10 Essential Questions to Consider for Your Glamping Project

The glamping industry is witnessing a surge in new entrants, many of whom are driven by a vision for creating unique experiential accommodations. As someone who has worked in the hospitality sector for over 30 years, we often find ourselves working closely with these visionaries and entrepreneurs during the early stages of their projects. In this article, we will highlight the key questions that we ask during these engagements, which are equally relevant for existing projects or when expanding a brand portfolio.

1. What is the purpose behind your endeavor?

Using the plural form here (we) because bringing your vision to life requires a support team or at least a few employees. Eventually, you will need to convince others to assist you, invest in your project, or work alongside you. Having a compelling “why” is crucial for building a strong foundation for these discussions. Your purpose can range from simply wanting to generate profits to creating a better world and an extraordinary lifestyle in the process. Regardless, understanding the reasons behind your project should serve as an ongoing guiding principle for all stakeholders.

2. What is your vision?

As a visionary or a group of visionaries, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of both the general and specific aspects of your vision. The general vision could be something like “creating a sustainable oasis for adventure travelers near national parks,” while the specific vision could involve accommodating each guest in a safari tent with ensuite bathrooms and providing access to a 3-course gourmet meal. Your vision must align with your purpose (the “why”) and strike a balance between economic viability and feasibility at each location. Additionally, your vision should cater to different seasons and guest profiles, ensuring that each property can sustain itself financially and fulfill the desired experience for couples, families, or groups.

3. What is the appropriate price point?

Determining the right price point is undoubtedly a critical question, albeit a challenging one to answer. Currently, there is limited data available in the marketplace regarding what people are willing to pay for glamping or eco-hotel accommodations. Furthermore, revenue management technology with dynamic pricing models leads to fluctuating rates throughout different seasons and weekdays versus weekends. It is advisable to invest in an independent market feasibility study to validate your expectations regarding room rates. Positive results from such a study can then be utilized to secure equity and debt for your project. The demand for such studies is increasing due to the industry’s excitement and the need for sophisticated analysis and supportable projections for institutional investors.

4. Who are your target guests, and why would they choose your accommodation?

This foundational question often poses a challenge for many visionaries. However, answering this question is pivotal as it will guide your facility and planning decisions. You need to consider both the demographics and psychographics of your target audience. Additionally, it is essential to determine who will stay at your property during the off-season, mid-week, or slower demand periods. Will you attract small social or corporate groups? If so, you may need to include meeting spaces, clustered accommodation units, or separate communal fire pits. Are you targeting digital nomads? In that case, you should incorporate co-working spaces and excellent Wi-Fi into your facility’s program.

5. Does your project make financial sense?

Considering that many small businesses fail due to insufficient cash reserves, this question becomes crucial: Do you have enough cash to sustain the ramp-up period? Having a financial cushion in the glamping industry is critical due to the unpredictable nature of outdoor accommodations. Natural disasters such as fires, floods, and severe weather systems are not uncommon. Therefore, it is essential to have practical and financial backup plans to navigate through these challenges. This question demands brutal honesty—do you have enough financial resources to support your project?

6. Do you have the right leadership in place?

I have witnessed hotels in tough markets, located in less-desirable areas with properties rated lower than their competitors, yet outperforming their competition consistently. The key to this success often lies in having an exceptional General Manager (GM). The GM should act as a brand ambassador, fully embracing the company’s vision. They should have the ability to attract, develop, and retain an effective team while fostering a positive work culture.

7. Can your property operate year-round or only seasonally?

This question can be puzzling for some projects. In many cases, it is clear that the property will only be open seasonally, which means all plans, logistics, and employees will be aligned with this abbreviated opening schedule. However, in other locations, the answer may not be as straightforward, and the cost-benefit of staying open during the off-season needs to be carefully analyzed. Currently, several destination markets in the India are experiencing extended high or shoulder seasons. This trend is expected to continue as domestic guests increasingly seek local adventures, while international guests often prioritize their travel based on their available vacation time rather than the destination’s prime season.

8. Is your site designed to coexist harmoniously with nature?

This question challenges developers to work with the land, considering its topography, precipitation patterns, and micro-climates. Ideally, your development should have a minimal negative impact on the local environment and community. In fact, it should aim to have a positive impact. Have you reintroduced native flora or fauna to the site or enhanced any of its micro-ecosystems? As a developer in this sector, it is crucial to continuously ask yourself this question to ensure that you are being a responsible custodian of your section of the Earth.

9. Are you actively listening?

Are you actively reading and responding to guest survey comments to improve the overall guest experience? What about your employees? Are you aware of their concerns and taking steps to rectify issues consistently raised by them? Are you also listening to the local community? Do they appreciate your presence in the market and the patrons you bring to their local shops and services? Actively listening is challenging, yet it is vital for sustainable and ongoing success.

10. Are you enjoying the journey?

This question may seem simple, but it holds great significance. Are you and your team genuinely enjoying the project? Are you maintaining a healthy work-life balance? Are you fostering a positive team culture while eliminating toxic elements? Remember that your team’s culture directly influences the guest experience and ultimately determines if you are successfully realizing your vision.

Sometimes, when we pose these questions to our clients, we are met with blank stares, indicating that they have not contemplated or perhaps ignored these crucial aspects. These questions are raw and honest, but the glamping industry needs a robust and sustainable pipeline of successful properties. Therefore, it is essential to set aside ego, be honest with yourself, and address these challenging questions. The realization of your noble and altruistic vision depends on it.