New GITA Partnership Brings Training Support to UK Glamping Owners

The Glamping Industry Trade Association (GITA) has announced a strategic partnership with Sarah Riley of The Glamping Academy® that offers members exclusive access to professional development training, while simultaneously funding industry advocacy efforts.

It's a partnership structure that benefits individual business owners and the broader industry at the same time. Here's what you need to know.

The GITA and Glamping Academy® Partnership

GITA members now have access to discounted training courses from The Glamping Academy®, led by founder Sarah Riley. Since 2010, Sarah and her team have worked with thousands of glamping operators worldwide, helping them build successful hospitality businesses through practical, experience-based training.

The courses cover essential business areas, including planning, marketing, operations, and growth strategies, which are all designed specifically for the unique accommodation sector.

But there's an innovative element that sets this partnership apart. For every purchase made by a GITA member using their exclusive discount code, which gives them money off vital industry education, Sarah Riley matches the amount with a direct contribution to GITA. This means member investment in professional development directly funds GITA's advocacy work, including government lobbying and industry representation.

Why This Matters for Your Glamping Business

The glamping industry has evolved significantly over the past several years. What was once a niche market has become increasingly competitive, with higher guest expectations and more sophisticated operational requirements, including new and planned government restrictions and potential licensing requirements. 

Today's successful glamping businesses need more than attractive accommodations. They require solid business foundations, such as precise financial planning, effective marketing strategies, streamlined operations, and consistent guest experiences.

As Sarah Riley notes: "The glamping industry is maturing, and success now relies on strategic planning and robust marketing. By partnering with GITA, we are excited to deliver practical tools and expert guidance directly to the UK's most forward-thinking business owners."

The training available through this partnership directly addresses these needs, offering proven strategies rather than theory-based approaches.

A Win for Individual GITA Members and the Glamping Industry

John White, Executive Manager and Company Secretary at GITA, emphasises the dual benefit, "This is more than just a training discount; it's a powerful tool for growth coupled with an active commitment to the industry's future. Our members can now access step-by-step guidance and expert support from a proven industry leader, all while their participation directly fuels the work GITA does to lobby the Government and act as an advocate for our glamping community."

This structure creates a reinforcing cycle, in which members improve their businesses through professional training with Sarah Riley's Glamping Academy, which generates funds for GITA's advocacy work, which in turn strengthens the regulatory and business environment for all glamping operators.

What the Glamping Academy® Training Covers

The Glamping Academy® training is built on practical, operational experience. Course content includes:

• Business planning and financial management for unique accommodations
• Marketing strategies that attract and convert ideal guests in the changing world of AI
• Operational systems that improve efficiency and cost savings for the small business owner
• Guest experience design that encourages repeat bookings and referrals
• Strategies for standing out in the ever-changing competitive markets

The training is hosted on the Inspired Courses platform and draws on Sarah's extensive industry background. Beyond The Glamping Academy®, Sarah serves as a podcast host for the sector and Conference Director for Glamping Show Americas, bringing a broad industry perspective to the curriculum.

Small Business Owners Taking Action

GITA members can access their exclusive discount codes through the member portal. For those not yet part of GITA, this partnership represents an additional value proposition beyond the association's existing benefits of advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities.

The timing is particularly relevant as the industry continues to professionalise. Operators who invest in developing their business capabilities now position themselves more strongly for sustainable success in an increasingly competitive market.

The partnership between GITA and The Glamping Academy® offers a practical path forward: professional development that improves individual businesses while strengthening the collective voice of the UK glamping industry.

For GITA members looking to elevate their operations and contribute to industry growth simultaneously, the opportunity is now available.

About GITA: The Glamping Industry Trade Association is the principal trade association representing the UK glamping industry, providing advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities for glamping and unique accommodation providers.

John White Executive Manager & Company Secretary, GITA (Glamping Industry Trade Association), [email protected]  www.gitauk.org

Sarah Riley, CEO, The Glamping Academy®

Inspired Courses ☆  Inspired Collective

Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing