Introduction

Investing in a nature hotel presents a unique market opportunity, yet, surprisingly, there is a distinct lack of literature or tourist studies addressing the differences between camping, glamping, and landscape hotels. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when launching a tourism business in nature, as each type has its own characteristics and should not be lumped together.

While camping and traditional hotels benefit from established official tourist classifications, glamping, a growing sector, notably lacks a similar standardized system. Additionally, the lines between camping and glamping are increasingly blurring as more campgrounds incorporate prefabricated modules like wooden cabins, enhancing their profitability and nudging them closer to the glamping experience. This evolution further complicates the landscape, making a standardized classification for glamping even more necessary.

Given the term “glamping” is often misapplied to various upscale camping setups and nature hotels with full services, establishing a clear, official classification for glamping is imperative. This absence of a unified classification framework leads to confusion and inconsistency in the market.

Exploring nature through different types of accommodations can completely transform the travel experience. From traditional camping to innovative glamping and exclusive landscape hotels, each option offers a unique window into the heart of the natural environment. To aid in this exploration, I will outline the key differences between these modalities and propose a new classification system for glamping, aiming to bring clarity and consistency to this vibrant sector.

This article delves into the key differences between these modalities and highlights the evolution of accommodation offerings to meet diverse preferences and needs.

10 Key Factors for Comparing Camping, Glamping, and landscape Hotels::

1. Experience Definition
   • Camping: Traditional and basic.
   • Glamping: A blend of nature with modern comfort, a pillar of glamping development.
   • landscape Hotels (four o five starts): Synonymous with luxury in nature. This is where ANGULAR DOMOS is positioned.
2. Comfort Level
   • Camping: Basic, with self-supplied equipment.
   • Glamping: High comfort with “luxury units for premium glamping.”
   • Outdoor Hotels (four o five starts): Privacy and full services, for me one of the most attractive investment in the natural hotel sector.
3. Interaction with Nature
   • Camping: Low inmerse.
   • Glamping: Balanced comfort and nature, but in many cases there is little space between the units, reducing privacy.
   • Landscape Hotels: Total immersion. Privacy thanks to Ecosuites or Ecopavilions in the middle of the nature with all the services in the palm of the guest’s hand.
4. Equipment and Preparation
   • Camping: Self-managed.
   • Glamping: All-inclusive, reflecting the talent of glamping designers.
   • Landscape Hotels: High-level amenities without additional preparations.
5. Investment
   • Camping: Low-cost option.
   • Glamping: Medium investment with high potential return.
   • Landscape Hotels: Higher initial investment, maximum profitability.
6. Access to Services
   • Camping: Limited.
   • Glamping: Quality integrated services.
   • Landscape Hotels: Complete luxury, aligned with the expectations of a hi ticket producto and services.
7. Location
   • Camping: Remote, basic.
   • Glamping: Accessible yet natural.
   • Landscape Hotels: Strategically placed to attract a luxury segment.
8. Seasonality
   • Camping: Highly dependent on weather; mainly spring and summer.
   • Glamping: Moderately dependent, with some units designed for year-round use.
   • Landscape Hotels: Less affected by seasonal changes, operating throughout the year in many locations.
9. Environmental Impact
   • Camping: Minimal.
   • Glamping: Sustainability as a cornerstone of glamping design.
   • Landscape Hotels: Advanced ecological practices, essential for investors in nature hotels.
10. Flexibility of Reservations
    • Camping: Primarily short-term stays, limited by seasonality.
    • Glamping: Flexible, offering both short-term escapes and longer stays.
    • Landscape Hotels: High flexibility, accommodating short luxurious stays to extended holidays.

Proposed Classification for Glamping in Spain

To specifically and thoroughly address the classification of glamping in the context of the Spanish tourism market, I propose a table that exclusively reflects the levels within glamping, categorized from one to three canvas tents. This classification will help standardize the glamping offerings, providing clarity for both consumers and investors about what they can expect from each category in terms of design, services, and equipment.

The following images illustrate the perceived differences between a low-end and a high-end glamping product with domes units.

Example of Low-End Glamping with Category 1:

Example of Low-End Glamping with Category 3: luxury:

Are they both glamping? The answer is yes, but are they the same?

Proposed Classification for Glamping in Spain (6.04.2024)

Glamping Category	1 Canvas Tent	2 Canvas Tents	3 Canvas Tents
Experience Definition	Nature with basic comfort	Enhanced comfort with better services	Luxury and exclusivity in nature
Comfort Level	Basic amenities such as beds and limited electricity	Improved amenities, including private bathroom and basic kitchen	All the comforts of a luxury hotel, including full bathroom, kitchen, and climate control
Interaction with Nature	Good, with simple design that integrates with the environment	Enhanced, with structures and locations that promote immersion in nature	Maximum, with innovative designs that emphasize total immersion and privacy
Equipment	Basic and functional furniture	Medium quality furniture, includes additional comforts like equipped kitchen	Designer furniture, high-end complete equipment
Services	Access to shared facilities (bathroom and kitchen)	Semi-private or private services with some customization options	Completely private and personalized services, including catering options and exclusive activities
Location	Accessible natural locations	Select locations with better accessibility and views	Exclusive locations in unique and privileged environments
Sustainability	Basic sustainability practices	Advanced sustainable technologies implemented	Sustainability leadership with ecological certifications
Initial Investment	Moderate, suitable for entrepreneurs and small investors	High, requires significant investment for improvements and services	Very high, aimed at investors looking for a premium long-term return
Profit Potential	Good, ideal for starting in the glamping market	Very good, with quicker return due to improved services and location	Excellent, with the highest profit margins due to luxury and exclusivity
Environmental Impact	Designed to minimize impact	Structures and operations that promote environmental sustainability	Example of eco-luxury with almost zero environmental impact

This detailed classification for glamping in the Spanish market establishes clear differentiation between levels of service and quality, allowing consumers to make informed choices based on their specific preferences and needs. Additionally, it aids investors in understanding the spectrum of possibilities within glamping, from more accessible options to extreme luxury proposals, focused on sustainability and integration with the natural environment.

ANGULAR DOMOS’ Position in the premium glamping category (tente category 3) and Ecoluxury Landscape hotel Market

ANGULAR DOMOS has established itself as a leader in the landscape hotel market, designing and manufacturing structures that not only enhance the natural beauty of their locations, but also provide a sustainable luxury experience.

Our projects are designed for visionary investors and entrepreneurs interested in outdoor hotel development and creating an accommodation business in nature that is not only aesthetically impressive and functional but also profitable and environmentally responsible.

Choosing the right type of accommodation and investment strategy depends on your expectations for comfort, interaction with nature, and the type of experience desired. With a focus on glamping development and outdoor hotels, ANGULAR DOMOS is your ideal partner for projects seeking innovation, sustainability, and luxury.

If you are launching a premium glamping site or landscape hotel project, do not hesitate to get in touch. We at ANGULAR DOMOS specialize in designing and developing luxury accommodations that harmonize beautifully with their natural surroundings while offering unmatched comfort and exclusivity.

Connect with us today to start crafting your next successful venture into the world of eco-luxury tourism.

BY: Alejandro Gómez,
CEO ANGULAR DOMOS

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