The hospitality industry was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel restrictions and safety concerns leading to a decline in traditional forms of hospitality. However, one sector of the industry has seen a significant rise in popularity – outdoor hospitality.
From glamping to outdoor dining, the outdoor hospitality industry has experienced a surge in demand as people seek safe and socially distant ways to travel and enjoy leisure activities.
Let’s explore the rise of outdoor hospitality trends and how businesses can capitalize on this growing market.
COVID-19 Impacts On Hospitality
Before we dive into the rise of outdoor hospitality, it’s important to understand the impact of the pandemic on the industry as a whole.
- With travel restrictions and safety concerns, traditional forms of hospitality, such as hotels and resorts, saw significant declines in bookings and revenue.
- According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the global hotel industry witnessed a 20-30%+ decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR) in 2020.
This led to many businesses in the industry struggling to stay afloat and adapt to the changing landscape.
That said, with every Ying there’s a Yang. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and there were industries that soared and continue to soar in part because of the response to the pandemic itself — outdoor hospitality.
The Rise Of Outdoor Hospitality
While traditional forms of hospitality have suffered, the outdoor hospitality industry has seen a surge in demand. People are looking for safe and socially distant ways to travel and enjoy leisure activities, and outdoor hospitality provides just that.
One of the most popular trends in outdoor hospitality is glamping – a combination of glamour and camping.
Glamping offers a luxurious and comfortable camping experience, with amenities such as comfortable beds, electricity, and even hot tubs. This trend has gained popularity in recent years, but the pandemic has accelerated its growth as people seek unique and safe travel experiences.
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Another trend in outdoor hospitality is outdoor dining.
With indoor dining restrictions in place, many restaurants turned to outdoor dining options to continue serving customers. This led to a rise in outdoor dining setups, such as rooftop bars, sidewalk cafes, and even street closures for outdoor seating.
How To Capitalize On Outdoor Hospitality Trends
With the rise of outdoor hospitality, businesses in the industry have an opportunity to adapt and capitalize on this growing market. Here are some ways businesses can take advantage of outdoor hospitality trends.
Embrace Glamping
If you’re in the hospitality industry, consider adding glamping options to your offerings.
This can be a great way to attract new customers and provide unique and safe travel experiences. Partner with glamping companies or invest in your own glamping setups to offer a luxurious camping experience to your guests.
Expand Outdoor Dining Options
Restaurants can capitalize on the outdoor dining trend by expanding outdoor seating options. This can include setting up outdoor dining areas on rooftops, patios, or even parking lots.
By offering a safe and socially distant dining experience, you can attract customers looking to combine dining and landscape gawking.
Invest In Outdoor Amenities
For businesses in the hospitality industry, investing in outdoor amenities can be a great way to attract customers and stand out from the competition.
This can include outdoor pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and other outdoor activities. By offering these amenities, you can provide a unique and safe experience for your guests.
Partner With Local Businesses
Collaborating with other businesses in your area can also be beneficial for outdoor hospitality businesses.
For example, a glamping company can partner with a local restaurant to offer a package deal that includes a glamping stay and a dinner at the restaurant. This helps attract more customers and create a mutually beneficial partnership.
The Future Of Outdoor Hospitality
Wrapping Up
The rise of outdoor hospitality trends isn’t just as temporary responses to the 2020 pandemic response — it’s a shift in consumer behavior that’s continuing to expand and assert itself.
People have discovered the joys of outdoor activities and are continuing to seek safe and unique travel experiences. This presents a great opportunity for businesses in the outdoor hospitality industry to continue growing and adapting to the changing market.
By investing in outdoor amenities and embracing outdoor hospitality trends like glamping and the ‘experience economy,’ businesses can attract new customers and thrive.
We’ll see you out there!
