard of comfort n Installation was very fast and required a minimal amount of labor n Non-permanent structures, such as a dome lodge, required far fewer permits in comparison with traditional buildings n Strong environmental commitment brought strong business and sentimental relations with supportive Tour Operators n The lodge being so light, we moved all of it in 2005 and reinstalled on a higher plateau, leaving very little traces behind We have seen many other dome lodges come after us all over the world and have been happy with it. We developed EcoCamp with the idea that it should be replicated to better the environmental impact of wilderness lodges in colder climates worldwide. It is too bad though, that the majority of the developers after us have replicated the domes ensuring the aesthetics – but ignoring all the remaining hardware an eco-lodge should have in terms of energy generation and waste management.
What was the public response to this brand new form of alternative and sustainable accommodation During the early years (before the internet), we were very dependent on resellers to make our lodge known and available abroad, since there were no ways to be exposed to the general public. Nowadays, our model is a genuine case study and we enjoy prestige gained with lots of effort. EcoCamp is open 8 months per year and it has an average occupation of +80% – so the model has proved to be successful when being run rigorously in terms of sustainable design and commitment.
range of guests. However, its primary clientele consists of international travelers who are nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Many of them also are seeking something unique and sustainable. Most of our guests come from US, UK, Australia and Canada and average age is 50 years. What do you believe are the stand out features that have made your site so successful? EcoCamp Patagonia has achieved notable success due to several standout features that set it apart in the world of sustainable travel and eco-friendly accommodation. These features have contributed to its unique appeal and popularity: Sustainable Practices: It incorporates renewable energy sources, responsible waste management, and a focus on reducing its ecological footprint. Guests are provided with a responsible and environmentally conscious travel experience, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable tourism. Unique Accommodation: The geodesic domes are visually striking and environmentally friendly. They offer guests a distinctive and memorable place to stay, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Torres del Paine National Park. Immersive Nature Experiences: EcoCamp Patagonia provides guests with the opportunity
Positive Guest Experiences: Many guests have reported transformative and unforgettable experiences at EcoCamp. Their testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations have played a vital role in the lodge’s success. What are your plans and goals for EcoCamp? With more than 20 years, EcoCamp Patagonia is exploring opportunities to grow in other locations and keep innovating regarding sustainable practices and guest experience. If you could give any advice to other glamping operators, what would it be? Prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. EcoCamp Patagonia’s success and appeal are closely tied to its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Offer unique and memorable experiences. Glamping is about connection with nature while maintaining comfort and luxury. Collaborate with local communities, to have a greater impact on the economic and social well being of the region. By prioritizing sustainability and responsible travel, glamping operators can not only attract a growing segment of eco-conscious travelers but also contribute to the protection of natural environments and the promotion of ethical tourism practices. Learn more at ecocamp.travel.
Who is your typical guest – are they largely locals or global travellers? EcoCamp Patagonia typically attracts a diverse
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DERRY GREEN’S
Secret to Success The Secret Garden Glamping is the UK’s most popular glamping site, with dreamy Love Island-inspired décor that transports guests from Lancashire to Mallorca.
Derry Green and his daughter, Sophia
Starting from scratch DIY-ing a single pod, the site has since maintained a two-year waiting list. International Glamping Business spoke to owner Derry Green to find out his secret to success. Where was the idea for The Secret Garden Glamping born? How did it come about? The Secret Garden Glamping all started in the first lockdown of 2020, stuck at home with my two young children, Sophia and Noah. With the world seeming to stop around us, I had to come up with new and exciting ways each day to keep them entertained. It all started as a project in the garden – the kids wanted to camp outside, so I decided to build a deck for us to camp on in the garden. As days turned into weeks, and then into months, I just kept building a bit more each day, and, by the end of the first lockdown, I built what I now know to be the glamping pod with a full outdoor area: a place for me and the kids to spend our time. I was contacted by LADbible to do a story – which went viral – and people started contacting All photos courtesy of The Secret Garden Glamping
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me asking if they could book the unit for a holiday. At the time it seems crazy to me, but with nothing to lose, I listed it on Airbnb and within two days it was fully booked for two years in advance. I was blown away by the response and quickly realised there was a gap in the market for what I had produced. I spent the following nine months gaining planning permission for a 4-acre piece of woodland and The Secret Garden Glamping was born. Could you tell us some of the highs and lows? Let’s start with some of the highs; we are now the most viewed, most followed, and most booked glamping site in the UK. We have over 700,000 followers across our socials and a monthly reach of around 4.2 million. We are turning away around 1000 bookings a week and have a waiting list of over 60k. We’ve won countless awards over the past three years, including Best Start-up Business of the Year, Best Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year and myself winning Entrepreneur of the Year was an unbelievable achievement! I have to admit, there are very few lows. It goes back to that old saying: if you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Even on our worst days – last winter it got down to -10ºC and 7 boilers all burst on the same day, so we had to work for 24 hours straight in below freezing temperatures trying to get everything back – it’s still relatively enjoyable! How were you able to identify your target guests and keep them coming back for more? I know a lot of people focus on their “guest avatar” – we certainly focus very specifically with our social media audience – but the actual guests that come and stay are from all walks of life and all ages. Every unit we produce is individual and different to the last, so that we can accommodate lots of different experiences – not just one specific target guest. Because all of our units are individual, this makes guests come back over and over again, because they want to try different ones and have different experiences. What do you believe are the stand out features that have made your site so successful? I worked out early on what glamping means to people. For the past five years or so, when everybody was focused on what unit they
were going to create, I focused on the outdoor space. Glamping in its literal term means glamorous camping; when people go camping, they don’t go to spend all their time in a tent – they set up the tent to spend time outdoors. So, when it came to glamping, it seemed crazy to me that site owners were preoccupied with how amazing the accommodation unit could be, but then guests sit in an empty field with nothing to do. I focused on making the outdoor areas as amazing as possible, and the unit itself came second to that. All the outdoor areas are private and each one is designed to be individual. If I do my job right, they should only use the unit to sleep in and spend the rest of their time outdoors.
