I have posted two articles on Green Lodging News recently having to do with glamping—a more glamorous version of camping. First, an article about the Twin Lakes Camp Resort in Florida. The second is an article about the originators of glamping and their project called “The Green O.”
According to the 2019 North American Glamping Report, glamping is really beginning to take off. The report, which represents the first-of-its-kind look at the North American glamping market and is supported by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), reveals that 30 percent of North American travelers say they have taken a glamping trip, which is self-defined, over the past two years.
Research results revealed in the North American Glamping Report show the growing popularity of glamping is being fueled by high levels of participation among young and diverse leisure travelers, including young families and high frequency travelers (those who take 10+ trips per year). It appears glamping is appealing to experienced travelers who are seeking new, unique travel opportunities. What’s more, based on the interest of Gen X, millennial and ethnically diverse travelers, the trend is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.
“We’ve been tracking glamping as an emerging travel trend for the past several years as we’ve seen growing demand for different types of glamping experiences, and Deluxe Cabins in particular, at our KOA campgrounds across North America,” said Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of KOA. “The results of this new research reinforce that North American travelers are in fact seeking different ways to experience the outdoors, even if they aren’t traditional campers. One of the most interesting findings in the report was how the self-definitions of glamping varied among travelers, indicating that there’s interest in a variety of glamping experiences. This presents opportunities for those in the outdoor industry to innovate and create the types of glamping experiences today’s traveler seeks.”
Travelers report cabins (64 percent), followed by tree houses (58 percent) and tiny homes (55 percent), are the accommodations that best fit their definition of glamping. Travelers also seek services and amenities that are reminiscent to that of hotels or resorts when they glamp, including Wi-Fi, a full kitchen and private restrooms, along with linen service and the availability of social activities, both on-site and among local attractions.
The Future of the Glamping Market
- The interest in future glamping trips is highest among leisure travelers who have already tried glamping at least once—77 percent of travelers who have glamped before say they are interested in glamping again.
- Demographically, 66 percent of Gen X and 61 percent millennial travelers have expressed the greatest interest in taking a glamping trip in the future.
- Families with children also have high interest in future glamping trips, at 68 percent. Travelers across all ethnicities expressed high interest in future glamping.
To view the findings of the 2019 North American Glamping Report, or obtain related imagery and graphs, visit http://koa.com/north-american-glamping-report/.
