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Italy Special A lot of the business that UK <strong>Glamping</strong> sites see is usually from fellow Brits who are looking for a shorter staycation, using <strong>Glamping</strong> as a way to experience the country in which they live in a different way. Due to the fact that <strong>Glamping</strong> was unknown when Canonici di San Marco opened, most of the business came from the UK, however, “Now that the <strong>Glamping</strong> phenomenon has started to be known also in Italy, we have each year an increasing number of our compatriots that decide to visit Venice in an uncommon and new way, far from the ordinary and from the busy “calli” of Venice. We still maintain a high percentage of foreigners too, who come at the <strong>Glamping</strong> Canonici di San Marco for the same reason.” Asked about the average stay length, Emanuela said, “During the low and medium seasons, we normally have an average length of stay which remains between 2 and 4 nights. But during the summer months, in high season, the average length increases, since people travel for longer periods, so from 5 to 10 days.” As <strong>Glamping</strong> has grown in popularity in the UK, the expectations that customers have when arriving to a site have also been raised. As <strong>Glamping</strong> has gained popularity in Italy, it appears the same is true, “Probably it depends mostly on the price range of each structure. It is clear that people won’t expect super luxurious facilities from a cheap accommodation, while they will from a more expensive one. The Lodges of our <strong>Glamping</strong> offer, in 40 or 60 mq, comfortable beds, minibar with an offered bottle of Prosecco and some snacks, and, the most important thing that differentiates us from other Camping and <strong>Glamping</strong> sites, a private bathroom inside the Lodge, with ceramic sanitary ware, bidet, shower, and everything the Guests might need (towels changed daily, etc). The guests also have a private garden to enjoy the sun, and table outside to have dinner under the trees. But also here in Italy the expectations are increasing, and we try each day to innovate our service.” With the number of <strong>Glamping</strong> sites in the UK increasing every year, so too does the number of accommodation types. From pods to treehouses to shepherd huts, the list continues to grow as the years go on. So what is the favored type of accommodation in Italy? “In Italy camping sites are very diffused and they offer permanent structures made of wood. So probably when Italian people try <strong>Glamping</strong>, they expect Tents and Lodges, just as the ones we offer them.” So does this mean that the dreaded phase of gaining permission from the local councils for planning permission is easier? “Also in Italy we faced a lot of difficulties, mostly because this kind of tented structures are new to the legislation and there are not regulations made ad hoc for them.” While there are some differences between the UK and Italy, relaxation and peace and quiet are still a top priority, “In Italy <strong>Glamping</strong> sites are always spread in different localities and always with a small number of accommodations, in order to maintain the place quiet and relaxing.” It’s fascinating to see how <strong>Glamping</strong> has grown since its introduction to Italy in 2009. While <strong>Glamping</strong> in Italy is very similar to that of the UK, including the way it is progressing, the slight differences that are apparent are largely down to the Italian weather, countryside, and culture. The fact that in the early years business relied on the UK market due to the fact that it was already well known is also important, as it hints that UK Glampers are helping to spread the <strong>Glamping</strong> phenomenon across the globe. It will be interesting to see how <strong>Glamping</strong> in Italy continues to progress and whether it will continue to mirror the growth seen in the UK. If you want to find out more about Canonici di San Marco, visit their website at, www.glampingcanonici.com/en l mping GBUSINESS 19
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