What do you do to ensure direct bookings? 100% of our bookings are direct. We’re not on any OTA and everything comes through our social media platforms. The social media drives customers to our website where they can then book directly. Is there a secret to your success? In your opinion, where do you think other operators might be going wrong in the current glamping marketplace? Going back to what The Secret Garden Glamping’s standout features are and the secret to my success has been focusing on why people are going glamping. They’re not going glamping to sit in a pod – they are
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going glamping to be able to reconnect with nature and spend time outdoors. I see too many site owners buying beautiful units and then sitting five of them in a row with no outdoor area, no privacy and nothing to do. There’s no point in trying to compete with a traditional hotel’s beautiful suites – we can never do something like that in glamping. What we do have is outdoor space, which they don’t, so focus on what we have rather than trying to recreate something that they do better. You attended The Glamping Show 2023 – what were your impressions of the show and what do you think about what’s on the market currently? I had a great time at The Glamping Show 2023. I think the standout point to me at the show was certainly the seminar programme. There were some really good speakers, and I think that part of the show is of vital importance to people who are either starting in glamping, or want to improve on what they’re doing. I loved chatting to people in there and trying to help with where the market is going and what can be done to enhance your socials. In regards to actual items on the market, I don’t think manufacturers have caught up with what people are looking for within the industry. As I’ve said, there’s some stunning
units on the market now. Where everybody is falling behind is the additions to that booking – so I’d love to see more accessories and things to make your site unique, rather than just trying to compete on an accommodation level. You’ve recently secured funding for an expansion – could you explain how this came about? What was the process like? We have just secured funding as we look to expand – that funding is way over seven figures as we look to increase our offering and expand our brand. The process, in all fairness, was relatively simple. I have a clear idea of what direction the market is going and what I need to do going forward. Speaking with different partners and organisations has led us to be able to get the finance and next year we can take glamping to a whole new level! What are your plans and goals for the future? We want to take The Secret Garden Glamping brand across the country – and then across the pond. With our franchise model, licensing agreements and partnership agreements, we want to capitalise on the phenomenal success we’ve had and be able to open multiple locations in multiple countries. There are so many locations within the UK that are phenomenal, but with competition being so high between sites, we
can bring something to the table that nobody else has done before. Our audience is larger than any other UK holiday company, including the likes of Butlins, Hoseasons, Center Parcs etc. and we are turning away around thousands of bookings currently – so we want to be able to partner up with other amazing sites in the UK to be able to move glamping forward. And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to other glampsite owners, what would it be? I see lots of glamping owners getting stuck working within the business instead of working on the business. It is very hard, but what tends to happen is that owner-operators end up trying to do everything themselves, so they get stuck doing the changeovers, maintenance, cutting the grass, answering emails and all the stuff that you could get a member of staff to do instead – when they should be working on the business to try and drive it forward. That’s always been my method; I make sure I focus on what I am really good at and if you end up getting stuck doing the day-to-day jobs, it’s very hard to focus on anything else. I genuinely think the more time you put into focusing on what your guests want, the experience they need and where they’re coming from, the bookings will follow after that.
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ELEVATE YOUR GUESTS’ EXPERIENCE
Tips and tricks for linen selection By Rachael Shah, linenconnect.com
In the realm of outdoor hospitality, glamping has carved out its niche as the epitome of luxury and comfort amidst nature’s beauty. The success of any glamping site hinges on creating an unforgettable experience for guests.
