Driving some of the strongest growth in outdoor hospitality, glamping is giving parks new ways to boost occupancy and diversify revenue. Traditional camping and glamping now sit side by side as the most popular choices for guests, each attracting around 29% of travellers.
Gen Z shows the highest interest in glamping, while Millennials lean slightly towards traditional tents. This generational shift reflects a growing desire for comfort and experience-focused stays. For Australian holiday parks, it represents both an opportunity and a challenge: how to attract younger generations seeking comfort in nature, while also maintaining sustainable, year-round business.
Why guests are choosing glamping
According to RMS’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, scenery and location are the top deciding factors across all camping types, with 49% of travellers prioritising their surroundings when choosing where to stay. Guests are also drawn to unique stays (think treehouses, safari tents, and tiny homes) that bridge the gap between traditional camping and resort-style accommodation.
Glamping’s appeal is strongest among younger generations: Gen Z and Millennials are far more likely to choose a luxury tent or cabin over towing a caravan, which signals long-term demand as these guests establish their travel habits.
What this means for Australian parks
For operators, glamping can play a dual role:
- Revenue growth: Glamping units typically command higher nightly rates than powered sites or tent pitches. Global research places glamping's average rates around $206 AUD per night.
- Season extension: Cabins, domes, and insulated safari tents can be marketed year-round, smoothing the winter dip that many regional parks face.
- Market diversification: With national parks reporting overcrowding and reduced availability, private operators who invest in glamping have a chance to capture guests seeking alternatives.
Meeting guest expectations
While glamping appeals to a broad audience, most guests aren’t looking to “rough it.” Many expect private bathrooms, power, heating or cooling, and reliable Wi-Fi. They’re also more open to paying for unique, experience-elevating add-ons such as hot tubs, breakfast hampers, firepits, and guided tours that enhance their stay and generate additional revenue for operators.
Environmental responsibility is another growing consideration. Many glampers actively consider sustainable practices when choosing where to stay. Eco-domes, solar power, composting systems, and visible sustainability messaging can all help Australian parks stand out as leaders in eco-friendly travel.
The digital guest journey
How guests find and book glamping is evolving. Social media now plays a major role in how travellers discover new experiences, particularly among Gen Z and younger Millennials who turn to visual channels for inspiration.
Direct booking remains the preferred channel across all camping types, with 64% of guests opting to book directly on a property’s website. For operators, this highlights the importance of a mobile-friendly, conversion-driven website and booking engine that makes it easy to browse and book.
Key takeaway for Australian parks
By broadening the appeal of holiday parks, glamping has proven its power to lift nightly rates, drive year-round occupancy and unlock new revenue streams. A well-curated glamping experience can attract new audiences, extend the season and create lasting differentiation.
The opportunity lies in selecting the right mix of accommodation types and add-ons that align with guest demand and local trends, supported by systems that make it simple to market, manage and grow. Parks that embrace sustainability and deliver a seamless, digital-first booking experience will be well-positioned for long-term success.
Get the full story: read RMS’s 2025 State of Outdoor Hospitality Report 
