Is Glamping the Booming Trend in the Luxury Outdoor Accommodation Industry?

The concept of Glamping, a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping," has emerged as a thriving trend in the tourism and hospitality sector, offering travelers a unique blend of nature and luxury. Glamping resorts are rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, particularly in China, where they cater to a growing demand for high-end outdoor experiences.

Rising Popularity of Glamping Resorts

According to recent market reports, Glamping has become an increasingly attractive option for travelers who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life while enjoying the comforts of a luxurious stay. Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) revealed in a 2019 report that Glamping holds significant appeal for those who aspire for outdoor adventures but prefer not to endure the hardships of traditional camping.

In China, the term "精致露营" (Jingzhi Luling), or "glamping," has resonated well with the public, fitting seamlessly into the country's social media landscape. This trend is fueled by a combination of factors, including the rise of marketing campaigns, influencer endorsements, and the increasing number of e-commerce sellers promoting Glamping products.

Diverse Accommodation Options

Glamping resorts offer a wide range of accommodation options, from fully equipped 5-star safari tents to treehouses, wooden cabins, and mobile homes. These structures are designed to provide guests with a hotel-like experience in the midst of nature. They often come with luxurious amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, sound systems, bathtubs, and fully furnished interiors.

For instance, the Glamping Element in Japan's Shiga Prefecture offers a range of luxurious tents, including lotus-shaped tents, white tents, and wooden cabins. The resort boasts facilities like raindrop-shaped tents with internal showers and double-decker rooms equipped with massage bathtubs, offering guests an unparalleled level of comfort and luxury.

Investment Opportunities and Profitability

Glamping resorts also present lucrative investment opportunities for developers and hospitality operators. The relatively short construction timelines and lower investment costs compared to traditional holiday resorts or hotels make Glamping an attractive proposition. Moreover, the returns on investment can be comparable or even higher, thanks to the willingness of travelers to pay premium prices for an upscale camping experience.

Glamping resorts often generate significant revenue from not just accommodation rentals but also from food and beverage outlets, leisure activities, and organized day trips. As a result, managing a top-tier Glamping site requires a level of sophistication similar to that of a leisure resort.

Global Expansion and Innovation

The Glamping industry is witnessing rapid global expansion, with Europe leading the way in terms of market share. European operators have been at the forefront of innovating Glamping experiences, offering guests hotel-like amenities in natural settings. This trend is now being replicated in other regions, including Asia, where China is emerging as a key market.