While you focus on providing unique accommodation in immersive settings, one crucial element often overlooked is the choice of linens. The right linens can elevate a glamping site to new heights of luxury and comfort. In this piece, we’ll provide glampsite owners with invaluable advice, tips, and tricks on how to make the best linen choices for their unique offerings. These are some of our top tips from The Glamping Show. 1. Laundering Linens – Outsourcing or DIY? A key consideration for any glampsite is how do you plan to wash your linens? Your location might make outsourcing your laundry impractical. The washing and pressing of bed linen, washing and drying of towels as well as keeping throws and cushion covers clean can be timeconsuming. However, doing your own laundry can help to ensure you maintain linen quality and stock levels. It also helps you to monitor wear and tear and stock loss. 2. Prioritise quality and durability When selecting linens for your glamping site, it’s essential to prioritise quality and durability. Glamping accommodation can be subject to more wear and tear than
traditional hotels, given their exposure to the elements. It may be worth considering specialist linen suppliers, as their expertise lies in supplying commercial textiles which are specifically designed to withstand the demanding needs of the hospitality industry. Invest in linens made from high-quality materials that can withstand frequent washing. Poly-cotton can offer both comfort and longevity. Poly-cotton is designed to withstand high-volume use and is more wrinkle resistant than pure cotton – saving time on ironing! 3. Embrace natural colours and textures Part of the charm of glamping lies in the connection to nature. Embrace this aesthetic by choosing linens in natural colours and textures. Earthy tones like sand, forest green, and deep blues can blend seamlessly with the outdoor environment, creating a soothing and harmonious atmosphere. If you prefer clean white, then consider how accessories can elevate your glamping setting. 4. Layer for comfort Creating a comfortable and inviting bed is a hallmark of luxury glamping. Invest in a range of bedding layers to allow guests to customise their sleep experience. Start with high-quality fitted sheets, add
soft and breathable flat sheets, and top it all off with cosy duvets, quilts or throws. Layering allows guests to adjust their bedding to suit varying temperatures, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars. 5. Consider seasonal needs Glamping sites often operate year-round, so it’s crucial to consider seasonal linen needs. In colder months, provide guests with heavier tog duvets or blankets, while lighter and breathable linens work best for summer. Offering seasonal variations ensures that guests are comfortable regardless of the time of year they visit your glamping site. If your site is open over December, consider the added festive touch of Charlotte Thomas Christmas themed bedding. 6. Invest in towels and bathrobes Don’t limit your linen investments to just bedding. High-quality towels and bathrobes are essential for a luxurious glamping experience. Soft, absorbent towels and plush spa robes provide comfort and convenience after a day of outdoor adventures. To avoid spa robes getting dirty outside consider offering an oversized blanket Hudi to offer guests options to keep cosy outdoors.
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7. Go eco-friendly Sustainability is a growing concern for travellers. Consider eco-friendly linens made from organic or sustainable materials. Though if you are washing your own linen, consider the durability of material choice. Better Cotton, and organic cotton, for example, are not only environmentally responsible choices but also offer exceptional comfort. Showcase your commitment to ecoconscious practices by using these linens and educating guests about your efforts 8. Partner with local artisans Support local artisans and infuse your glamping site with regional charm by sourcing linens from local providers. Handcrafted wool blankets often have unique patterns and textures that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your site. Highlighting local makers also adds a localised touch to the guest experience. 9. Cushions, curtains and kitchen linens While bedroom and bathroom linens are essential purchases, it’s important to consider additional accessories that can add to the guest experience. Cushions allow you to style your accommodation to fit any theme. We found our Highland stags and farm cushions were very popular at The Glamping Show. Curtains can also match print bedding to create a uniquely themed room. Top tip:
ensure any cushion covers come with zips so they can be easily washed. 10. Offer linen upgrades Give guests the option to upgrade their linen packages for a premium experience. This could include dog towels, feather free duvets, or branded blankets or robes. Offering upgrades not only adds a revenue stream but also allows you to cater to various guest preferences. The linens you choose for your glamping site play a pivotal role in shaping the overall guest experience. By prioritising quality,
embracing natural aesthetics, considering seasonal trends and a focus on sustainability, you can create a unique and luxurious atmosphere that sets your glamping site apart. Remember, your linen choices will be the focal point in photographs when marketing your property to potential guests. The overall look you have created with it could be the difference between a booking being made or not. Linen Connect’s focus on design and quality ensures that for operators the linen lasts, while also creating a comfortable and stylish stay for guests.
