Glamping Americas Podcast
by Sarah Riley
This is an inspirational and aspirational podcast sharing tips and information to ignite your imagination and shape your vision for your own outdoor luxury camping business. This is where you learn from guest experts and podcast host Sarah Riley from The Glamping Academy who has been immersed in unique accommodations around the world for more than 20 years. Together with the owners of The Glamping Show Americas, we will be sharing how to launch or evolve your glamping enterprise, and pros from every corner of the industry will be sharing their hard-earned hospitality expertise to support your success.This podcast is published by The Glamping Show Americas in partnership with Sarah Riley, for Glamping business professionals who visit from the four corners of the world. This outstanding Show, their trade magazine Glamping Business Americas together with this podcast offers a year-round immersive experience complementing the regular in-person live events in Colorado, giving an invaluable
Episodes
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46. How Six Airstreams 'Accidentally' Became AutoCamp, with Neil Dipaola
This episode offers a taste of the energy waiting for you at Glamping Show Americas, along with a fascinating interview with Neil Dipaola, CEO of AutoCamp. In 2012, he drove deep into the California desert after a Craigslist ad and bought five battered, 60-year-old Airstreams for less than $1,000...
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45. Can AI Protect the Personal Touch and build more profit? With Grevon.ai
You got into glamping because you love the personal side of it. Chatting with guests when they arrive. Giving them your own local tips, not something off a leaflet. Being the person who makes their stay feel like it was made just for them. But what happens when the phone is ringing, and questions...
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44. The Business of Yurts: History, Craftsmanship, and ROI with Collin of Pacific Yurts
In this episode, I sit down with Collin from Pacific Yurts to trace these structures from their Mongolian origins as the 'ger' or 'gur' to their modern role in glamping and hospitality. We cover why these circular, historic homes create such a distinct feeling for guests, what goes into building…
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43. The Glamping Experiment Rewriting Hospitality, And You Won't Believe What It Is
What if everything you've been told about building a successful glamping business is backwards? What if adding more amenities isn't the answer... What if discounting isn't the answer... And what if the secret to charging three times the average nightly rate has nothing to do with having a bigger...
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42. How Taylor Swift Accidentally Inspired a 71-Acre Glamping Dream
What do Taylor Swift, a sold-out concert, and a 71-acre property in rural Indiana have in common? More than you might think. When Maggie Klein secured tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, she unknowingly set in motion a chain of events that would completely change her family's future. With the...
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41. From Tech Expert To Luxury Glamping And Retreat Visionary! How Leslie Built A Stunning Wellness Retreat In Texas
In this fascinating conversation, Sarah Riley interviews Leslie Martin, founder of the breathtaking Lagom Retreat in the Texas Hill Country... a Swedish-inspired glamping, wellness and events destination that is already turning heads across the hospitality world. What makes Leslie's story even…
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40. Camp-Let: The Tiny Trailer That Could Launch a Big Hospitality Business
What if starting an outdoor hospitality business didn't require land, cabins, permits, or a six-figure investment? In this episode, Sarah Riley speaks with Adam Odgaard from Isabella Camping about the Camp-Let tent trailer… a clever Danish invention that has been popular across Europe for decades...
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39. Behind The Bookings: Tech, Trends & What Smart Glamping Operators Are Doing Now
What does the future of glamping and unique hospitality really look like? In this episode, Sarah Riley speaks with Nathan Mayfield, President of ResNexus, about the major trends shaping the future of glamping, campgrounds, and unique stays… from AI and automation to guest expectations, direct...
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38. From Backyard Tent to Thriving Brand: The Monument Glamping Story
In this episode, Sarah Riley talks with Chris Jeub of Monument Glamping… a familiar name in the industry and one of the early voices helping landowners turn beautiful properties into outdoor hospitality businesses. Chris shares the remarkable story of how a simple idea in 2019, of moving his...
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37. How to Use Other People's Money to Build Your Dream Business
In this episode, Sarah Riley talks with Tyler Watts, a civil engineer turned real estate developer who's transformed raw land into thriving outdoor hospitality businesses, using creativity, strategy, and seller financing instead of deep pockets. Tyler shares how he scaled from single-family homes...
