Dragonfly Gardens, Brasov (RO)
Dragonfly Gardens located in Brasov (Romania) exemplifies a small-scale, circular tourism accommodation business with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than conventional tourism providers. Nestled within a lush garden in the heart of Brasov, this outdoor glamping site comprises 10 tents and 5 repurposed carriages, offering unique sleeping quarters. Accommodating up to 40 guests, Dragonfly Gardens has a minimal environmental impact compared to traditional 15-room buildings, which generate substantial waste and environmental degradation.
The glamping site promotes a simple, enriching lifestyle, especially for children, fostering a deep connection with nature. Founded by János Kelemen and his wife, Dragonfly Gardens transformed an orchard into a thriving business, hosting visitors from over 40 countries. The project relies on recycled, repurposed, and reclaimed materials, such as handcrafted stools and restored boilers, emphasizing sustainability and low environmental impact.
Integrated into the local community, Dragonfly Gardens collaborates with a neighbouring restaurant and local shops, enhancing mutual publicity and expanding synergies. A bio garden supplies fresh fruits and vegetables, contributing to a human-scale, unique service that attracts eco-conscious guests.
The marketing of the glamping site relies on online platforms and word-of-mouth.
The family-run small business creates local jobs, ensures a peaceful workplace, and offers free consulting to aspiring glamping entrepreneurs, encouraging sustainable local businesses as alternatives to moving abroad.
Dragonfly Gardens illustrates how small tourism businesses can achieve competitive advantages and revenue growth through sustainable practices and a circular economy. This case demonstrates that sustainable tourism is both an ethical and profitable choice.
Case debate questions
● What are the main characteristics that make the Dragonfly Gardens a sustainable circular business, and what makes it low impact on the environment?
● What are the innovative ideas and strengths of its project, and services?
● What are the Ostewalder & Pigneur’ Business Model Canva blocks that you can identify in Yanos’ business? What are the main activities linked to each block?
Dragonfly Gardens located in Brasov (Romania) exemplifies a small-scale, circular tourism accommodation business with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than conventional tourism providers. Nestled within a lush garden in the heart of Brasov, this outdoor glamping site comprises 10 tents and 5 repurposed carriages, offering unique sleeping quarters. Accommodating up to 40 guests, Dragonfly Gardens has a minimal environmental impact compared to traditional 15-room buildings, which generate substantial waste and environmental degradation.
The glamping site promotes a simple, enriching lifestyle, especially for children, fostering a deep connection with nature. Founded by János Kelemen and his wife, Dragonfly Gardens transformed an orchard into a thriving business, hosting visitors from over 40 countries. The project relies on recycled, repurposed, and reclaimed materials, such as handcrafted stools and restored boilers, emphasizing sustainability and low environmental impact.
Integrated into the local community, Dragonfly Gardens collaborates with a neighbouring restaurant and local shops, enhancing mutual publicity and expanding synergies. A bio garden supplies fresh fruits and vegetables, contributing to a human-scale, unique service that attracts eco-conscious guests.
The marketing of the glamping site relies on online platforms and word-of-mouth.
The family-run small business creates local jobs, ensures a peaceful workplace, and offers free consulting to aspiring glamping entrepreneurs, encouraging sustainable local businesses as alternatives to moving abroad.
Dragonfly Gardens illustrates how small tourism businesses can achieve competitive advantages and revenue growth through sustainable practices and a circular economy. This case demonstrates that sustainable tourism is both an ethical and profitable choice.
Case debate questions
● What are the main characteristics that make the Dragonfly Gardens a sustainable circular business, and what makes it low impact on the environment?
● What are the innovative ideas and strengths of its project, and services?
● What are the Ostewalder & Pigneur’ Business Model Canva blocks that you can identify in Yanos’ business? What are the main activities linked to each block?
● Why do you think the adoption of sustainable circular practices makes this accommodation business profitable and competitive compared to non-circular and sustainable businesses? What are the competitive and profitable advantages?
