Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
sleep under canvas, but that is where the similarity finishes. Glampers sleep
in a proper bed with fine linen, en suite toilet, carpet or decking and all the
facilities.
This new style of luxury camping is becoming increasingly popular,
especially in countries like Botswana and South Africa where campers can go
and see the wildlife and then retreat to a camp and enjoy first world comforts
under canvas.
Glamping allows the sustainable tourist to be just that, whilst still
enjoying their creature comforts. In fact in countries such as Botswana it has
become a major source of attracting tourist dollars.
Setting up glamping
Setting up a glamping site is basically the same as a traditional camping site,
with a few variations. This is not about getting as many camp sites on a piece
of ground as possible. The guest is prepared to pay more than a traditional
camper and the site must reflect that. Make sure the tent is situated where the
best views are located and that the glamper, ideally, cannot see or hear other
glampers - they are looking for isolation. Where possible create furniture
made by local artisans using local materials, and be prepared to invest a bit
more to create a unique experience for your guests.
Remember the key point of difference is that the tent contains a bed
with fine linen, not a mattress on the floor; create a decorated hideaway.
Consumers expect each tent to have an en suite, veranda and at least a
Queen-size bed, and include breakfast and possibly dinner depending on
the isolation of the site.
Be as sustainable as possible. There are now many unique solar devices
on the market designed especially for camping, to create power, lighting, hot
water and flushing toilets.
Get to know what your guest is looking for early on in the transaction.
Is it solitude or do they want you to engage with them and provide meals as
well?
Solar barbecues can provide an eco-friendly cooking experience.
Glamping is a way that visitors can spoil themselves on a budget. Having
said that, at the top of the range glamping destinations, visitors spend thou-
sands of dollars a night.
Darts Farm (
www.dartsfarm.co.uk)
in Devon in the UK has taken an
interesting approach to glamping. Once a year they offer their customers a
'Family Camp'. This coincides with the end of the tent show in Exeter, their
local city. For one weekend they provide a camp. For a fee of £15 per adult
and £9.50 for children they provide a field, BBQ and dessert, bush crafts,
nature walks, camp fire sing-a-long, toasted marshmallows and breakfast.
All the visitor has to do is bring their tent or hire one for £5. This makes
glamping an affordable family event - they provide few luxuries, but it gives
families a taster of the potential of glamping.
