The Glamping Business Roundup – Season 2, Episode 9

After a busy summer break, Vicki Jones and John Maddy are back to catch up on everything that's happened since the Glamping Summit. From floods and structural failures to packed festivals, changing booking patterns and the rise of hot tubs, this episode is an honest look at the realities of running a glamping business during peak season.

They discuss how unexpected challenges can become opportunities, why data is becoming one of the most valuable tools for operators, and how guest behaviour continues to evolve across both camping and glamping.

The episode also introduces Vicki's exciting new business venture, Tickle Tubs, bringing premium South African-made, wood-fired hot tubs to the UK market. Find out more at www.tickletub.co.uk. The conversation also explores why hot tubs continue to be one of the biggest booking drivers across the industry.

In this episode:

• Why the podcast took a summer break while business operations took priority
• Reflections on the Glamping Summit and the value of industry networking
• Vicki's busy season, retreats and the importance of taking time off during peak season
• John's barn collapse, rebuilding the bar and creating new opportunities from disaster
• A holiday cottage flood and the challenge of turning accommodation around in just hours
• Managing wildfire risks and tightening campfire rules during hot weather
• Hosting camping and glamping for a 1,500-person festival
• How camping guests have changed since COVID and why older demographics are proving ideal customers
• Current booking trends, the growing role of OTAs and the increase in last-minute bookings
• Using operational data to reduce costs, improve purchasing and make better business decisions
• Why hot tubs have become a major booking driver, plus an introduction to Vicki's new Tickle Tubs venture
• GITA's ongoing work to improve hot tub standards and safety across the industry
• Emerging trends in international tourism and repeat guest behaviour

Key takeaways

This episode highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability and making decisions based on real data rather than assumptions. Whether it's responding to unexpected site disasters, understanding changing guest behaviour or investing in the facilities guests value most, successful operators continue to evolve with the market.

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

This week on the Glamping Business Round Up, we step away from occupancy rates and planning permission to talk about something even more important — the mental health of the people behind the business.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, Vicki Jones and John Maddy discuss the hidden pressures of running a glamping site and why the industry needs to start treating burnout and isolation as seriously as any other business risk.

From midnight boiler emergencies and off-grid infrastructure stress to relationship strain, financial anxiety, and the pressure of maintaining the “perfect” social media image, this is an honest conversation about the realities many operators quietly face behind the scenes.

The episode also explores the strong parallels between glamping and farming, particularly around lone working, isolation, and the “always-on” lifestyle. John and Vicki look at powerful campaigns from organisations like the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and RABI, and discuss what the glamping industry can learn from the agricultural sector when it comes to support systems and resilience.

In this episode:

• Why “Action” is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026
• The pressure of the Instagram vs reality gap
• Lone working and rural isolation in glamping
• The mental toll of off-grid infrastructure and guest expectations
• How business stress impacts relationships and family life
• The emotional impact of reviews and online criticism
• What the glamping industry can learn from farming support networks
• Why GITA and peer support communities matter more than ever
• Practical ways operators can protect their wellbeing

This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the podcast — because sustainable businesses start with sustainable people.

📩 Got thoughts or questions for the podcast?
Email: glampingpodcast@gmail.com

The Glamping Business Round Up is proudly brought to you in association with the Glamping Industries Trade Association.

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 share hilarious and insightful stories from the field while discussing how to improve your glamping site, handle emergencies, and enhance guest experience. If you're a glamping site owner or considering joining the industry, this episode offers real-world lessons, creative ideas, and a healthy dose of humour.

Main insights include:

• Crazy guest stories, including naked people and mistaken hot tub expectations
• The importance of high-quality, easy-to-clean facilities and logistics for quick turnovers
• Innovations in lighting and decor that boost guest experiences and Instagramability
• Managing weather challenges, especially wind, and strategies for safe storm management
• Balancing different market segments—family, couples, luxury—and strategic site expansion
• Practical tips for creating a memorable site with unexpected, delightful touches
• How to streamline site maintenance and staff training for efficiency and quality
• Encouragement for newcomers: starting small with testing phases, and the value of enjoying your own site

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

This week on The Glamping Business Roundup, Vicki and John sit down with Taylor Glass, founder of GlampLaunch, to talk about shaking up the traditional glamping pod market with a lean, digital-first approach.

From quitting his job with nothing but a laptop and a big idea, to delivering bespoke pods across the UK and Europe, Taylor shares the honest reality of building a business at just 23.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Taylor went from electrician to glamping entrepreneur
• Why he ditched expensive showrooms and trade show overheads
• The power of founder-led marketing and authentic storytelling
• Lessons learned from delivery day disasters and site setup challenges
• Why social media, video content and AI search are changing the way guests book
• The common mistakes new site owners make when launching
• Why “people buy from people” matters more than ever in 2026

Plus, Vicki and John share their own behind-the-scenes struggles getting sites ready for the new season — from mould and mice damage to those all-too-familiar “should we sell it all?” moments.

