Business Booster
How to... Set up a pub glamping site
In today’s economic climate additional revenue streams are all important and glamping offers a unique income source for pubs that are looking to maximise the potential of their property.
Research last year revealed that UK ‘staycations’ and short breaks are on the increase, with annual expenditure from domestic tourists projected to grow by 25% to over £1.8bn by 2017.
There are several pubs around the UK that have taken the plunge, all offering a completely different glamping experience.
Here’s a brief look at what needs to be considered to ensure success when establishing a glamping site.
Planning
It’s all about planning; if you get it right the returns can be considerable. Throughout the planning process do remember that 'glampers' want luxury - they want to enjoy everything about living in the great outdoors, having lots of space around them but without compromising on their everyday creature comforts.
Don’t make the mistake of cramming too much accommodation into the space you have available; there’s a fine line between a luxurious glamping site and a holiday park.
Accommodation
Deciding on the type of glamping experience you want to offer can be daunting as there are so many different types of accommodation available ranging from five-star safari tents, lavish yurts and luxurious bell tents, to environmentally friendly eco-pods and period inspired shepherd’s huts and Gypsy wagons.
However, before you decide on the type of accommodation you wish to offer, you need to consider the space you have available, the income level you are planning to generate and how quickly you wish to get a return on your investment.
Investment & Return
The cost of establishing a glamping site varies considerably. Eco-pods, relatively new in the market place, and Shepherd’s huts tend to be the cheapest options ranging between £6,000 and £15,000.
For a top of the range Shepherd’s hut with under floor heating, fully fitted kitchens and en-suite shower rooms with flushing WCs and wash basins you could pay up to £27,000. However, due to the fact that shepherd’s huts only sleep two they will provide a slow return on your investment.
Safari tents on the other hand, although more expensive per unit (between £25,000 and £30,000 to buy, set-up and furnish), have the ability to sleep up to six people at a time with the potential to generate a gross income of £20,000 per annum.
As a result the unit could pay for itself in just over two years. If you are willing and able to invest in top-end glamping facilities you are most likely to see a quicker and better return on your investment.
Case Study The Three Horseshoes, Lincolnshire - owner Ian Peet on the business benefits of glamping to his pub
What prompted you to create a glamp site?
Maximising the revenue on a small campsite and to facilitate using the pub’s catering facilities to create a new product for glamping weddings and events.
How long has your glamp site been established?
Three years
What type of glamping do you offer?
We have Lotus Belle Tents and a Retro Caravan.
What did you need to do in terms of licensing?
The pub was not open when we took it over so it needed a new premises license. Most of the campsite area is not covered by the premises license but a small area of the campsite is covered which makes it suitable for carrying out licensed activities when needed. Various health and safety and fire risk assessments also need to be carried out for which various local bodies are happy to offer advice.
What type of promotion have you carried out?
Mainly internet-based via our own website and other web directories promoting glamping but also community radio, local press, national press coverage and interest, social media.
How has it enhanced your business?
The pub is not viable without the glamping and campsite. Both bring added customers into the pub and with good margins they contribute a significant income.
What lessons have you learnt through diversifying in this way?
Think outside the box, be innovative and use your current business to promote your new ideas and products. Pubs have good facilities for many other things, they are not great as a business in their own right. People’s habits have changed, so accept this and think how you can bring in a crowd.
What would you say are the golden rules to follow?
Consider the type of market that might be attracted to glamping by a pub and decide how to attract or detract them - because booze can lead to difficulties especially when people are staying a while. Consider the cost of the unit with the income expected and be prepared for some work. Bear in mind that to provide glamping you must be resourceful – can you deal with a storm or gale or a tent rip?
Glampers love being spoilt so think 'what can I do that’s new'?
The Glamping Show
Make sure you talk to the experts; many of whom will be offering free business advice at the first ever Glamping Show being held in September.
The show is completely dedicated to Glamping and visitors will have the chance to meet with exhibitors from all corners of the glamping industry who will be showcasing everything from glamping accessories, eco toilets and technology to all types of glamping accommodation including safari tents, tipis, yurts, shepherd’s huts, eco pods and other amazing structures that will be launching at the show.
In addition, there will be a seminar programme, which aims to provide visitors with a wealth of knowledge on how to launch and run a successful glamping business, covering everything from planning and funding, resources for fledgling businesses, the pitfalls and how to avoid them.
For full details visit The Glamping Show website
