Glamping Market

Market Overview

The global glamping market size was valued at USD 2,434.94 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 7,856.23 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.9% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

The term glamping is a combination of glamorous and camping, designating a style of camping that includes luxuries and, occasionally, resort-like services that are not typically connected with "classic" camping. It allows people to experience modern conveniences and pleasures while also getting some time in nature. Glamping spots are frequently located in picturesque areas like national parks, estates, or remote wilderness areas, allowing guests access to breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Another aspect that separates glamping is the diversity of unique and luxurious housing alternatives.

One can stay in luxurious safari tents, treehouses, yurts, tipis, geodesic domes, Airstream trailers, and fully equipped villas. Luxurious mattresses with fine linens, inviting sitting areas, and frequently en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets are all features of these precisely constructed and furnished buildings. Some glamping destinations may also provide amenities like private decks, fire pits, hot tubs, or outdoor kitchens to ensure guests can unwind in luxury. Some glamping spots also offer delicious on-site dining to guests. These choices include group dinners, campfire barbecues, and fine dining prepared by expert chefs.

Highlights

• Cabins and pods dominate the accommodation type segment
• 18-32 years dominates the age group segment
• Europe is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Number of Staycations

The staycation trend is rising among millennials nowadays due to their hectic lifestyle. Staycations do not allow people to venture too far out but allow them a wide range of destinations to choose from during their time off. This is expected to positively impact the glamping market wherein consumers who prefer holidaying luxuriously among nature can also engage in different enjoyable activities provided by various glamping resorts.

While de-stressing and relaxation are key factors expected to propel the glamping industry, the rise in eco-tourism and the need for a healthy lifestyle are expected to impact the industry positively. The average spending for a staycation in the U.K. has increased. In 2011, a consumer would spend close to GBP 422.7 on a staycation; however 2019, if a millennial or a consumer spends about GBP 874 on a staycation, that's almost doubled. This is expected to positively impact the glamping market over the forecast period.

Technological Advancements and Increasing Disposable Income 

Technological advancements in the glamping market have contributed significantly to market growth. Due to smart tents, solar-powered amenities, and other high-tech features, glamping is now more accessible and appealing to a larger audience. Increasing investment in glamping infrastructure, including campgrounds and amenities, has also contributed to the market's growth.

In addition, rising disposable income and a preference for spending on unique travel experiences are propelling the growth of the glamping market. This trend is bolstered by the increasing popularity of glamping festivals and events, which offer unique and immersive experiences to travelers. The glamping shows no signs of weakening as rural and urban glamping locations continue to expand.

Market Restraints

Competition from Recreational Vehicles

Recreational vehicles are considered to be one of the major restraints for the glamping industry. While glamping involves camping with a luxurious twist, recreational vehicles are mobile and can be driven from one place to another as per the preference of those on vacation. If one location is not preferable to a consumer, one can take a recreational vehicle and drive to a place more suited to their need.

A recreational vehicle offers couples and families, particularly in the Western culture to go on holidays on an open road, with all the amenities of a home and the comforts of suburban life. They include numerous conveniences from home, including a kitchen, a fully functional bathroom, and a bedroom. These features come with the vehicle itself and, if owned, have not to be paid for. However, glamping may cross a consumer's budget as it is a luxurious outdoor experience. Therefore, competition from recreational vehicles is expected to be one of the major restraints for glamping over the forecast period.

Market Opportunities

Increasing Scope of Glamping at Music Festivals, Particularly in the U.S.

Music festivals have become one of the largest money-making industries over the last decade. It is one of the largest industries in the U.S. on account of the numerous music festivals that take place in the country, including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Governors Ball—with big-ticket prices, multiple stages, camping options, and nearly endless lists of performers. Alongside the big music festivals in the country, there have been concerts on a small scale playing in various countries.

Glamping, also known as glamorous camping, has become one of the key trends among consumers in the U.S. Increasing number of music festivals in the U.S. is expected to positively impact the glamping industry over the forecast period. As of 2019, there are over 800 music festivals in the U.S. In 2019, the largest U.S. festival, Summerfest, was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; performances ran for 11 days, attracted between 800,000 to 1,000,000 people, and showcased more than 800 acts and 1,000 performances. In order to minimize the need for travel, a significant portion of the population opted to engage in camping activities, consequently fostering the emergence and expansion of the glamping industry.

Regional Analysis

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global glamping market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

Europe is the most significant global glamping market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 14.5% during the forecast period. There has been a rise in the glamping trend among consumers in Europe. Holidaymakers in Europe have been trying to give glamping a whole new face as it offers people the experience of a hotel among nature. France is one of the key countries that promotes glamping for its people, with 8,000 campsites across the country only second to the U.S. 'The Times reports that the French National Federation of Open-Air Accommodation advised various glamping site owners to supply rugged and nature-like experiences to its customers to stay in business and make a profit.

In addition, luxuries offered by various glamping owners include microwave ovens, Wi-Fi, better showers, coffee machines, air conditioners, and regular cleaning staff. The first five-star glamping site in France was launched in 2010; however, a decade since that, investors have collaborated with camping companies to expand the glamping business there. France now comprises 221 five-star campsites and 1,171 four-star glamping sites across the country, contributing to the regional market growth.