A must-listen for anyone running a glamping site, planning a new launch, or navigating the realities of hospitality entrepreneurship.

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 explore a big question many aspiring operators ask:

If we were starting a glamping business today, what would we do differently?

Drawing on years of industry experience, they share honest insights into site planning, guest expectations, marketing strategies, and the lessons learned from running their own businesses. From wildlife-proofing structures to deciding the ideal number of units, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone dreaming of starting – or improving – a glamping site.

Along the way, Vicki and John also share behind-the-scenes stories from their own sites, discuss the realities of staffing and operations, and imagine what their “dream glamping site” would look like if they were starting again in 2026.

Whether you're researching a future glamping project or already running a site, this episode offers real-world tips, industry trends, and plenty of honest reflections.

💡 In This Episode We Discuss

• What we would prioritise when starting a glamping site in 2026
• Why location can make or break a glamping business
• Choosing the right structures – domes, cabins, tents, and more
• Deciding the ideal size of a glamping site
• The balance between luxury experiences vs affordable stays
• Guest-favourite features like hot tubs, saunas, outdoor baths and cinemas
• Wildlife challenges and how to protect your structures
• Why simple, proven solutions often beat expensive custom builds
• The importance of great staff and team chemistry
• Marketing strategies including social media storytelling, OTAs, PR and awards
• Designing for accessibility and inclusive guest experiences
• The biggest mistakes to avoid when building a glamping site

For our next episode we would love to feature your crazy guest stories so send them over to us at glampingpodcast@gmail.com

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

Are OTAs Your Enemy or Biggest Asset? – Glamping Industry Insights

In this episode, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddie explore the complex relationship between glamping sites and online travel agents (OTAs). They share practical tips on how to leverage OTAs effectively, maximize direct bookings, and balance dependence on these platforms for a thriving glamping business.

Key Topics:

• The pros and cons of using OTAs: reach, convenience, and costs
• How to turn OTA bookings into repeat direct customers
• Strategies for optimizing your OTA listings (photos, keywords, seasons)
• The importance of collecting guest emails for marketing
• Setting smart pricing: balancing OTA commissions with direct income
• The role of Google Hotels integration in competitive pricing
• When and why to rely on OTAs during low season or last-minute bookings
• How specific OTAs target different customer personas
• Tips for branding subtly within OTA listings and during guest experiences
• Managing cancellations, policies, and hidden costs effectively

Connect with the Hosts: Vicki Jones & John Maddie by emailing glampingpodcast@gmail.com

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

Unlock the secret to making your glamping business bulletproof—and save thousands in the process. In this episode, John reveals why a comprehensive risk assessment isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s the foundation that can protect your guests—and your profits. Discover how routine safety checks, proactive maintenance, and a mindset shift can slash costs, boost compliance, and elevate guest experience.

You’ll learn the step-by-step process for creating a simple, living risk assessment that evolves with your site. John shares why safety is “not a gadget but a state of mind,” and how thinking like a guest can expose hidden hazards before they become costly accidents. We break down real-world examples: from hot tub safety to the power of high-quality materials, and how investing once can save you from repeated costly repairs.

You'll discover practical tactics: digitizing procedures with affordable apps, establishing systems that make staff training seamless, and maintaining consistency across multiple locations. Our conversation uncovers how small tweaks—like sign-off sheets, detailed checklists, and understanding your space from a guest’s perspective—can save time, money, and reputation. Think safety isn’t glamorous? Think again—when enforced properly, it’s your secret weapon for a thriving, stress-free business.

Perfect for glampsites ready to streamline their operations, owners aiming to improve safety standards, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by compliance. This episode gives you the tools to protect what matters most—your guests, staff, and bottom line—without extra hassle. Tune in to learn how a safety-first approach can empower you to grow confidently and avoid costly mistakes. Make safety your strategic advantage—your future self will thank 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

We are ‘Supa’ excited for this week's episode we were joined by Mark from Supa heater. He explained how their portable system heats hot tubs on demand, cutting energy costs by up to 70% and ensuring every guest jumps into a perfectly warm tub—every time. No more waiting, no more disappointing surprises.

We also delve in to regulations, demystifying legislation and talk about how anyone can have hot tubs on their site. We chat through simplifying the process and explore what the reality of changing water looks like. Spoiler alert! Its not that bad…

This episode is a must for anyone who manages hot tubs, or is thinking about adding them to their glamping site.

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Thanks for listening.

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