QUALITY IN TOURISM
The beauty of glamping is that you can also scale it gradually over time ; unlike adding a new building , you can add each individual accommodation ‘ pod ’ one at a time , building interest and occupancy in your first unit , before rolling out any additional ones . In fact , this approach means that many successful glamping businesses have been able to recoup costs and start to turn a profit within the first 12-24 months ; a significant achievement for any infant business .
Remember , glamping doesn ’ t mean basic Just because it has been born from a heritage of camping , glamping does not mean basic . First and foremost , unlike a temporary tent , glamping units are usually fixed or semi-permanent structures and must still comply with legislation for accommodation , including local planning regulations , fire safety , gas & electricity licences and appliance testing . Similarly , guests have expectations of good standards , from cleanliness to general amenities ; you won ’ t get away with below par . Similarly , sites are also inspected in full , so while the space might not have traditional corridors and common areas , there is an expectation that the site itself will be clean and tidy , free of litter and without potential trip hazards . In addition to this , time is also taken to assess additional glamping-specific features , such as the suitability and stability of the flooring , and the drainage and levelness of each pitch .
Personally , I find glamping an interesting and unlimited prospect for businesses and as well as completing full inspections , we also often mystery shop and guide glamping roll-out . It is also worth thinking about how and where you have opportunity for short-term and temporary units , such as the Glastonbury Pop-Up Hotel which is covered in the latter half of this article .
Case Study : The Glastonbury Pop-Up Hotel
From its first-class acts to its relaxed Festival vibe , Glastonbury tickets are sought-after and difficult to obtain , while the on-site campsites are often left looking like a rubbish tip . So what about enjoying all the action of Glastonbury , with all the luxuries of proper accommodation , and a little peace and quiet when you are trying to sleep ? That ’ s where the Pop-Up Hotel has found its niche , operating ‘ just outside the festival , allowing guests some comfort , privacy and space , whilst being close enough to get to the action in a hurry .’ A unique proposition and the perfect example of short-term , lucrative glamping scheme .
For Assessor Stephanie Currie , a trip to the Pop-Up Hotel at Glastonbury this year did not disappoint . She comments “ Every time I visit the pop-up , I feel like Alice in Wonderland . It ’ s like entering a
July 2017 www . hotelowner . co . uk 47