North America is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 16.5% over the forecast period. Glamping is one of the major trends in North America among travelers. Increasing income levels among this group of travelers and the desire to experience new types of vacation are expected to positively impact the glamping market over the forecast period. Furthermore, Canadian campers have been showing increasing interest in traditional camping; however, still close to half of the Canadian population, which is about 46% are interested in the glamping experience. Over the last decade, the U.S. has witnessed the fastest growth in glamping. It leads the world in the number of glamping campsites. The increasing number of music festivals is one of the country's biggest drivers for glamping growth.

Furthermore, the overall glamping trend in the U.S. has increased two-fold for various reasons. In the past, wealthy consumers and event organizers were the key demographics with the greatest demand for glamping. However, glamping has become more affordable over the past few years, and millennials have been trying to change how they take vacations. These factors are expected to influence the market over the forecast period favorably.

Asia-Pacific is expected to be catching on with the glamping trend over the past few years. Glamping sites are being developed at a fast pace in most of the countries in the Asia-Pacific, including Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and India. Interest in glamping has spiked among Asian households, rising to 36% since 2017. However, nearly half of Hispanic and African American camper households are also interested in glamping, a rate that has doubled over the last two years. Favorable development costs, short build time, and ultimately drive-by customers looking for more authentic holidays are key motivating factors for the glamping market over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. In addition, the rising number of investors willing to collaborate with established companies in the hotel business to expand the glamping business is expected to positively impact the industry over the next six years.

In the Middle East and Africa region, high spending power and consumer preference for family glamping have propelled the demand for market penetration. Glamping has popularized the concept of glamourous camping, which has resulted in expanding these services in the Middle East. In addition, Dubai aims to expand its luxurious city living and its tradition of camping by incorporating deluxe and comfortable facilities. The high footfall of tourists and growing tourism will likely foster the growth of the glamping market to serve travel enthusiasts and leisure travelers with the best amenities.

Segmental Analysis

The global glamping market is segmented by accommodation type and age group.

Based on accommodation type, the global glamping market is bifurcated into cabins and pods, tents, yurts, treehouses, and others. 

The cabins and pods segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 14.8% over the forecast period. The increasing desire of travelers to participate in an immersive experience without sacrificing luxuries has influenced the development of opulent camping accommodations such as cabins and pods. In January 2018, the U.K.-based company Pitchup.com saw an increase in cabin bookings of 102% and pod bookings of 73%. Eco pods are the best option for eco-tourism among campers because they use local, natural, and recycled materials, which also protect from wind and rain while maintaining a homelike atmosphere. In contrast, cabin walls are prepared from solid timber or log shelters, redefined from chic to eclectic with handcrafted furniture, crackling fireplaces, modern washrooms, and soft and colorful fabrics. These cabins provide an exceptional space within wooden shells with a framed, elevated, or tented format with doors and windows.

Tents offer different luxury-based accommodations, from plain and basic to luxurious settings depending on the customer's need. Bell tents are the most popular kind of glamping tents across the globe. It is supported by a central pole and covered with cotton canvas. The tent is stabilized by guy ropes connected around the top of the walls and is available in multiple sizes. In addition, different varieties of accommodations in tents, such as bell tents, luxury tents, tented cabins, and safari tents, are projecting substantial growth for the category in the glamping market. In line with the strategic initiatives of companies entering the segment, the market is gaining traction among consumers. For instance, in September 2019, LuxeTenten, a European Glamping Company, acquired Glamping Lodges, one of the Netherlands' largest producers of safari tents.

Based on age group, the global glamping market is segmented into 18-32 years, 33-50 years, 51-65 years, and above 65 years. 

The 18-32 years segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period. According to research by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the millennial or Gen Z generations make up 60% of leisure travelers in North America who reported having clamped in the previous two years, making this activity the most popular among younger demographics. In addition, the increasing prominence of destination weddings among the younger population is also attracted by the idea of wedding glamping. Thus, companies are increasing this category in their portfolio. For instance, Buffalo, a New York-based startup, provides luxury rentals for private events, weddings, and festivals. Therefore, these trends also boost the adoption of glamping culture in the 18-32 age category.

Gaining prominence around sole traveling among females is also a key element influencing the gender to opt for glamping. Moreover, travelers who glamp comprise 20% of couples without children. Thus, rising travelers among younger generations with higher disposable income generate key drivers of the glamping market.

The combination of millennials and Gen X constitutes a driving force for the glamping market in the 33-50 years age category. According to the KOA report, leisure traveler participation in glamping by generations comprises 48% of millennials and 28% of Gen X in North America in 2019. Glamping amenities, including Wi-Fi, kitchens, private bathrooms, linen service, pools, and other recreational activities, offer greater scope for consumers looking for camping with luxury. For instance, 50% of glampers prefer Wi-Fi in their accommodation. Thus, the market witnessed the rising importance of glamping in the age category over the projected years.

Recent Developments

• June 2023- Songtsam, an award-winning collection of boutique luxury Hotels, resorts, and Destination Management firms, inaugurated its first glamping property in Tibet, Songtsam Glamping Palpa. The glamping property, located in Baiba Village (approximately 4,200 meters above sea level) on the Niyang River in Nyingchi, offers guests a luxurious camping experience surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests, and pastures.
• June 2023- EcoResorts opened a "bubble glamping" resort in Munnar, Kerala, a picturesque hill station. This new resort is surrounded by breathtaking vistas, valleys, and lakes and is committed to environmental preservation.