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More Than
JUST GLAMPING
By Kerry Roy
Psst! Haven’t you heard? There’s a new trend to travel, which is more than just glamping. The word ‘glamping’ is not so new and unique as it once was. For a handful of countries, it’s another recognised level of travel that began over 15 years ago. For other countries, it’s only the beginning and still an experience on its own. So how do the more saturated geographical areas stay ahead of the game and keep their competitive stakes high in order to continuously attract strong bookings? Not only is good service along with quality clean accommodation of the utmost importance these days, there’s the increasing trend among Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z to have the ultimate ‘experience’.
n Winter foraging walks (find your local foraging expert if you’re not au fait yourself). n Cycling and trekking trails can be offered all year round, not just summer. For snowy resorts, you can rent out specialised bikes to ride across the snow, or snow shoe crampons (inexpensive) for beautiful winter wonderland trekking. n Themed rooms; Bring out the magic with Halloween and Christmas Grotto themed rooms. What age doesn’t like the magic of Christmas? n If you have horses or donkeys onsite or nearby, why not hire or buy a sleigh to offer sleigh rides? You don’t need to have snow, just a good imagination!
Glamping experiences form perfectly together like a bat and ball! If you are stuck on ideas of what else to offer, here are some ideas to help you along. Wintering the Hygge Effect Hygge: a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. Here’s how you can set the mood for guests with additional cosy atmospheric winter packages: n Hot cocoa, s’mores and popcorn arrival hamper. n Mulled wine and hot ciders with homebaked cookies by the fire. n Telescopes, blankets with hot water bottles to sit outside and stargaze whilst sipping a glass of mulled wine. n Invest in some projector screens for communal or private movie nights alongside nibbles hamper – of course, not forgetting the popcorn.
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Year Round Fun & Frolics There are endless activities that can be offered all year round, such as: n Cookery classes or campfire cooking with outside dining, which – even in winter – has become increasingly popular over recent years. n Cocktail making. n Wine, gin, rum or beer tasting. n Craft and survival skills workshops. n Art and nature art workshops. n Book writing workshops. n Foraging and forest bathing walks. n Geocaching and scavenger hunts. n Bushcraft and summer forest school camps.
n Sleeping exposed under the stars… Some people will pay to sleep in just a hammock and stargaze in a safe place near to toilet and wash facilities – a good way to make use of extra land! n Dog grooming/agility workshops – the percentage of dogs that go glamping is as much if not more than that of children! n Horse riding. n Donkey walks and donkey therapy. Just account for a little extra time during a walk – they like to stop and eat a lot! Events Moving more into events either during key national holiday periods, or specific focused event offerings can become another lucrative way to increase turnover, fill up accommodation space and even reduce the number of days you open. Depending on your land size, if it’s small and intimate, you can create tailored private events along with an array of activities to offer a fully inclusive package with a higher price point for exclusive use – weddings and corporate groups included. If you’re lucky enough to have a larger space, host bigger events and festivals organised by yourselves. If that sounds too overwhelming, you can work in collaboration with external event organisers whom pay you a venue rental fee, in turn helping your business to generate additional income, whilst also increasing exposure of your existing accommodation and venue space to a wider audience.
Retreats do not have to be organised and hosted by the owner – you can simply take advantage of renting your space and accommodation to external facilitators who will plan, organise, host and promote their own retreats at your venue (similar to that of a turn key offering). Some will even organise the food themselves, so all you have to do is ensure the venue is clean and tidy with good areas available to account for all weather conditions, as these events are often groups who will need space for yoga, exercise and workshops. Outdoor lifestyle holidays have increased in many countries over the past two years by over 20% – especially amongst the age range of 35 and up. Even the “grey pound” are equally as keen to stay active… a generation not to be forgotten in your marketing and activities offering, especially during ‘off season’ as they are often retired, time-rich and have money to spend!
Some examples of festivals and specialist events include Bike, Classic Car, Food and Drink, Sporting, Naturism etc. Trends continue to increase as more and more people prefer to enjoy a full day or full weekend packed with fun activities and entertainment over a weekend sat inside bars and restaurants.
Overall, additional activities and experiences can broaden your target audience, increase occupancy of rooms and improve turnover. With a good imagination, time and planning costs to invest in offering these activities can be minimal with a quick ROI.
Wellness Retreats It’s no secret that wellbeing and yoga holiday retreats have increased in popularity over recent years, and even more so since the COVID period.
Otherwise, keep it simple and relieve yourself of any extra pressures by collaborating with reliable people who can offer their already established skills to your guests. You can also benefit from a little extra income by agreeing
that you gain a commission share – normally around 10% to 20% is a fair ask, for providing the venue space and booking referrals. Happy guests, happy locals and a little extra income for you is a win-win situation.
About Kerry Roy Solo female glamptrepreneur Kerry Roy founded her first multi award-winning glamping site in the UK, Camp Katur, in 2012. She has since diversified into many different areas, including festivals, weddings and wellness retreats – whilst establishing a second successful awardwinning glamping retreat, Cerchio Del Desiderio in Italy in 2019. Not one to stay still for long, she also joined forces with Glamping Innovations to distribute innovative and sustainable glamping structures throughout Italy. Kerry has also been fortunate enough to take part in several TV programmes focusing on her businesses’ success and ever developing knowledge within the industry, inspiring others to run their own business in various sectors. You can follow her new Italian business adventures on the latest series of Channel 4’s A New Life In The Sun, for which she continues to film for the 4th year.
