Episode 1: Meet the Hosts + How Glamping is Shaping Up for 2025?
Welcome to the very first episode of The Glamping Business Round-Up with Vicki Jones and John Maddy! In this debut, get to know your hosts—both passionate champions of the glamping industry—and hear why they’ve teamed up with the Glamping Industries Trade Association (GITA) to launch this podcast. We’re diving into how the glamping world is shaping up for 2025: the challenges, the opportunities, and what site owners need to be thinking about right now. Whether you run domes, huts, tents, or treehouses—this episode sets the scene for what’s to come.
Episode 2: Upsells, Honesty Shops & Boosting Your Glamping Revenue
In this episode, Vicki and John get into the nitty-gritty of upsells and finding extra revenue streams for your glamping site. From comparing their honesty shops (and discovering just how “honest” guests really are) to what sells best, they share plenty of real-life examples. They also break down the key licenses you’ll need—like selling alcohol or securing food hygiene ratings—and why it’s worth doing things properly.
Episode 3: Glamping Marketing Tips with Sarah Orchard: How to Get Fully Booked
Sarah is a seasoned strategic marketing consultant, founder of Get Fully Booked, and co-owner of The Hudnalls Hideout luxury treehouse. Her approach is built on helping hosts and glampsite owners increase direct bookings, strengthen their brand, and rely less on commission-heavy agents. During our conversation, we cover: Clever ways to attract different customer demographics (families, couples, off-season guests) Building and leveraging email marketing funnels to nurture bookings What your website needs How to set and manage your marketing budget effectively The role of Sarah’s membership, The Fully Booked Business Club™, for ongoing support, training, and accountability for hosts and glamping businesses This episode is perfect whether you’re just starting to market your site or you want fresh ideas to scale much further.
Episode 4: Retreat Ready - Hosting Memorable Experiences for Your Guests
In this episode we explore one of the most powerful drivers of success in hospitality—creating truly memorable experiences for your guests. It’s no longer enough to offer a beautiful space; today’s travellers are seeking something deeper—moments that inspire, connect, and stay with them long after they leave. Joining us is Kate Morel, a leading voice in experiential design and creative hosting. Kate has helped countless glamping businesses transform their spaces into destinations that delight and rejuvenate. Together, we’ll uncover practical strategies, design insights, and marketing tips to help you elevate your offering from a simple stay to an unforgettable story.
Episode 5: Sustainable Stays - John Maddy on Earning Green Accreditations
Join Vicki Jones and John Maddy once again as they delve into the world of sustainable glamping. Discover the challenges and triumphs of running an eco-friendly business, from sourcing sustainable materials to navigating the complexities of green certifications. With insights into the evolving expectations of eco-conscious travellers, this episode offers a candid look at the balance between sustainability and luxury in the glamping industry. Tune in for practical tips, industry insights, and a passionate discussion on making a positive environmental impact.
Episode 6: Behind The Scenes - A Day in the Life Of A Glamping Business
In this week's episode Vicki and John take you behind the scenes of a typical day in the life of a glamping operator. From early morning checkouts to late-night campfire chats, they share the highs, lows, and everything in between. Discover how Vicki manages the daily hustle at Tractors and Cream in Somerset, including the challenges of laundry logistics and the joy of baking brownies for guests. John shares his journey back to hands-on site management, revealing the importance of personal interaction with guests. Whether you're a seasoned glamping professional or just starting out, this episode offers relatable insights and practical tips to enhance your glamping business.
Episode 7 - The Power of PR - Derry Green's Tips for Building the Buzz!
In this episode of the Glamping Business Roundup, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddy speak with Derry Green, founder of Secret Garden Glamping. Derry shares his unexpected journey into the glamping industry, starting from a camping trip in his garden during the COVID-19 lockdown.
He discusses the importance of storytelling, customer experience, and local marketing strategies. Derry also reflects on his experience on Dragon's Den, emphasizing the need for authenticity and consistency in business. The conversation covers the balance between automation and personal touch in customer service, the significance of unique offerings, and the future of glamping as a collaborative industry.
Episode 8 - How to get repeat guests through exceptional customer service
In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Wilkinson, owner of the award-winning Acorn Glade Glamping in the heart of Yorkshire. Before creating her peaceful lakeside retreat, Wendy spent 25 years as a Cabin Service Director with British Airways, leading a team of 16 crew and caring for up to 400 passengers per flight. Now, she brings those decades of customer service, communication, and crisis-management experience down to earth — transforming it into world-class hospitality at Acorn Glade.
Wendy shares how her aviation career shaped the way she runs her adults-only, nature-filled escape, and how the art of staying calm under pressure translates perfectly to hosting glamping guests. From de-escalation techniques to confidence-boosting rituals (including her iconic red lipstick!), this episode is packed with practical, thoughtful advice for any glamping owner who wants to elevate their guest experience. Whether you’re dreaming of opening a site, already hosting, or simply love a behind-the-scenes look at hospitality done right, this episode delivers real gold from 36,000 feet and from a tranquil Yorkshire lakeside.
Episode 9 - Tech Tools every glamping site should be using
In this episode, Vicki and John dive into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of running a successful glamping business — technology.
From the moment a guest discovers your site to the moment they check out, every step of their journey can be made smoother, clearer, and more profitable with the right tools. But with so many options out there, where do glamping owners actually start?
This episode breaks it down simply and practically, sharing real-world insights that glamping hosts can apply immediately — whether you’re brand new, scaling up, or feeling stuck with clunky systems that no longer work.
Episode 10 - How AI is transforming Glamping
In this final episode of the series, Vicki and John are joined by Brian Searl — Founder & CEO of Insider Perks, creator of Modern Campground, and one of the leading voices in AI, automation, and technology within outdoor hospitality.
Brian has worked with more than 500 campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts across North America, helping operators embrace the future through AI-first solutions, predictive analytics, smart operations, and cutting-edge marketing strategies.
This is a must-listen episode for any UK or international operator wondering where to start with AI, how the U.S. market differs, and what practical tools actually make sense for small glamping businesses.