GLAMPING BUSINESS AND RETREAT EVENT SUCCESS

This year, I'm embracing stress-free glamping business success with this checklist. If you bumped into me on the beach lately, or passed me on a dog walk, or even caught me pottering in my vegetable plot, you might wonder how I look so… peaceful. No headphones. No podcast. No audiobook teaching me something new about entrepreneurship, hospitality marketing, self-development, or the glamping industry.

This is the magic of quiet moments...

Just me.
And silence.
And honestly… It has been unexpectedly life-changing.

For years, I’ve been a champion of “making every moment count".

I think many of you know exactly what I mean.

When you run a business, a household, a creative project… or all three… you learn to layer your time.

A podcast while cleaning the kitchen.

An audiobook while doing accounts.

A webinar while cooking dinner.

A quick online course while folding laundry.

It’s productive. Efficient. Smart.

But what I didn’t notice was this… I’d filled up every pocket of quiet time ...

Running a glampsite is exciting, but with more sites opening up every year, competition is fierce. Simply listing your site on different booking platforms isn’t enough anymore. Guests expect polished websites, engaging content, and strong social proof before making a booking.

Here are some practical strategies to help you attract more guest bookings and stand out in today’s digital travel space.

1. Use Content Marketing to Answer Guest Questions

Glamping is still new to many travellers, which means people are searching online to understand what it is and whether it’s right for them. Content marketing is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and convert curiosity into bookings.

Here’s how:

• Identify common guest questions and concerns (through surveys, online research, or even social platforms).

• Create blog posts, videos, or guides that directly answer those questions.

• Share insider tips on your location, nearby attractions, or seasonal activities.

Platf...

This is the age of AI, so you'll be forgiven if you've been wondering whether blogging is still worth your time, especially in hospitality marketing if you run a unique holiday rental or glamping business! If you are, then you're not alone. Many companies, especially in the unique hospitality sector, where teams are often small and already stretched, are starting to question whether blogging is still worthwhile.

But before you pause and give up producing great content, here’s something that might surprise you.

NP Digital recently analysed 20 companies...10 that kept blogging and 10 that stopped... to see what impact it had on their visibility.

They tracked their performance for 12 months, and the results were truly eye-opening for small and medium hospitality business owners.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The data showed that companies that kept blogging saw:

+85.8% more LLM traffic (coming from AI tools like ChatGPT)
+9.1% growth in revenue

Meanwhile, those who stopped blo...

Hospitality is constantly evolving to keep up with changing times, shifting travel habits, and the needs of new generations. With higher spending power and a growing desire for unique experiences, travellers are looking for destinations that combine adventure, comfort, and sustainability. That’s why glamping, also known as glamorous camping, has become such a popular alternative to traditional camping and even luxury hotels.

But what does it actually take to run a glamping site day-to-day? Beyond the luxury tents or cabins, there are logistics, systems, and operations that need to be managed to ensure your business runs smoothly and your guests leave happy.

Capacity and Space Planning

Space is your biggest asset. Guests aren’t booking a glamping stay to feel crowded... they want privacy, views, and that “exclusive” vibe. Think about how far apart each tent or cabin should be so guests don’t hear each other through thin canvas walls, which have no sound insulation.

If land is tigh...

You know that feeling when you’ve poured your heart into planning a retreat, you’ve booked the venue, dreamed up the perfect theme, imagined your guests having those “aha” moments... and then… nothing?

You post about it, send some emails, and cross your fingers. Maybe one or two spots get filled, but the numbers don’t even come close to covering your costs. Panic sets in:

What if I have to cancel?

What if nobody comes?

What if this was a huge mistake?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common struggles retreat leaders face. The problem usually isn’t your passion, your theme, or even your price tag... it’s something else entirely.

Why Retreats Stay Empty

Here’s the hard truth: retreats don’t sell out just because they’re amazing.

Most retreat leaders do things backwards. They spend months locking in a venue, building the schedule, designing all the little details… and only then do they try to find people to fill the spaces.

It’s kind ...

Glamping is an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors year-round, and its popularity continues to grow across the world. At peak times, many sites run at full occupancy... but when the weather cools or school calendars kick in, bookings can dip. If your glampsite struggles during quieter months, don’t panic. With the right mix of creativity and strategy, you can turn low season into an opportunity.

Here are some smart ways to attract more low-season and off-peak bookings for your site.

1. Make Weekdays More Attractive

Weekdays are often slower because of school and work commitments, but that doesn’t mean nobody is interested. In fact, some travellers actively prefer weekday getaways because of the quieter atmosphere and personalised service.

Try themed weekday promos to spark interest. For example:

• “Teepee Tuesdays” with discounted rentals
• Midweek dining perks such as 'bottomless brunch', free cocktails or a complimentary breakfast
• Discounts for digital nomads or remote workers who
...

In the world of unique stays and glamping, one thing stands out: not every host is playing the same game! Scroll through a few listings and you’ll see it right away. Some properties jump off the screen, pulling you in and making you want to pack a bag immediately. Others, although equally beautiful, get passed over in seconds.

So what sets the top 10% of hosts apart?

It’s not just about fancy features or cool amenities. It’s about the experience they create even before the guest arrives. In other words, from the moment they spot the accommodation when browsing social media or asking for inspiration from friends.

First Impressions Really Do Matter!

When people walk past a high street shop, they are tempted inside by the window display. The better the display, the more likely the shop owner will attract new shoppers. It is precisely the same in hospitality, even if your business is in the middle of a rural area and nowhere near a high street or natural footfall. So you need t...

Thinking about buying a campsite? It can be a rewarding investment, but it’s not just about finding a patch of land and pitching a few tents. From location and amenities to zoning rules and potential revenue, there’s a lot to weigh up before you sign on the dotted line. This guide will walk you through the key things to consider when looking at campsites for sale so you can make a wise decision.

Determine Your Budget and Financing Options

Before you start scrolling through listings, get clear on your budget. Think beyond the purchase price, factor in renovation costs, upgrades, staff, marketing, and ongoing maintenance. Many buyers underestimate the “hidden” costs that come with running a site.

Financing options can include traditional bank loans, specialist leisure property lenders, or even partnerships and joint ventures. Having your financial plan mapped out early gives you confidence when you find the right opportunity.

Research the Location and Market Demand.

Location is ever...

In the ever-evolving world of glamping, luxury outdoor hospitality and retreat events, one truth is undeniable: the game has changed... Dramatically! 

Gone are the days when simply ranking on Google or sending a few emails could reliably fill your calendar and events. Today, thanks to rapid shifts in consumer search behaviour, the rise of AI, and increasing guest expectations, glamping business owners, unique hospitality providers, short-stay hosts and retreat leaders need to adapt, or risk being lost and forgotten.

Listen to the full episode here:

If you've been wondering why your website traffic is down, bookings are slower, or engagement is dropping despite your best efforts, you are not alone. But the solution isn't working harder... It's working smarter. 

The Cheese Has Moved: What Glamping and Retreat Hosts Can Learn from a Classic Business Book Parable 

In the book Who Moved My Cheese?, we're reminded that clinging to what worked in the past is a recipe for stagn...