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FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO? New fire safety guidance for the UK came into force on October 1st 2023. Driven by the Building Safety Act 2022, the new mandates cover a variety of important facets, each aimed at boosting fire safety standards. The revised legislation calls for exhaustive records of fire risk assessments, replacing the former requirement of recording select details. This change aims to provide enforcing authorities with a comprehensive understanding of the premises’ fire safety precautions. If you are responsible for premises and you have customers, staff or visitors, you must put in place measures to protect them from fire. Operators of small paying guest accommodation (including BnBs, camping, caravan and holiday parks
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and self-catering accommodation) must conduct a fire risk assessment as below: n Identify fire hazards n Identify people at risk n Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk n Record, plan, inform, instruct and train n Review
You must also conduct: n Daily checks: Escape routes, fire alarms, safety signs and notices n Weekly tests and checks: Fire detection and warning systems, fire extinguishers and hose reels n Monthly tests and checks: Emergency lighting systems, fire doors n Six-monthly tests and checks: A competent person should test and maintain the fire detection and warning system n Annual tests and checks: All firefighting equipment, fire alarms and other installed systems should be tested and maintained by a competent person The government has published a full guide on the new legislation; for further details and a checklist for your fire risk asseessment, visit the ‘Fire prevention and rescue’ section of gov.uk.
certainlywood.co.uk Tell us a bit about your company – how did it begin? Certainly Wood was set up by brothers George and Nic Snell as part of a farm diversification project back in 2005. They genuinely pioneered kiln dried firewood – now it is common place and regarded as an industry standard across the UK. What products do you offer for the glamping industry? The company offers kiln dried logs, kindling and Flamers and KindleFlamers natural firelighters in a variety of pack sizes, but for those with a strong focus on eco-credentials, there are options for plastic-free too. Is the wood suitable for all uses? Yes, kiln dried logs and all the products are perfect for both indoor stoves and outdoor appliances. The key thing for any wood burning is to have logs that are dried to below 20% moisture content and supplied under the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme. This ensures maximum heat output and minimal smoke which is particularly relevant for burning in open appliances such as tipis, firepits and BBQs. How sustainable are your products? It’s something we pride ourselves on as a business. All our firewood is sourced from within a 100-mile radius of our base in Herefordshire. Our kilns are run on wood
waste from the processing operation. Much of our electricity is produced from solar panels and we are continually thriving to reduce our CO2 emissions as well as minimising plastic packaging where possible. What are the approximate costs (e.g. for a fire pit, per nightly stay) for site owners? It depends on multiple factors but as a guide, people may use between one and two small bags of logs per night. What makes your company unique? We are the pioneers of kiln dried firewood, understand our products, provide excellent quality and superb customer service, and we actually the UK’s largest specialist supplier of British kiln dried logs supplying the entire region. Finally, we are the only suppliers of the KindleFlamers natural firelighters which are made in Herefordshire – these are completely unique and provide a great opportunity for site owners as it allows customers to light fires without the need for kindling. If you haven’t tried them yet, ask for a sample!
too. Make sure any wood burning stoves in tipis and yurts are regularly serviced and the flue pipes swept annually and installed by approved fitters. Only use dry wood and make sure customers are provided with clear instructions on how to light a fire and have fire extinguishers nearby. It is vital that fires are kept a safe distance away from tents. Do you offer bulk discounts for larger purchases? Yes – the more you buy, the lower the prices. What are the average wait times from door-to-door? Generally 3-5 days delivery via our national courier but lead times can extend at busy times of the year, so we encourage everyone to plan ahead and ensure you have a stock holding at all times to smooth out your peaks of demand.
What should site owners keep in mind regarding safety and storage of the wood? Firewood must be kept under cover and dry – that goes for the kindling and firelighters
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Salamander
STOVES salamanderstoves.com What type of fuel is needed? Our stoves can burn wood, coal, smokeless fuel or compressed sawdust briquettes. What are the approximate running costs? Using a multi-fuel stove to heat your space is more cost-effective than using gas, electricity or oil. The running costs depend on a variety of factors though, such as what fuel you burn, the size of your space, how well insulated it is, as well as how often you decide to use your stove and what you use it for.
Tell us a bit about your company how did it begin? Our founder, Mark, used to work as an installer whilst also restoring antique stoves. He often had to remove beautiful fire surrounds and ornate period features as part of his work. In order to preserve these historic features, Mark designed a small cast iron stove that could be easily installed without removing or expanding the fireplace. Since then, our small stove has become hugely popular and it has found its home in a variety of small spaces, such as geodesic domes, pods, campervans, tents, boats and more! We have designed a wide range of installation kits to suit these spaces.! What products do you offer? We manufacture and sell our own small cast iron multi-fuel stoves. Our stoves are specifically designed for small spaces and they can be equipped with a variety of different options. Our stoves can be fitted with a stainless-steel cooktop or a wider hotplate that can accommodate a number of pots and pans. They can also be fitted with a direct air intake or a side boiler, so that you can use your stove to heat a hot water supply or a non-pressurised shower!