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36. Building a Glamping Brand with Soul: The Story of Walden Retreats
Today, we're stepping into the world of Walden Retreats, a breathtaking riverside escape in the Texas Hill Country that reimagines what it means to live well, simply, and with intention. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's timeless work Walden, this is a place where luxury meets philosophy, and…
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35. From Bare Ground to Welcoming Guests in Just Four Months - A Glamping Owners Story
What does it really take to build an outdoor hospitality business from the ground up, and do it in record time… even with a full-time job? In this episode, we sit down with the founders of Nature Nook Acadia, who went from a construction site to hosting their very first guests in less than four...
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34. Behind the Scenes at Glamping Show Americas: Lessons, Laughter, and Game-Changing Ideas
What really happens when the glamping industry's brightest minds, boldest creators, and most passionate operators come together in one place? In this lively and insightful episode, Sarah Riley and Steph Curtis-Raleigh relive the energy and inspiration of Glamping Show Americas, sharing their...
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33. How Furniture Shapes Connection, Storytelling and an improved customer experience
Today, we uncover a detail many overlook, but one that has the power to transform your guest experience... furniture and layout design. My guest, Mike Waring, founder of Mustang Home Goods, blends Japanese joinery, North American architecture, and timeless craftsmanship to create sustainable,...
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32. Beyond Glamping Industry Data: Designing Travel That Heals, Connects, and Lasts
What if the future of travel isn't about going farther, but going deeper? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the shift from surface-level escapes to soul-nourishing journeys and experiences that reconnect us to people, place, and purpose. Joining me is Whitney Scott, strategist and...
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31. Building with Heart: How One Entrepreneur Turned Raw Land into a Soulful Glamping Retreat
What if your business could be built with intention, on wild, beautiful land, and still thrive without compromising your values? In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Brendan Riley, the visionary behind Marmora Retreat and Boho-Luxe Glamping in Ontario. A full-time project manager…
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30. Is Traditional Hospitality SEO Dead? What Glamping Hosts Need to Know Now
The digital landscape is shifting... fast! If you've felt like your website traffic is down and you're not sure why, you're not imagining things. AI search, zero-click traffic, and Google's new search overviews are changing how potential guests discover and book their next stay. In fact, website...
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29. The Rise of Third-Party Management in Luxury Outdoor Hospitality: Could It Be the Smartest Move for Your Camp Resort?
In this episode of Glamping Business Americas, we're diving into a fast-growing trend that's changing the way luxury camp resorts operate… third-party management. Could handing over a few tasks actually help you grow faster, serve guests better, and protect your sanity? To help us unpack it all,...
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28. How Tori & Seth Bolt Built a Treehouse Empire With Heart and Hustle
What happens when you combine next-level design, a passion for nature, and a little rock 'n' roll? You get Bolt Farm Treehouse, one of the most talked-about glamping destinations in America. In this episode of the Glamping Americas Podcast, Sarah Riley sits down with the powerhouse that is Tori...
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27. The 7 Rules Every Hospitality Owner Swears By (That No One Tells You!)
Success in hospitality isn't just about great service... it's about knowing the unspoken rules that keep seasoned owners ahead of the game. In this episode of The Glamping Americas Podcast, we're uncovering seven powerful principles that can save you time, money, and stress. From costly handshake...
