A new trade body for the UK glamping sector could be established as early as June, following a call to arms by leading industry operator and Dragon’s Den star, Derry Green of Secret Garden Glamping.
“I have written or will be writing to everyone I know in the sector,” said Derry Green. “It has become clear to me that we need to have a professional voice for glamping that can get both national and local government to help this wonderful industry thrive, rather than put obstacles in the way of a great British success story.
“We also need to talk to each other more about the challenges we face and find common solutions. I have therefore asked the industry to come together in June to discuss whether or not it would support such an initiative.”
The meeting will be held at the The Gables Best Western Hotel, Falfield, just off the M5 between Bristol and Gloucester at 2.00 p.m. on June 12th. It will invite the industry to discuss the issues and challenges it wants addressed and if it has an appetite to form a new trade association, provisionally called the Glamping Industries Trades Association (GITA).
“My hope is the industry will see the merits of establishing a clear and loud voice for our sector,” continued Green. “But, it is up to my peers at the end of the day. Any trade body has to be set up by the industry and run for the industry.”
It is understood that professional trade association management company, Arete Business Solutions, has been asked to provide advice on the potential creation of a new association. Its Managing Director, John White, said, “Having met Derry and looked into the glamping market, I can readily see there is an opportunity for a new professional association to help drive the industry’s agenda forward.
“I am pleased to be able to offer my long experience of trade association management to the sector and hopefully this project will come to fruition in the not too distant future.”
Anyone interested in attending the meeting, should contact Derry Green at info@thesecretgardenglamping.uk.
