Hipcamp launches in UK, acquires Cool Camping

Hipcamp, the world’s largest provider of outdoor stays, has announced the acquisition of London-based Tripadee Ltd., and the full integration of its popular Cool Camping brand into the Hipcamp platform.

The move means that Brits can now find and book hundreds of thousands of unique camping, glamping, and campervan stays across the UK, Canada, Australia, and the United States via the Hipcamp website.

The acquisition comes as both companies experience record growth: Hipcamp, backed by Jay-Z, has seen a 460% increase in bookings since 2019, whilst the number of stays booked via Cool Camping increased 340% during the same period.

Hipcamp is working to deliver the simplest way to find and book outdoor stays and experiences, all in one platform. Thanks to the acquisition, Brits can now easily book breath-taking destinations at home and abroad, and UK hosts gain access to Hipcamp’s global community of outdoor enthusiasts.

“It’s a hugely exciting moment as we join forces with Hipcamp – our spiritual cousins internationally,” said Cool Camping Founder Jonathan Knight. “We’re proud of the trust that Cool Camping has built up with our community during the past 15 years, and as we now adopt the Hipcamp brand in the UK, we look forward to continuing to build on that trust. Our entire community will benefit from the Hipcamp platform – which makes getting outside at a moment’s notice easier than ever.”

Knight will serve as UK country manager for Hipcamp.

“One of our core beliefs is that getting outside should be simple,” said Hipcamp Founder and CEO Alyssa Ravasio. “Jonathan and his team have done so much great work to make that mission possible in the UK. I’m excited to further our shared mission of getting more people outside and inspiring a new love for nature.”

Hipcamp Hosts in the UK will receive all the protection and benefits that the Hipcamp platform offers. They will be eligible for Hipcamp’s Liability Insurance Policy, which protects Hosts for up to £1M. Bookings through the site bring economic opportunity to rural communities and help UK farmers, vintners, and other landowners create new revenue streams to conserve their land and keep it wild.

Hipcamp will also expand its photography programme to the UK. The programme uses the work of UK photographers to capture images of hosts’ wide range of hospitality offerings.

As pandemic-related international travel restrictions lift, Hipcamp expects significant demand to continue for outdoor stays in the UK and across its other markets.