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