Transformation of Camping Into Glamping – Trends and Perspectives

Abstract

Purpose -This paper explores trends and the perspectives of business stakeholders -camping managers and equipment producers as well as guestswith regard to glamping as the transformation process of camping. Methodology -To research the transformation of camping into glamping, a survey of the opinions of experts in camping and glamping was conducted in October 2018 and a survey of guests, in the spring of 2018. Responses were collected from 120 campsite managers and 30 camping & glamping equipment producers from the region. Furthermore, through special online and onsite questionnaires, 130 responses were collected from camping guests. Findings -This research proves that all the groups consider glamping as the future of camping and foresee an increase in future demand for glamping accommodation. All three groups are fully unanimous in the opinion that the transformation of camping into glamping through the implementation of new and innovative accommodation in camping will contribute to the competitiveness of campsites and holiday parks. Contribution -The research makes a contribution to theory by broadening the literature in the field of trends and competitiveness in glamping by including the perspectives of managers, producers and guests. The applicable value is seen in the evidence on the importance of implementing innovative accommodation in camping, which contributes to the transformation of camping into glamping -camping that is rejuvenated and redesigned and more competitive than classical camping. For the target groups of managers and producers, this new trend is the basis for strategical planning of future investments and for guests it is a new and exciting way of holiday-making.

Glamping after the coronavirus pandemic

“…The results highlight the increased viability of glamping to a broader potential market of leisure travelers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, the accessibility, popularity, and interest in glamping were already increasing (CCG, 2019; Milohnic et al., 2019). Furthermore, glamping is well-positioned among a growing body of travelers interested in eco-tourism and eco-accommodations (Bagheri et al., 2020).…”

“…The second primary contribution of the study is the finding that more active leisure travelers have post-COVID-19 glamping trip plans (45.9%) than hotel/resort trip plans (24.7%). The popularity of glamping appears to be increasing because (1) it allows for social distancing and (2) it is an accessible form of outdoor recreation (Gossling et al., 2021; Milohnic et al., 2019). Recreational deprivation began with the stay-at-home orders followed by the closures of recreational facilities (e.g.…”

Visitor satisfaction and behavioral intentions in nature-based tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

“…The final survey was conducted both in-person and online, with the sample population consisting of visitors that were visiting the park as well as visitors that had recently been to the park. Combining onsite and online surveys has been used in previous studies and was approved to be effective ( Li, Shu, Shao, Booth, & Morrison, 2021 ; Milohnić, Cvelić-Bonifačić, & Licul, 2019 ; Modrow, Tuck, Qian, Yu, & Haataja, 2021 ; Yuen, Tang, Lee, & Cheng, 2021 ). Providing two ways of surveying helps recruit large and more diverse samples ( Birnbaum, 2004 ), and having an online survey option can also minimize contact and reduce the risk of spreading disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Camping Tourism Experience, Satisfaction and Loyalty: An Empirical Study From Croatia

“…Camping has recently become more of a life-style, reflecting freedom, enjoyment in nature, socializing with friends, relatives and acquaintances, without sacrificing the comfort of the home. Mobile homes have started a revolution as a new type of camp accommodation, and they have brought about the transformation of camping into glamping (Milohnić et al 2019). The results of a study conducted by Vrtodušić Hrgović et al (2018) show that glamping accommodation is mainly considered to be a treehouse or some other unusual form of accommodation, and comfortable tents.…”