FREE Course: Dream Big and Start Building Your Own Epic Stay!

Turn your tourism accommodation idea into an unforgettable stay

Ever dreamed of turning your land, building, or big idea into a place where people love to stay? Let Epic Stays show you how. This hands-on programme walks you step by step through designing, funding, and running your own alternative accommodation. The focus here is SME, so anything from a singular glamping pod in the countryside of Ireland to multiple tree houses in a lush forest in Slovenia, we have it covered.

“If you’re ready to start small and think big, you’re in the right place”

Learn everything about financing, how to spot opportunities, create a stand-out brand, deliver amazing guest experiences, and ensure sustainability. This course is perfect to help you turn it into a business — not just a dream — and make it your success story.

Scope of the Course

8 Modules I 27 Learning Sections I Over 30 Inspirational Case Studies

Perfect for:

New entrepreneurs & start-ups who want to launch an alternative tourism accommodation business.
Students & young professionals interested in accommodation, eco-tourism, rural tourism, destination planning, future trends and fresh ideas.
Small business owners currently running glamping, B&Bs, eco-lodges, or unique stays who want to grow and scale.
Communities & changemakers looking to maximise the potential of alternative tourism accommodation opportunities in their localities, e.g., additional income streams, diversify existing businesses, create local jobs, create partnership or co-operative opportunities, or simply enhance destination sustainability and regeneration.

What you will learn

By joining Epic Stays, you’ll learn how to:

Spot and develop the best opportunities in the fast-growing alternative accommodation market.
Turn your idea into a clear concept and business plan.
Design sustainable, place-based stays that reflect your values and local identity.
Create memorable guest experiences that lead to glowing reviews and repeat visits.
Use innovative tools to save time and simplify daily operations.
Find the right funding fit — from grants to ethical investors.
Tailor pricing and financial strategies that keep your business strong.
Plan for growth and future-proof your idea.

How the Modules work

Start wherever you want and learn according to your knowledge needs. Eeach module combines:

Easy-to-use tools & templates you can apply straight away.
Real-world case studies and videos from across Europe with videos, images and more.
Practical strategies and exercises to help you design, fund, and grow existing or new businesses.
Step-by-step guidance to turn new, big or small ideas into action and maximise potential.

You're in the perfect place to dream big, plan smart, and build your stay.

This isn’t about heavy theory — it’s about giving you the tools, confidence, and inspiration to make your idea real. By the end, you’ll walk away with:

A tailored business model that matches your vision and mission.
A practical business plan with funding options that fit your idea.
The confidence to pitch — from funding applications to presenting your concept.
A compelling brand identity built on insights and lessons from real businesses.
The know-how to design unforgettable guest experiences that are also sustainable.

Don’t know where to start and need confidence?

Download our innovative Modules packed with tools, tips, and step-by-step guidance.

Want to see how others did it across Europe?

Click to explore over 30 inspiring Case Studies and learn from real success stories.

Ready to take the next step?

Download our Learning Pathway and choose your first step to shaping your own Epic Stay.

Our Modules

Section 1: Introduction to Alternative Accommodation
Section 2: Why It Matters Now: Changing Guest Motivations & Market Shifts

Section 3: Compare and Contrast Different Business Models of Alternative Tourism Accommodation
Section 4: Spotting Opportunities – Untapped Spaces, Properties & Concepts in Your Region

Section 1: Tools for Market Research – Understanding the Market. Who is Your Guest & What Do They Want?
Section 2: Defining Your Concept & Value Proposition

Section 3: Building a Viable Business Plan Using the Business Model Canvas

Section 1: Smart Starts – Adapting Buildings & Using Pre-Built Units

Section 2: Better Building Choices Materials, Layout & Flexibility

Section 3: Right-Sized Stays That Make a Local Impact

Section 1: Building Your Brand – What Makes You Different
Section 2: Local is the New Luxury – Connecting with Community through Curated Experiences
Section 3: Visuals, Storytelling and Building a Community That Converts

Section 1 Managing the Guest Journey – Before, During & After the Stay

Section 2 Tools & Systems for Efficient Operations
Section 3 Growing Smart – Partnerships, Upsells & Long-Term Planning

Start Smart Budget Scale Business Models

Understand Your Guests and What They’re Willing to Pay

Location Planning Land Logistics

Sustainability Investing in the WOW Factor

Introduction to Private European Funding

Iceland – Find the Funds That Fit

Ireland – Find the Funds That Fit

Italy – Find the Funds That Fit

Netherlands – Find the Funds That Fit

Slovenia – Find the Funds That Fit

Investment Grant Applications Pitching

Introduction to Financial Management Business Model Budgeting

Understanding Your Revenue Booking Capacity

Understanding Your Costs Setting Sustainable Prices

How Many Nights to Sell to Cover Costs and Make a Profit

Boosting Revenue Through Add-Ons and Financial Oversight

Managing Risks and Protecting Your Business

Green Investments for Long-Term Financial Health

Educators Guide

Everything you need to deliver the Epic Stays Course — in one practical Educators Guide.

The Epic Stays Educator’s Guide is designed to help educators, trainers, facilitators, and programme coordinators confidently deliver the Epic Stays curriculum in real-world learning environments.

The modules provide the what and why of alternative tourism accommodation; the Educator’s Guide focuses on the how. It translates the modules into practical delivery formats, offering guidance on lesson planning, learning pathways, delivery methods, assessment approaches, and adaptable timetables.

The Guide is designed to support both formal and informal education, vocational training, workshops, community programs, and blended learning settings. It is suitable for use in classrooms, training centers, local initiatives, and capacity-building programmes across Europe.

The Trainer’s Guide is free, open-access, and ready to use, enabling educators to adapt the Epic Stays content to their audience, context, and local tourism realities.

Download the Educator’s Guide and start delivering Epic Stays with confidence.

The Trainer’s Guide is free, open-access, and ready to use, enabling educators to adapt the Epic Stays content to their audience, context, and local tourism realities.

Here are some additional resources to help you on your educational journey

Module 6 (Part 1): Catalogue of Concept and Accommodation Types
Module 6 (Part 1): SAMPLE – Financial Planning & Costs Budget