The Glamping Business Round Up

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...

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. M...

This week on The Glamping Business Roundup , Vicki and John sit down with Taylor Glass, founder of GlampLaunch , to talk about shaking up the traditional glamping pod market with a lean, digital-first approach.  From quitting his job with nothing but a laptop and a big idea, to delivering bespoke pods across the UK and Europe, Taylor shares the honest reality of building a business at just 23.  In...

  In this episode of The Glamping Business Roundup , hosts Vicki Jones  and John Maddy  explore a big question many aspiring operators ask:  If we were starting a glamping business today, what would we do differently?   Drawing on years of industry experience, they share honest insights into site planning, guest expectations, marketing strategies, and the lessons learned from running their own bus...

  Are OTAs Your Enemy or Biggest Asset? – Glamping Industry Insights In this episode, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddie explore the complex relationship between glamping sites and online travel agents (OTAs). They share practical tips on how to leverage OTAs effectively, maximize direct bookings, and balance dependence on these platforms for a thriving glamping business. Key Topics: The pros and c...

Unlock the secret to making your glamping business bulletproof—and save thousands in the process. In this episode, John reveals why a comprehensive risk assessment isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s the foundation that can protect your guests—and your profits. Discover how routine safety checks, proactive maintenance, and a mindset shift can slash costs, boost compliance, and elevate guest ex...

We are ‘Supa’ excited for this week's episode we were joined by Mark from Supa heater. He explained how their portable system heats hot tubs on demand , cutting energy costs by up to 70% and ensuring every guest jumps into a perfectly warm tub—every time. No more waiting, no more disappointing surprises.  We also delve in to regulations, demystifying legislation and talk about how anyone can...

Welcome back to our second season of the Glamping Business Roundup with your hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddy  In this episode we discuss the latest trends and challenges in the glamping industry as we prepare for the 2026 season.  We reflect on our holiday experiences, booking trends, and the importance of enhancing guest experiences through curated packages and sustainability efforts. The conver...

The Glamping Business Round-Up Podcast Hosted by Vicki Jones & John Maddy 📧 Email the show: glampingpodcast@gmail.com 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...

The Glamping Business Round-Up Podcast with Vicki Jones & John Maddy 📧 Email the show: glampingpodcast@gmail.com 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, clea...

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-man...

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...

In this weeks episode of the Glamping Business Roundup, hosts Vicki Jones and John Maddy 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...

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 susta...

In this episode of The Glamping Business Round Up , 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 travelers 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 experi...

Welcome back to The Glamping Business Round-Up with Vicki Jones & John Maddy, in association with the Glamping Industries Trade Association (GITA). In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Orchard (Get Fully Booked) to dig into how glamping sites should approach marketing in 2025 and beyond. Sarah is a seasoned strategic marketing consultant, founder of Get Fully Booked , and co-owner of The Hu...

Welcome to The Glamping Business Round-Up with Vicki Jones and John Maddy, brought to you in association with the Glamping Industries Trade Association (GITA). This is the podcast where we dive into all things glamping—sharing industry insights, real stories, and practical tips to help you run a successful site. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned owner, we’re here to give you the ideas...

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, a...