The Glamping Business Round-Up Podcast
Hosted by Vicki Jones & John Maddy
📧 Email the show: glampingpodcast@gmail.com

In this final episode of the series, Vicki and John are joined by Brian Searl — Founder & CEO of Insider Perks, creator of Modern Campground, and one of the leading voices in AI, automation, and technology within outdoor hospitality.

Brian has worked with more than 500 campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts across North America, helping operators embrace the future through AI-first solutions, predictive analytics, smart operations, and cutting-edge marketing strategies.

This is a must-listen episode for any UK or international operator wondering where to start with AI, how the U.S. market differs, and what practical tools actually make sense for small glamping businesses.

🌟 What We Cover in This Episode

🔹 Brian’s Journey Into AI & Outdoor Hospitality

🔹 AI for Small Glamping Businesses: What to Use First

🔹 Guest Experience, Personalisation & the “Tech-Free” Debate

🔹 Lessons From the U.S. vs UK Market

🔹 Future Tech: What’s Coming Next?

🔹 Practical, Actionable Advice for UK Operators

📨 Get in Touch

We’d love your ideas for Season 2!
Email us anytime at glampingpodcast@gmail.com



🎙️ Brought to You By

GITA – The Glamping Industries Trade Association
Supporting glamping businesses and growing our industry.

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

The Glamping Business Round-Up Podcast
with Vicki Jones & John Maddy
📧 Email the show: glampingpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Vicki and John dive into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of running a successful glamping business — technology.

From the moment a guest discovers your site to the moment they check out, every step of their journey can be made smoother, clearer, and more profitable with the right tools. But with so many options out there, where do glamping owners actually start?

This episode breaks it down simply and practically, sharing real-world insights that glamping hosts can apply immediately — whether you’re brand new, scaling up, or feeling stuck with clunky systems that no longer work.

🌿 What We Cover in This Episode

1. The Customer Journey: From Click to Check-Out

Vicki and John explore what the ideal customer journey looks like and where tech makes the biggest impact — including booking flows, online touchpoints, communication, and upsells.

Highlights:

• How many “clicks to purchase” is too many
• Where guests commonly get lost or frustrated
• How automation can elevate communication without losing the personal touch
• Simple tools for pre-arrival, on-site, and post-stay engagement

2. Choosing the Right PMS (Property Management Software)

From pen-and-paper beginnings to full digital automation, Vicki and John unpack what PMS actually is — and why it’s essential for modern glamping operators.

What We Discuss:

• Calendar syncing (and why iCal ≠ API)
• Avoiding double bookings
• The PMS features glamping owners genuinely need
• Integrations with Airbnb, Booking.com, Google Business Profile, Stripe and more

3. Tech for Marketing & Guest Engagement

Tech isn’t just back-end — it’s also your most powerful marketing ally.

Topics Covered:

• CRM tools and why they matter for loyalty
• Email marketing that encourages repeat guests

CRM Benefits for Glamping:

• Centralised guest data
• Automated reminders and upsells
• Personalised offers
• Insights into guest lifetime value

💡 Key Takeaway

“Tech isn’t about replacing the personal touch — it’s about freeing up your time so you can focus on creating amazing guest experiences.”

Start small. Pick one tool that solves your biggest pain point and build from there.

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Wilkinson, owner of the award-winning Acorn Glade Glamping in the heart of Yorkshire. Before creating her peaceful lakeside retreat, Wendy spent 25 years as a Cabin Service Director with British Airways, leading a team of 16 crew and caring for up to 400 passengers per flight. Now, she brings those decades of customer service, communication, and crisis-management experience down to earth — transforming it into world-class hospitality at Acorn Glade.

Wendy shares how her aviation career shaped the way she runs her adults-only, nature-filled escape, and how the art of staying calm under pressure translates perfectly to hosting glamping guests. From de-escalation techniques to confidence-boosting rituals (including her iconic red lipstick!), this episode is packed with practical, thoughtful advice for any glamping owner who wants to elevate their guest experience.

We also explore how teamwork with her husband Andrew keeps Acorn Glade running smoothly, how to set the right tone the moment guests arrive, and the small service touches that make a lasting impression.

Whether you’re dreaming of opening a site, already hosting, or simply love a behind-the-scenes look at hospitality done right, this episode delivers real gold from 36,000 feet and from a tranquil Yorkshire lakeside.

