Insights from Bryan Auchterlonie of Destination Capital
In the latest episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast, hosts Nick Purslow and Connor Schwab sit down with Bryan Auchterlonie, founder of Destination Capital, to discuss the role of capital in the outdoor hospitality industry. Bryan, a key figure in glamping finance, shares valuable insights on everything from picking the right form of capital to lessons from working with major industry players like Under Canvas and AutoCamp.
With a rich background in investment banking and resort capital markets, Bryan’s experience spans from large-scale resorts to emerging trends in experiential travel. His firm, Destination Capital, has played a vital role in guiding glamping operators toward sustainable growth and long-term success. Whether you’re an established glamping entrepreneur or new to the space, this episode is packed with advice on managing capital and scaling a glamping business.
Capital: The Lifeblood of Glamping Growth
Bryan’s journey into outdoor hospitality finance began with his extensive experience in the resort industry. He has worked with major projects such as the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman and Half Moon in Jamaica, gaining expertise in managing capital for large-scale, luxury resorts. Transitioning to glamping, Bryan brought this institutional knowledge to boutique operators like Under Canvas and AutoCamp.
His firm focuses on helping operators navigate the complexities of financing outdoor hospitality projects, including:
- Choosing the right form of capital that aligns with the business’s goals.
- Finding investment partners who are aligned with the operator’s long-term vision and not just focused on short-term profits.
- Being strategic with capital decisions, emphasizing that not all money is good money.
- Building meaningful relationships with investors, as Bryan stresses that the capital and operator relationship should be more than transactional.
“It’s about finding the right partner,” Bryan emphasizes, highlighting the importance of thoughtful capital choices.
The Unique Challenges of Financing Glamping
One of the key topics Bryan covers in the podcast is the unique challenges glamping operators face when securing funding. Unlike traditional hotels, glamping businesses are often smaller, more experiential, and face different operational hurdles. This makes attracting institutional capital more challenging, but also presents opportunities for creative financing solutions.
Bryan points out that glamping operators must focus on profitability, clear business plans, and a deep understanding of their market to attract the right investors. “You need to know what makes your project special and be able to articulate that,” Bryan explains, noting that many operators get too focused on growth without solidifying their foundation.
Lessons from the Big Players: Under Canvas, AutoCamp, and More
Throughout the episode, Bryan shares insights from his work with some of the biggest names in glamping. Under Canvas and AutoCamp, for example, have successfully partnered with major hotel brands like Hilton and Hyatt to expand their distribution and visibility. Bryan explains how these partnerships work, allowing smaller glamping brands to leverage the resources and loyalty programs of global hotel chains without giving up their independence.
“These partnerships are about expanding reach and capitalizing on established networks,” Bryan notes. However, he cautions that glamping operators should remain mindful of their brand identity and guest experience, even when partnering with larger players.
Navigating the Future of Glamping Capital
As the glamping industry continues to grow, Bryan sees more consolidation on the horizon. He predicts that larger operators will begin to merge with or acquire smaller ones, creating more opportunities for institutional capital to flow into the space. However, he also warns that operators should remain patient and focused on their core business, rather than rushing into expansion.
Bryan advises smaller operators to focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience, managing costs effectively, and building a profitable business model before seeking outside investment. “Sew your field,” Bryan advises, meaning operators should concentrate on perfecting their existing business before expanding or seeking significant capital.
Favorite Destinations: Where Hospitality Meets Natural Beauty
Beyond capital, Bryan shares some of his favorite hospitality destinations. From Strawberry Hill in Jamaica to Desert Tree in Colorado, Bryan’s love for unique, nature-integrated resorts shines through. Each property he highlights offers not just luxury, but a deep connection to its surrounding environment—a principle that aligns closely with the values of glamping.
He also emphasizes the importance of a strong sense of place in the success of any outdoor hospitality business. “The magic is made where the design and the natural environment come together,” Bryan says, reinforcing the idea that a well-curated location can be just as important as the accommodations themselves.
Final Thoughts: Long-Term Vision and Strategic Growth
As the episode comes to a close, Bryan reflects on the future of the outdoor hospitality industry. He encourages operators to think long-term and to align themselves with capital partners who share their vision for sustainable, meaningful growth. Whether through institutional funding or creative financing strategies, the key to success lies in a strong business model, a clear understanding of the market, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
To hear more about Bryan’s thoughts on capital, industry trends, and his favorite glamping destinations, tune in to the full episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast.