Everyone knows what camping is, but what about glamping? This combines the rustic feel of camping with the glamour of a luxury getaway. Glamping has become popular all over the world, mainly among millennials and Gen Z. It’s used by people who just want a relaxing staycation, or those who want an epic experience during their international vacation. Glamping is a fairly recent invention compared to the age-old practice of camping, but it’s already taken off – and shows no sign of slowing down. The estimated market value of the glamping industry in 2022 was $2.57 billion; by 2026, that number is expected to rise to $4.23 billion. This is a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 13.3%, which is quite impressive.
Currently, the largest market for glamping is in North America, with Europe following close behind. However, glamping has made its mark in every continent. Even developing countries in Africa, Asia, and South America are joining in on the action, offering everything from affordable glamping to luxurious experiences for the ultra-rich.
As the industry expands, so must its offerings. One way that different glamping companies get ahead of the competition is through product innovation. For example, it’s standard for glamping sites to offer electricity, WiFi, etc.; this is easy enough to do for stationary accommodations. However, some glamping sites have gone mobile, setting up camp in destinations that would be most appealing to their guests. Even though they can’t draw electricity from local power grids, they have their own power sources and setups so that guests don’t have to do without electricity.
Another glamping company, based in Dubai, has designed a portable glamping pod that can be moved to almost any location. These pods feature modern kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and powder-coated aluminum tiles that bring a stylish, sleek look to the space.
How COVID-19 affected the glamping industry
The pandemic shut down most non-essential businesses, but those that were associated with travel were hit especially hard. Glamping companies simply didn’t have the same number of guests as before, and some of them had difficulties getting the necessary supplies even when they had guests. This obviously halted growth in the industry, and even caused some glamping companies to go under.
At the same time, though, glamping offered an appealing alternative to conventional travel. When restrictions were lifting, but concerns about infection rates were still high, many people chose the privacy and seclusion of glamping over conventional hotels. Many glamping sites around Medellin establish plenty of space between each pod, tent, or cabin, meaning there’s a much lower risk of infection if another guest happens to be sick.
Fortunately, the industry seems to have bounced back quite well – it’s making waves as the hot new trend for staycations, international trips, and even wellness tourism. Previous years have seen a year-on-year increase as high as 26%, and projected growth is supposed to be strong and steady.
Why is glamping so popular in Colombia 2023?
Despite the rising costs of pretty much everything, people are still going on vacations. According to one survey, about 80% of people in the United States said they planned on going on at least one vacation in 2022 – that’s over 200 million people! Even more impressive, that’s about 35 million more people who responded to a similar survey the year before.
Even so, just because more people are going on vacation doesn’t mean they don’t value budget-friendly options. As it happens, glamping (despite the name) often costs less than a mid-range hotel room, while offering a much more unique experience.
A rising trend in the travel industry is the staycation, or a vacation that’s close to home. The pandemic actually helped make staycations popular, since most people didn’t feel like venturing far from home. Plus, even without the personal preference of avoiding remote travel destinations, international and local restrictions often made it impossible to choose anything besides nearby options. Since glamping sites offered a way to have a memorable staycation while still observing the rules, this led to a rise in their popularity.
Another factor is the rising cost of living, which has changed the way people budget for “extras” like vacations. Just like with hotels, glamping sites are available at a wide range of prices; some of them are budget-friendly, while others go all-out for an opulent guest experience. However, if you stay at an affordable glamping site, you won’t be getting the equivalent of an outdoor Motel 6; you’ll simply be getting something that’s fairly basic, but still enjoyable.
Why the future of glamping around Medellin and Guatape is looking bright
Even without considering various market trends and influences, it’s easy to see why glamping is popular. It brings people closer to nature, without requiring them to give up the comforts of home. In fact, people often get far more than just the comforts of home, including things like hot tubs, horseback riding, s’mores around the campfire, and more. That being said, there are certain factors that are already helping to make glamping more popular, and will likely continue to do so well into the future.
- Eco-tourism
Younger generations tend to prioritize things like eco-conscious values, environmental causes, and sustainability. These fit perfectly with glamping, which offers an eco-friendly vacation option that’s still just as comfortable as any hotel. Many U.S. adults say that sustainable travel is at least somewhat important, and some even center their travel plans around finding “green” businesses.
- Wellness retreats
Wellness tourism is another rapidly growing industry worldwide, and many glamping sites are getting in on the action. They may offer services like massage therapists, guided meditations, mud baths, or hot springs.
- Social media
A lot of people love an Instagrammable vacation, and glamping is practically made to be featured on social media. From the picturesque glamping sites to the scenic natural surroundings, many vacationers choose glamping for the photogenic appeal as much as for the actual experience. It also helps that millennials and Gen Z, who are the main groups interested in glamping, also tend to be active on social media platforms.