About Acorn Glade Glamping

Acorn Glade is a peaceful, adults-only glamping retreat located near Melbourne in East Yorkshire. Set around a private lake and surrounded by wildflowers and woodland, the site features beautifully styled spaces including:

• The Lake Vista Yurt
• The Roundhouse
• The Bluebell Cabin
• The Woodland Hut

Designed for relaxation, romance, and reconnecting with nature, Acorn Glade offers guests a digital-detox experience with sustainable values, wildlife, and serene countryside views at every turn.

Learn more about Acorn Glade: www.acornglade.co.uk

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

In this episode of the Glamping Business Roundup, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddy speak with Derry Green, founder of Secret Garden Glamping. Derry shares his unexpected journey into the glamping industry, starting from a camping trip in his garden during the COVID-19 lockdown.

He discusses the importance of storytelling, customer experience, and local marketing strategies. Derry also reflects on his experience on Dragon's Den, emphasizing the need for authenticity and consistency in business. The conversation covers the balance between automation and personal touch in customer service, the significance of unique offerings, and the future of glamping as a collaborative industry.

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

In this weeks episode of the Glamping Business Roundup, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddy take you behind the scenes of a typical day in the life of a glamping operator.

From early morning checkouts to late-night campfire chats, they share the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Discover how Vicki manages the daily hustle at Tractors and Cream in Somerset, including the challenges of laundry logistics and the joy of baking brownies for guests.

John shares his journey back to hands-on site management, revealing the importance of personal interaction with guests.

Whether you're a seasoned glamping professional or just starting out, this episode offers relatable insights and practical tips to enhance your glamping business.

Tune in for a candid conversation about the daily rhythms and unexpected challenges of running a glamping site. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode!

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

Join Vicki Jones and John Maddy once again as they delve into the world of sustainable glamping. Discover the challenges and triumphs of running an eco-friendly business, from sourcing sustainable materials to navigating the complexities of green certifications.

With insights into the evolving expectations of eco-conscious travellers, this episode offers a candid look at the balance between sustainability and luxury in the glamping industry.

Tune in for practical tips, industry insights, and a passionate discussion on making a positive environmental impact.

This is a must listen for anyone trying to been more sustainable in their glamping business.

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

In this episode of The Glamping Business Round Up, we explore one of the most powerful drivers of success in hospitality—creating truly memorable experiences for your guests. It’s no longer enough to offer a beautiful space; today’s travelers are seeking something deeper—moments that inspire, connect, and stay with them long after they leave.

Joining us is Kate Morel, a leading voice in experiential design and creative hosting. Kate has helped countless glamping businesses transform their spaces into destinations that delight and rejuvenate. Together, we’ll uncover practical strategies, design insights, and marketing tips to help you elevate your offering from a simple stay to an unforgettable story.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a competitive market and create experiences guests will rave about, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to craft experiences that truly matter.

To follow or get in touch with Kate Morel

Website - https://creativehosts.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/24KateMorel

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemorel24/

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk

Welcome back to The Glamping Business Round-Up with Vicki Jones & John Maddy, in association with the Glamping Industries Trade Association (GITA). In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Orchard (Get Fully Booked) to dig into how glamping sites should approach marketing in 2025 and beyond.

Sarah is a seasoned strategic marketing consultant, founder of Get Fully Booked, and co-owner of The Hudnalls Hideout luxury treehouse. Her approach is built on helping hosts and glampsite owners increase direct bookings, strengthen their brand, and rely less on commission-heavy agents.

During our conversation, we cover:

• Clever ways to attract different customer demographics (families, couples, off-season guests)
• Building and leveraging email marketing funnels to nurture bookings
• What your website needs
• How to set and manage your marketing budget effectively
• The role of Sarah’s membership, The Fully Booked Business Club™, for ongoing support, training, and accountability for hosts and glamping businesses

This episode is perfect whether you’re just starting to market your site or you want fresh ideas to scale much further.

Find Sarah / Connect with Her

• Website: get-fully-booked.com
• Instagram: @getfullybooked
• X / Twitter: @_getfullybooked
• Facebook: Get Fully Booked with Sarah Orchard
• LinkedIn: Sarah Orchard (Strategic Marketing Consultant)
• Bonus: Sarah also shares stories from running The Hudnalls Hideout, how she’s achieved 100% direct bookings, and how that experience informs her advice to other hosts.

Enjoy the conversation, and make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Thanks to GITA for sponsoring the podcast and helping bring these insights to you.

Thanks so much for listening.

To find out more about how GITA can help you and your glamping business then visit www.gitauk.org or find us on the socials...

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/glampingassociationuk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564207155053

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/glamping-industry-trade-association-uk