Bell tents had their moment. But the glamping and staycation landscape is evolving fast, and guests today expect more than a patch of grass and some fairy lights. They’re looking for experiences that surprise them, connect them to nature, and feel like something they couldn’t find anywhere else.
Not to mention, as of February 2024, 83 percent of travelers worldwide believe that sustainable travel is important (Statista, 2025). The culture of throwaway, novelty stays has moved on and evolved into a landscape prioritising more meaningful, Earth-friendly holidays.
For landowners and site operators, this shift opens up real opportunity. Unique accommodation isn’t just about standing out. It’s a strategic move that can increase bookings, extend seasonality, and attract higher-spending guests.
Next week, we’re teaming up with the Glamping Industry Trade Association (GITA) to host a free webinar that digs into exactly this. Jazz Moodie, our Head of Sales here at Tree Tents, will walk through what makes a unique structure work; both for your guests and for your business. We’ll cover everything from site suitability to return on investment, with plenty of time for questions.
Here’s a sneak peek at the kinds of topics we'll be exploring...
1. What experience are you actually offering?
Every type of accommodation sets a tone. A Tree Tent hints at adventure. A hillside pod promises views and comfort. A stilted cabin suggests seclusion and a slower pace. What you choose says a lot about the kind of stay your guests can expect.
Are you building a romantic escape, a digital detox, or a base for families to reconnect in nature? Think about what your target guest values most. Quiet? Luxury? Simplicity? Novelty?
We’ve helped sites design everything from minimal off-grid nests to multi-cabin setups with full family functionality. The structure is just the beginning—it’s what you build around it that brings the experience to life.
2. Is your land working hard enough?
Some of the best glamping sites we’ve worked on started with “difficult” land. Woodland with no clearings. Steep slopes. Hidden corners that seemed too awkward to develop.
That’s exactly where unique structures shine. Suspended, elevated or modular designs can transform overlooked areas into high-demand stays, without needing major groundwork.
Got trees? Use them. Got a slope? Work with it. Our Tree Tents, Birdhouses and Fuselage Cabins are designed to slot into tricky spots, with minimal impact on the land and maximum impact on guests.
As the climate crisis grows harder to ignore, those of us who find solace in nature feel the urgency to protect it. That’s why it's so important to design with the land, not against it. There are more ways than ever before to create stays that tread lightly and honour their surroundings, preserving them for years to come, rather than erasing them.
In the webinar, we’ll talk through the physical considerations of each structure type, and how to approach planning, access, and usability in less-than-perfect terrain.
3. How hands-on do you want to be?
Unique doesn’t have to mean high maintenance, but it’s worth asking the right questions up front. Materials, build quality, weather resistance and supplier support will all affect how your structure performs over time.
If you’re running a site year-round, you’ll want something built for four seasons. If your accommodation is in a remote location, durability and ease of maintenance become even more important.
For instance, our cabins are built using a Tricoya shell. This high-performance, moisture-resistant material is tough, long-lasting and easy to care for. Our Tree Tents are made with marine-grade canvas and aluminium frames that handle the worst weather the UK - or elsewhere - can throw at them.
We'll be sharing examples of sites that have extended their booking windows and reduced operational headaches by choosing the right structure for their environment.
4. What does the guest journey look like?
A structure can be visually stunning, but if your guests aren't happy with the minutae of staying there, they won't be coming back.
Start from your guest’s arrival. Where do they park? How do they get to the accommodation? What’s their first impression? Inside, is there space to sit, sleep, play, stay warm?
It's imperative to design stays that are as functional as they are beautiful. A well-placed stove, thoughtful lighting, privacy and layout all matter; especially in the UK, where a romantic woodland escape can quickly become a wet weekend without good design.
In the webinar, Jazz will share practical tips on designing for comfort, safety and those all-important five-star reviews.
5. What’s the business case?
Let’s talk numbers. Unique structures typically involve a higher upfront investment, but they also offer stronger pricing power and faster ROI. They book earlier, stay booked longer, and generate more interest online.
Want to run the maths? Have a play with our ROI calculator, which we'll be demo-ing during the webinar. We'll also share real data from landowners who’ve added Tree Tent structures to their sites.
The glamping market is maturing, and guests are becoming more discerning. Differentiation matters. A unique structure helps define your brand, sets you apart from the competition, and allows you to attract guests who are willing to pay more for something special.
Whether you're just starting out, or expanding an existing site, understanding the commercial value of your accommodation choice is critical.
Join Us for our Free Webinar: The Buying Decision - Domes, Cabins, Tree Houses and Shepherd’s Huts
Hosted by: GITA (Glamping Industries Trade Association)
📅 Date: 14th May 2025
⏰ Time: 10am GMT
🎟️ Register: Email John White at john.white@gitauk.org to request a link to the webinar.
Free to both members and non-members - so all welcome!
Whether you’ve got 10 acres of woodland or a single spot with a view, this webinar will help you figure out the best way to make your land work harder—and create unforgettable stays in the process.
Want tailored advice?
Have questions? Get in touch with the Tree Tents team at info@treetents.co.uk
We offer 1:1 calls for landowners looking to build or upgrade their glamping offer. Book a chat with Jazz, our Head of Sales, for tailored advice on your project.
Want to join GITA as a member? Learn more here.