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26. The Magic of Treehouse Design: Crafting Elevated Experiences in Nature
What makes a treehouse truly magical? In this episode, we dive into the art and science of treehouse design, exploring the essential, non-negotiable elements that bring these elevated escapes to life. From structural integrity and material selection to artistic vision and site-specific planning…
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25. Unlocking Direct Bookings: A Hospitality Marketing Masterclass with Ben Wolff
Are you struggling to fill your glamping units or wondering how to attract more direct bookings? In this must-listen episode of The Glamping Business Podcast, Sarah sits down with Ben Wolff, co-founder of Onera and Oasi, two trailblazing names in upscale experiential hospitality and marketing.…
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24. Tiny Pines - Big Impact: Building Community Through Sustainable Glamping in Honduras
Gabriel Sierra, is an inspiring entrepreneur using his glamping business, Tiny Pines, in Honduras, as a force for good. His journey is a fascinating blend of family heritage, sustainable tourism, and deep community impact. Gabriel has turned a mountainside in Honduras - an area once overlooked…
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23. Stay-At-Home Mom Launches Glamping Business To Rave Reviews
Can you launch a glamping business on a tiny budget and run it for only a few hours a day so you can be a stay-at-home mom? This is Halley Fleming's story from Ozark Mountain Adventure. When designing her business, she didn't want to compromise so she could spend more time at home with her…
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22. The Unprecedented Growth Of The Luxury Camping And Glamping Marketplace
Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the booming luxury camping marketplace - a sector experiencing unprecedented growth. From soaring market valuations to a surge in attendees at the recent Glamping Show in Colorado, the signs are clear: this industry is on fire. Now that this year's...
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21. How to Take Your Luxury Outdoor Accommodation Business to the Next Level
What makes one glamping business soar while another struggles? It's a curious thing to witness. But believe me when I say there are common factors that influence positive results in this industry. These aren't just theories; these are core principles that have been tried, tested, and proven to…
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20. The Premier Event For Glamping And Outdoor Hospitality Enthusiasts In The Americas
Today we're diving into the world of luxury camping at the premier event for glamping enthusiasts—The Glamping Show Americas 2024! Held this year from October 1st to the 2nd at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colorado, this event is the ultimate convergence of innovation, business, and...
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19. Mobile Glamping + Retreat Events = More Customer Bookings
While the glamping industry is growing and business is great, few people consider their future plans to maximise bookings during off-peak and mid-week times. But what happens when bookings take an unexpected dip? This is when you need a feeder business for your glamping enterprise. So how does it...
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18. Your glamping business can dominate the online world And Attract Guests!
In this episode of the *Glamping Americas Podcast*, we tackle a critical question for every unique hospitality accommodation and glamping business: how can your glamping business get found online and how can you jump ahead of your growing competition? More specifically, is a website truly…
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17. The Biggest Opportunities For Outdoor Hospitality Entrepreneurs Today
As an entrepreneur exploring the potential of glamping, you will want to hunt out the biggest opportunities in outdoor hospitality. So we were lucky enough to grab some time with Antonio Gonzalez from OOD House who was generous enough to share some of his valuable advice with us. In this episode,...
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16. Expertly Handling Complaints to Ignite Glowing Reviews And Improve Guest Satisfaction
Glamping customers like to go glamping because they want the experience of being out in nature, or they want to try something they've never tried before. Although many like it, a few don't enjoy it because of unexpected encounters with wildlife, sounds they are not used to, the deep darkness of...
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15. A property developer's shift to glamping and luxury outdoor accommodation with Tyler Watts
What makes a property developer turn away from traditional projects to develop glamping and RV parks? Property developers are all about the return on their investment and the IRR (internal rate of return). They spend years researching their markets before deciding to invest. Before Tyler Watts…
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14. Glamping Trends And Stability In Economic Uncertainty
One of the great things about attending the Glamping Show Americas is getting to chat with seasoned professionals about what's happening in the industry, especially in the face of economic uncertainty. It's an opportunity to learn things you simply can't find anywhere else. So I was very happy…
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13. Unlocking the Secrets to Sourcing the Right Glamping Tents for your Project
What is the right tented structure for your glamping project and more importantly what questions do you need to ask to get the right one for you? There's a lot to consider when buying tents and other unique canvas structures for your glamping business. For example, what material is right for your...
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12. Should you use OTA's to promote your glamping business and attract guests?
