Glamping and the Eco-Tourism Opportunity: Being the Light
Glamping and the Eco-Tourism Opportunity: Being the Light
Written by: Jennifer Young, Founder and Managing Member of Goodwood Products, a certified Green Business serving luxury resorts, camping and glamping destinations.
We are living in transformative times. In the midst of a global pandemic, an economic recession, and a changing climate, many feel overwhelmed by what humanity has done, by what we can and can’t control, and we are worried we can’t make a difference. But the amazing thing about these difficult times is that they expose the light around us... we find ourselves part of a growing movement of innovators who are creating new ways, new businesses, and new paths forward for people, planet and profit. And people want what we are creating. We are building it, and they are coming.
The glamping industry is leading the world in sustainable development, eco-tourism and responsible travel. By its very nature, glamping is inclined towards sustainability, and this is a core tenet for many operators. In this past year, COVID has spurred the rapid expansion of glamping and outdoor hospitality.
People want to enjoy experiences that don’t exist in urban areas. They seek to reconnect with nature in meaningful ways, and an increasing number are prioritizing unique, environmentally conscious, and nature-centered accommodations. They want to travel more locally and be outdoors. They also want to share in the growing hope for positive change. Surveys have shown that the pandemic has strengthened their belief that their personal decisions can help slow the effects of climate change, reduce waste, foster sustainability.
Companies in the outdoor hospitality industry that adapt to changing consumer attitudes by reviewing, updating, and introducing sustainability initiatives are seeing the light. They are continuing to refine their operations and guest services with “green” in mind...Did guests have a great experience? Did they experience your passion for your location? What will they tell their friends about? Did they leave feeling more connected to nature, feeling better about the world?
Sustainability is an ongoing discovery... We don’t just accomplish sustainability, we continue to invent it as we go, improving sustainability in everything, every product, every activity. From the outset of your glamping business you can introduce and update sustainability initiatives that address the products you provide, the services you offer, your construction decisions and your day-to-day operations. Here are some ways to start:
Implement a sustainable Purchasing Policy by looking for products that:
- come from innovative vendors who provide eco-friendly products
- come from green certified businesses
- have a long lifespan
- are made with renewable resources and sustainable packaging
- are reusable or compostable
- are sourced locally when feasible
- help improve efficiency of your staff and operations
- help your business reduce waste
Establishing sustainability in your Services
- Offer ‘greener’ transportation options
- Car-pooling for guest shuttles and employees
- Electric or fuel-efficient vehicles for guest tours
- Provide locally-sourced food and beverages
- Offer recreational activities with attention to protecting the local environment
(hiking, swimming, etc)
Implement sustainability in your Construction and Renovation work:
- Use biodegradable, non-toxic building materials
- Use a water recovery and recycling system
- Install solar panels to power all onsite operations
- Furnish accommodations with sustainable products
- Use Energy Star rated heating/cooling systems and energy-saving appliances
Implement sustainability in Day-to-Day Operations:
- Reduce waste hauling (a huge expense for all hospitality businesses) by
reducing the occurrence of unnecessary waste and waste hauling, eg.,
- Ask vendors to deliver products in minimal wrapping, or ask them to pick up
residual packaging from the previous delivery
- Reduce food waste by introducing a composting program that will be used to
improve soil quality in landscaped areas
- Switch to keyless entry to eliminate use of plastic cards
- Innovate ways to reduce the number of steps in housekeeping, landscaping
and gardening tasks
- Perform frequent maintenance on machinery and appliances
- Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption
- Utilize non-toxic, sustainable options for cleaning supplies
- Use monitoring systems to ensure appliances are utilizing correct amount of
power and are properly reporting maintenance needs
When it comes to ways to develop and operate sustainably in your location, believe it or not,
government can be your friend! In all your steps you can get help by calling city, county, state and
Federal entities --- there are government and utility entities that will provide free surveys, audits and certifications. They can connect you with local green companies and provide information on rebates, subsidies and tax credits.
For glamping businesses, sustainability initiatives will go directly to your bottom line in different ways by:
- Reducing operations costs in the near or long term
- Creating a higher long-term value of your property
- Bringing guests back again and again
- Helping to retain staff because management clearly cares for their health and
well-being
You believe, as we do, that the future for travel is outdoors, in nature. By building sustainably, being
conscious of preserving and protecting our planet, and developing and operating in ways that are
friendly to the earth, the glamping industry is lighting the way.
About the Author
Jennifer Young, Founder and Managing Member of Goodwood Products, a certified Green Business serving luxury resorts, camping and glamping destinations. Goodwood Products is committed to the development of sustainable products and processes. Goodwood All-Wood Firelogs are the eco-friendly alternative to regular firewood… derived from excess woodchips and shavings from lumber mill operations, densified into cleaner-burning all-wood firelogs, pre-assembled in easy-lighting configurations for safety and ease of use in fireplaces and outdoor firepits.
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