Can the heat and/or flame height be adjusted? The Salamander SE Stove has a nominal output of 4.1kW, which can range from 3kW to 5.6kW. The flame pattern and the heat output can be easily controlled by adjusting the primary, secondary and tertiary air controls to obtain the desired effect.
of the stove and any combustible materials. Either side of the appliance needs to be at least 150mm away from combustible materials. What factors are there to consider when determining placement? The stove will need to be sited on a noncombustible hearth that’s at least 12mm thick. You will need enough space on the roof or within an adjacent wall for the flue to exit. How easy is the installation? Owners can install the stove themselves or this can be carried out by a local stove installer. Do you offer any warranties? Our Salamander SE Stove has a 5-year warranty and our Little Range has a 7-year warranty.
Are they suitable for off-grid sites? Yes! Our stoves are perfect for off-grid sites and they can be also be used for cooking or for powering a hot water supply. Are they HETAS approved? What safety features do you offer/recommend? Yes! Our stoves are independently tested in the UK. We also have DEFRA-exempt models that have passed the HETAS Cleaner Choice Scheme. Your stove can be fitted with heat shields or our enclosure option, which has a built-in hearth. What are the safety clearances for your product, if applicable? Our Salamander SE Stove (when fitted with heat shields) can have just 100mm of space between the back
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Wlding
Cavco
Grows Even Stronger Conestoga Wagon Co.
Hekipia
We enjoyed a spectacular few days in Aurora, Colorado for The Glamping Show Americas in early October – where the weather was (mostly) very kind and the hospitality was warm. There were 145 exhibitors this year – spread both inside and outside – with some exhibitors such as Zook Cabins choosing both locations. In fact, overall stand space increased this year by 40% on 2022. The variety of accommodation on display this year was impressive, with the addition of mirrored cabins from ÖÖD House and Wilding, plus the largest array of Domes we have ever seen. Tented structures, wagons
and yurts remain popular and more inventive cabins and wheeled structures were present – including a futuristic panoramic trailer from Massimo Modular and a new Roulotte from Huttopia partner Hekipia. Many exhibitors were looking to be more environmentally friendly – new exhibitor Azure Printed Homes attracted a great deal of attention with its 3D printed structure – there was also a noticeable move towards modular, greater use of bamboo and even coffee husks!
Honeytrek
Tent Masters
Sarah Riley
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Bushtec
Living Intent
Ohku
There were around 1,600 verified trade visitors to the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds where the event is held- they came from 49 States in the US and there were also representatives from 43 countries present. David Korse, event owner and organiser commented, “We are amazed at the international element to the visitors this year. In particular, we saw a strong increase in visitors from Central and South America this year.” Once again, bell tent glamping was available on site. In addition, there was a ‘Taco Tuesday’ event on the first afternoon sponsored by The American Glamping Association. The hugely popular conference program
also increased in size and the number of conference delegates were up about 10 per cent on 2022. The American Glamping Association ran its popular start up conference day on the Monday before the expo opened, followed by two days of conference covering all aspects of operation, including global trends, finance, investment, insurance, branding and more.
Tenthouse Structures
Exhibitors reported incredible sales during the show and several have already rebooked or asked for increased space for 2024. The location remains popular and convenient for the airport – the only fly in the ointment this year was – the flies. Some wet weather and perfect ‘flying’ conditions meant that the venue was inundated. However, this was a minor distraction from a major US success.
Zook
Tenthouse Structures
Outstanding
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your booking engine to match your branding and colors, so users feel more comfortable in making their travel plans. Booking engine sidebars. Finally, specials and packages are a great way to encourage customers to make a booking. Studies abound that travelers are showing more preference toward experiences. Many booking engines make the mistake of hiding your special offers, retail items and more until after the unit selection process. The ResNexus difference is sidebars, where you can show off your special offers, your goat yoga retreat packages, your hiking tours, etc.
YOUR INVENTORY IS UNIQUE
So Why Hide It? At ResNexus, we believe the guest experience is second to none, and that includes the online shopping experience before they even make a booking. That’s why we designed our booking engine to be user-friendly, intuitive and beautifully designed. Show the Guest All You Have to Offer The more barriers in between a shopper and a purchase, the less likely they are to go through with it. For you, that means fewer bookings. The solution to this is simple: reduce the barriers and reduce friction for the customer.