There are 3 key stages to launching a glamping or unique camping business and in this episode, I discuss the different elements of those stages and how getting your marketing right is vital when attracting guests. But should you use OTA's (online travel agents) as part of that process and what…
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11. How To Stand Out In A Crowded Market - Glamping Business Tips With Sarah Riley
It can be hard to stand out from the crowd but in this episode, Sarah Riley shares why increased competition is a good thing, what you can do to get the attention of your guests and ways to turn lookers into bookers. So get out your notebook as you'll want to get scribbling! Next steps: Subscribe...
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10. Glamping Market Size And Is It Still A Good Investment
I have returned from the Glamping Show Americas feeling inspired and re-energised, with lots of resources in my back pocket. One of those was the results of the significant glamping market consultation shared at the Glamping Show Americas by Cairn Consulting Group. This consultation exercise,...
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9. Gaining Investment For An Immersion Travel Glamping Project - The Coal Burned Spoon Sanctuary
Immersion travel provides intimate local interactions and authentic cultural experiences, in a regenerative way. In essence, the visitor to an immersion travel destination will take home more than just memories. This is what Karen and John have set out to achieve with The Coal Burned Spoon...
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8. Exploring The Business of Luxury Camping at The Glamping Show Americas
How can you completely immerse yourself in your glamping project or ideas? Where can you find everything you need in one place? Who are the professionals you need to speak with? How can you network with them and get the experts on your side to help you with the complexities of running unique…
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7. Carolina Glamping Domes With Tessa Mayo
Tessa returned to her homeland in Carolina, USA, with her family, a dream for a glamping business and plenty of energy. Without hesitation, they sold their home to release funds, bought a piece of land and started to build their new lifestyle. Within a short time, they have launched one of the...
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6. Cielo Glamping Canada - A Business Start-Up Success Story
Cielo Glamping Maritime in New Brunswick Canada, is a success story from the Americas. Pat, together with his partner Emilie, is the co-owner of a four-season eco-tourism accommodation site that opened in January 2019. Since its launch, they have enjoyed fantastic reviews from guests, abundant...
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5. Under Canvas® - From a small idea to a multi-million glamping business
Special guest Sarah Dusek from Under Canvas® shares her story with us about how she and her husband Jacob grew their business from just a small idea into a multi-million business that has attracted a major investor from the hospitality industry. Sarah shares her story for Under Canvas® USA and…
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4. Are You Heading For Glamping Business Success?
What elements make it more likely for a glamping business to enjoy success during the start-up process, while others fail? Starting a new glamping business can be intense and lots of fun but it can also be hard work. However, if you remain bold, determined, diligent and dynamic then the right…
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3. What Glamping Business Models Are Available In The Americas
Having supported thousands of people to launch their luxury camping and glamping businesses across 18 countries around the world, some common questions often come up. One of those is about the glamping business models available, particularly in the Americas. There is a lot of confusion about what...
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2. When Starting A Glamping Business, Begin Here For Quick Success
Very few people talk about this when starting a unique outdoor guest accommodation or glamping business. This is step one and if you get this bit wrong in your start-up journey you will constantly come across barriers when trying to achieve early business success. Often the inspiration to start a...
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1. START HERE: Glamping Americas Podcast - For Glamping Business Professionals
This is an inspirational and aspirational podcast sharing tips and information to ignite your imagination and shape your vision for your own outdoor luxury camping business. This is where you learn from guest experts and podcast host Sarah Riley from The Glamping Academy who has been immersed in...
About this show
This is an inspirational and aspirational podcast sharing tips and information to ignite your imagination and shape your vision for your own outdoor luxury camping business. This is where you learn from guest experts and podcast host Sarah Riley from The Glamping Academy who has been immersed in unique accommodations around the world for more than 20 years. Together with the owners of The Glamping Show Americas, we will be sharing how to launch or evolve your glamping enterprise, and pros from every corner of the industry will be sharing their hard-earned hospitality expertise to support your success.This podcast is published by The Glamping Show Americas in partnership with Sarah Riley, for Glamping business professionals who visit from the four corners of the world. This outstanding Show, their trade magazine Glamping Business Americas together with this podcast offers a year-round immersive experience complementing the regular in-person live events in Colorado, giving an invaluable
Hosted by
Sarah Riley
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