The future is bright for outdoor hospitality — glampers, and glamping hosts and businesses! According to a recent report from Arizton, the U.S. glamping market is projected to soar from $561 million to a staggering $1.3 BILLION in the next 6 years. That translates to a remarkable annual growth rate of 15% from 2023-2029.
This is exciting news for both outdoor adventure-loving travelers and glamping businesses. However behind this rapid expansion comes immense social and environmental responsibility. Diamond Brand intends to do our part, as well as get the inside scoop on global glamping trends and projections.
OUTDOOR Hospitality EXPERIENCES, ON THE RISE
The unpredictability of weather, the discomfort of sleeping on the ground, and the hassle of keeping your tent warm, can dampen the outdoor experience for some.
Of course, these are all intrinsic parts of reconnecting with nature, but sometimes, you just want to do away with all those stresses and have a more comfortable experience. Enter, glamping.
Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” has become a popular way for travelers to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort, luxury, and in some cases- even a WI-FI connection.
This surge is part of a broader global “camping boom.” Experts believe it is multi-factored shift in consumer interests, behaviors, habits and preferences that are contributing to this market’s growth and trajectory:
- mental health and wellbeing benefits – demand for activities and experiences supporting holistic wellness, stress-reduction, self-care and self-discovery.
- cost-effectiveness – interest in affordable travel, adventures and accommodations
- environmental concerns – preference for sustainable, low-impact domestic vacationing or “staycationing” with lower carbon footprints compared to long-distance hotel stays
- immersive experiences – the desire for authentically unique and unconventional activities and accommodations
Social media has played a significant role in this shift. Travel and leisure-focused influencers share scenic, shareable content and unforgettable experiences. Ironically, alongside this shift is also the growing awareness of the mental, emotional and physical health benefits of spending time outdoors. Moreover, witness the growing appeal of disconnecting from screens and daily digital life.
The popularity of glamping grew even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. People went out seeking safe and socially-distanced destinations to reconnect with Mother Nature. Today, consumers are still looking for the feeling of refuge and escape, without losing access to modern comforts and conveniences.
Glamping: Something for EVERYONE
According to a recent report from Kampgrounds of America, the niche glamping market has welcomed approximately 15.6 million newcomers over the past five years. To give you an idea, 34% of new campers in 2023 chose glamping, which is a significant increase from 18% in 2021.
As glamping demand rises, a variety of unique accommodations and luxury alternatives have sprung up nationwide, offering a blend of historical charm and modern comfort.
Glamping offers a luxurious, hassle-free way to enjoy the great outdoors, attracting a new generation of campers who seek modern conveniences and amenities alongside their nature experiences.
Glamping has particular appeal for “comfort campers,” festival-goers, and luxury travelers who are seeking one-of-a-kind vacations in the outdoors. Indeed, no two glamping experiences are alike. Furthermore consumers can “choose their own adventure” based on their budget, personal preferences and desired experience:
- Unique & Distinctive Accommodations: Cabins, yurts, bell tents, pods, treehouses, tipis, domes and of course, classic safari-style canvas wall tents. Also look out for creative reuse in refurbished Airstreams and Conestoga wagons.
- Diverse Settings: Public or private land, rural or urban sites, campgrounds, private properties, ranches, and beyond.
- Group Size: Accommodations cater to different group sizes, from solo travelers, to couples to families.
The report also shared a list of host sites and businesses leading the glamping movement across the US. These included big names like Collective Retreats, Under Canvas, Tentrr and even small local sites like our neighbors at Asheville Glamping.
EMERGING Opportunities FOR GROWTH in Outdoor Hospitality
Lastly, the report shares some of the key trends and emerging opportunities in the market. These trends encourage glamping hosts and businesses to embrace and invest in new ideas and infrastructure in order to meet evolving consumer demands and expectations. Further, they help eco-friendly businesses stay ahead of the competition, and ensure long-term success and viability. These include:
- Technology: Integrating advanced and smart systems. Mobile check-ins, wifi connectivity, keyless entry, chatbots, and online feedback forms enhance guest reservations experiences.
- Sustainability: Embracing shelters and structures that use eco-friendly manufacturing processes, durable recycled materials and sustainable fabrics. This can be done without compromising performance or durability. These structures incorporate upscale amenities like off-grid solar power and eco-friendly business practices like recycling and composting. Overall they attract environmentally-conscious travelers while minimizing their ecological footprint and providing unparalleled luxury experiences.
- Social Media: Using social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Youtube to amplify brand visibility, engage new audiences and attract potential guests with strategic content and campaigns that showcase unique offerings and beautiful natural settings.
The future of glamping will depend on how well campers and operators balance these dynamics, ensuring that our natural treasures are preserved for generations to come. As the glamping trend continues to grow, more unique and upscale accomodations are likely to emerge, providing memorable experiences for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Our Commitment
The glamping market is poised for major growth as a new wave of travelers seek out memorable (and Instagrammable) experiences where a familiar luxury and comfort intersect the peaceful beauty of nature and the outdoors. However in order for the industry to grow in a lasting way, we must prioritize responsible travel and sustainable tourism, continuously innovating and adapting to stay ahead of the curve.
As the industry continues to evolve, Diamond Brand is proud to be pioneer at the forefront of the movement. We are proud to call ourselves “The Most Sustainable Tentmakers on the Planet,” and are dedicated to redefining the future of gear-making, AND glamping.
With over 100 years of experience in outdoor retail and manufacturing, we’re excited to pave the way for future businesses, and helping to get more people outdoors, however possible. Now more than ever we’re committed to embracing innovation, championing eco-friendly practices that protect and preserve the beauty of our Earth for generations to come.
Want to join us in our journey towards a greener, cleaner planet? Check out our impressive product line of canvas wall tents — and why we recommend them for the best glamping experience.
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