Designed to your branding. When a customer clicks the booking link on your website, they shouldn’t feel like they’re being transferred to some strange other website. ResNexus helps you customize
ResNexus Is Dedicated to Your Growth ResNexus began serving the hospitality industry in 2004. We were one of the first cloud-based booking engines, and online reservations have never been the same. Since then, we’ve grown to serve thousands of properties of every shape and size. The secret to our success? We’re not just a software company. When we gain a client, that’s not the end of the story; it’s just the beginning. Our mission is to elevate industries, one business at a time, through service, innovation, and education. And the best way we can do that is by providing outstanding customer support, listening to the needs of our clients, and delivering in ways to help them grow their businesses. To learn more about how ResNexus can help you save time, save money, and grow your business, you can visit www.resnexus.com to view our many educational resources and get started with a personal demo.
Take out the guesswork. One of the ways the ResNexus booking engine helps reduce barriers is by taking the user straight to your inventory rather than putting a calendar in front of them first. This also prevents the “guessing game” effect where the user keeps trying different date range inputs to try and blindly find availability. Attention-grabbing photos. The customer can always add their dates later in the process; they came to see the unique appeal of your glamping units. That’s why ResNexus prioritizes your property images, giving them the real estate they deserve on the page.
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WOODPECKER’S HOUSE
is your home!
After the most amazing first time exhibitor experience at The Glamping Show in September, where we exhibited a small number of our core products – as well as some showstoppers – it’s always great to be able to bring to you, the site owners, operators and alike everything that we are doing as a team to ensure that we continually remain focused and fresh when it comes to our product ranges, leaving our customers a real freedom of choice when visiting Woodpecker for the first time. At the show, the team delivered when it came to the showstoppers, which were well received by everyone who attended. Our modular house’s spacious layout, modern design, and ‘home from home’ feel, also features a bedroom with a panoramic view that would bring that special scenery to life as you lay in bed, and modern fully fitted kitchen with all the essentials needed, giving you the chance to dine in luxury. Add to this the fabulous bathroom, and you have literally everything you need to enjoy your stay, no matter the setting. Alongside the modular house, we also exhibited another new product for 2023: the sauna with the terrace. It left people thinking about how they could accommodate this luxury sauna and terrace into their own sites, resorts and hotels. With its spacious sauna room that could accommodate 6 or more people at any time,
and the additional space that the terrace gives your guests the opportunity to relax – whether that be on reclining chairs or alternatively in one of our other products like an ice bath or alternatively the Ofuro hot tub, it really makes a great addition to your site for all to enjoy. Given that we had a decent number of our products on the stand at The Glamping Show, there was also some more space available to showcase our bespoke outdoor shower unit, that has all the fixtures and fittings to enjoy an ‘open air’ shower experience, with the additional benefits and capabilities for it to be a ‘powered shower’ that provides warm water up to a temperature of 38ºC.
requirements in mind, giving us the creative freedom to make the impossible, possible! To find out more about our product ranges, please feel free to visit our website woodpeckertubs.co.uk or alternatively if you have any questions about our products, give us a call on 07435 866 929.
Furthermore, when guests use the shower, they are able to enjoy the same luxuries as they would do at home, creating that ‘home comforts’ feeling throughout their stay with you. As with all things Woodpecker, we aren’t just limited to these products. We are able to produce bespoke, handcrafted and unique products for you to use in your settings, putting you, our customers, at the start and end of our journey with you. We take the time and effort to ensure that no matter what products we produce for you, they aren’t just off the shelf, and are built with your
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SEASONAL TENT STORAGE
Your Ultimate Guide By boutiquecamping.com
Packing away your tent may seem like a simple task, but there are several important considerations to take into account. So, let’s dive into the art of seasonal tent storage and make sure your next season begins without a hitch. Cleaning Your Tent Cleaning and reproofing your tent helps maintain its water resistance and extends its lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Gather Your Supplies: n A soft brush or sponge n A mild, non-detergent soap (Nikwax Tech Wash or Granger’s Performance Wash are good options) n A bathtub or large container n A hose n Mildew remover n A cloth for scrubbing Remove Stakes and Poles: Take down the tent and remove all stakes, poles, and guy lines. Brush Off Debris: Use a soft brush or sponge to remove loose dirt and debris from the tent’s surface. Gently scrub any heavily soiled areas. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Fill a container or bathtub with cool to lukewarm water. Add the mild soap and mix it in. If you have mildew or mold spots, use a mildew remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Spot Clean Stains: Dip a cloth in the soapy water and spot-clean any stubborn stains or mildew spots. Gently scrub the affected areas. Wash the Entire Tent: Immerse the entire tent in the soapy water, making sure the zippers are open. Gently agitate the water to clean the tent’s fabric. Avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing, as it can damage the waterproof coating. Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the tent thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residues. Hang to Dry: Hang the tent or spread it out in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and do not pack it away until it is completely dry. Reproofing Your Tent Gather Your Supplies: n A suitable tent waterproofing product (Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof or Granger’s Tent + Gear Repel are good options) n A clean sponge or cloth Ensure the Tent is Clean and Dry. Apply the Reproofing Product: In a wellventilated area, apply the tent waterproofing product according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll use a sponge or cloth to apply it evenly to the tent fabric. Pay Attention to Seams and Zippers: Be
sure to apply the reproofing product to seams, zippers, and any areas that are prone to leakage. Allow to Dry: Let the tent dry completely, typically for several hours, or as instructed on the product label. Test for Waterproofing: To test the reproofing, spray some water on the tent’s surface. If the water beads up and rolls off, your tent is successfully reproofed. Storing Your Tent Cool Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can affect the tent fabric and coatings, so avoid attics or uninsulated spaces. Proper Ventilation: Ensure there is adequate ventilation to prevent trapped moisture and musty odours. This can be achieved with windows, vents, or a dehumidifier if needed. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can damage tent fabrics and coatings. Keep your tent away from UV rays, which can weaken the material over time. Use a Storage Bag: If your tent came with a storage bag, use it. If not, invest in a breathable storage bag or stuff sack that is large enough to comfortably fit your tent without excessive compression. Store Poles Separately: Keep tent poles separate from the tent body and fly. This prevents pressure on the fabric and keeps the poles from causing damage.
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WATER TESTING Don’t let cutting corners put your guests at risk
The Glamping Show is over for another year and we had an enjoyable and successful three days at Stoneleigh Park. We had some very good conversations and it was great to hear that most take the treatment and testing of their hot tubs and spa water seriously.
So, what do you gain if you don’t test? A little bit of time and minimal cost savings. What are the potential dangers? Poor water quality, poor customer experience, loss of future bookings and potential danger to health including Legionella.
However, we did also have some comments that quite frankly scared us, as these operators obviously knew the requirements but – for some reason – did not feel they had to comply. These included statements such as:
The Health & Safety Executive Guideline HSG282 came out a few years ago and it was published for a reason. Hot tubs can be a source of Legionella – this is a fact. The guideline is designed to reduce this risk. The rules and the testing requirements are not too difficult to follow and will only take a few minutes per tub to follow.
‘Yes, we test the water when we feel like it or remember’.
HSG282 is there for a reason – do not ignore it! After all, your customers trust you, they trust they are safe and that you are doing everything needed to ensure that safety. You may believe that HSG282 is only a guideline, and you can turn your back on it. But one bad experience can have devastating consequences for the customer and operator which both parties may never recover from. Follow the guidelines, test and treat the water correctly, and keep everyone safe. To find out more about Lovibond’s water testing kits, visit lovibond.co.uk.
‘We change the water between bookings but don’t actually treat or test it, that’s all we need to do’. ‘Testing the water? Never do it – just add a few chemicals’. What worries us most is that these operators believed that what they were doing, although not correct, was acceptable. They were either completely oblivious to the dangers they could be putting their clients in, or just ignoring the requirements and taking the risk that things would not go wrong. Not that the risk to health is theirs but the user’s – their clients!
Lovibond at The Glamping Show
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Bill Bensley speaking at Eco Resort Network 2023
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MAURITIUS We are proud to announce the dates and location of our third Eco Resort Network event – which will take place at the Ravenala Attitude Hotel, Turtle Bay, Mauritius from 18-22 May 2024. There are a limited number of places available for this unique experience, which is aimed at those planning, operating, investing in, consulting or supplying to the experiential outdoor hospitality sector. Eco Resort Network 2024 will incorporate two days of conference, plus an optional field trip to see the work of Nomadic Resorts on the island. The ticket price to attend includes airport transfers, hotel for 4 nights, plus all lunches, gala dinners, drinks and activities. “Expect to find your horizons expanded as you share a tightknit networking experience with CEOs, Founders, inspiring architects and designers, eclectic start-ups and seasoned hoteliers,” says Steph Curtis-Raleigh, event organiser. “From luxury camps in Antarctica, giga projects in the UAE, through to glamping in Montenegro – this is truly a global event where best practice is shared and collaboration is born.”
Visit ecoresort.network for more information and ticket prices
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“What a great few days with some valuable presentations from exceptional key note speakers, valuable insights from the panel sessions and discussions that followed, both during the course of the day and socially in the evenings and while on our site tours. Thanks also to all the specialised suppliers who support this industry and the event.” Marc Myers, Project Director Extreme Destinations
“What an extraordinary few days! Can’t thank you enough for an amazing few days which was so much more than providing learning and networking. You have helped build an amazing community – which has birthed many amazing friendships! Thank you for that! What an amazing thing that is. “ Sarah Dusek, Co-founder Under Canvas, Investor at The Quiver Tree Collection
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