Editorial

The year 2025 will be remembered as the year of qualitative consolidation. After years of growth, the market has reached a maturity level where the difference is no longer made by “novelty” alone, but by operational excellence.

In 2025, we saw guest expectations shift from “a simple change of scenery” to a demand for “absolute comfort in immersion.” Glamping is no longer a sub-category of camping; it is a full-fledged branch of luxury hospitality. For 2026, the watchword will be Hyper-Personalization.

The operators who succeed next year will be those who investing in quality and serious effort in creating real experiences. This goes with improving comfort, design and the use of integrating technology (AI for guest relations, invisible home automation) to free up human time for real connection.

The challenge for 2026 will be maintaining margins against rising energy costs and competitors by investing in high-end tents and lodges and technical autonomy and solve challenging issues of isolated locations.

Stay informed, keep aware!

Thierry Tombelle – Consultant – contact@thierrytombelle.com

NUMBER OF THE MONTH

$1.265

This is the average price for a 3-day stay in the premium segment across Europe and North America at the end of 2025. This represents a 7% increase from the previous year, driven by the integration of private wellness services (hot tubs, saunas).

MARKET INSIGHTS

2025 Review: The Year of “Slow Travel” Stays were longer in 2025 (averaging 4.2 nights compared to 3.5 in 2024). Guests are choosing fewer trips but more immersive and high-end experiences.

2026 Outlook: The “Active Silvers” Segment Active retirees (ages 60-75) are becoming the priority target for 2026. They possess high purchasing power, travel during the off-season, and demand impeccable ergonomic comfort (high-end orthopedic bedding, easy accessibility).

2026 Design: Radical “Biophilism” The architectural trend for the coming year is moving toward structures that completely disappear into the landscape: mirrored exteriors, green roofs, and the massive use of transparent recycled materials.

BUSINESS ALERT

Major Trend “Wellness Glamping” (yoga retreats, forest spa, private Nordic baths, etc.) is the highest-earning segment, with an average spend per stay 40% higher than the sector average.

Major Trend: The “Active Silver” Boom In 2026, prioritize the 60-75 age demographic. They have the highest disposable income and a preference for mid-week, off-season stays. Ensure your units offer “Invisible Accessibility” (ramps disguised as landscape features).

Pricing Strategy: Yield management based on local events (festivals, sports competitions) maximizes revenue. Offering a last-minute upgrade at D-7 via push notification is an effective tactic.

Seasonality: Develop “Workation” offers (remote working stays in nature) with guaranteed Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces. This can fill weekday gaps in the off-season, increasing occupancy by +25% during these periods

PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS 2026

The media is buzzing with flagship projects set to redefine the landscape in 2026. Here are few “ones to watch”:

Public-Private Expansion (USA): The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has announced that eight state parks (including French Creek and Hickory Run) will debut new glamping sites in Spring 2026 through a partnership with Timberline Glamping Company.

Ultra-Luxury in Baja (Mexico): The highly anticipated Amanvari (by Aman) is slated to open in Spring 2026. With just 18 standalone casitas, it will bridge the gap between high-end architecture and raw desert-to-sea immersion.

Safari Evolution (Kenya): JW Marriott is expanding its footprint with the Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp (May 2026), featuring 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools, emphasizing conservation-led tourism.

Middle Eastern Tented Luxury (Oman): The Malkai is set to open in late 2026, featuring three distinct luxury tented camps across the Al Hajar Mountains and Sharqiyah Sands, signaling a massive push for glamping in the GCC region.

Thermal Glamping (Russia): The Expedition Kamchatka Glamping Club will open an all-season thermal spa glamping site in 2026, utilizing hydrogen sulfide mineral springs to attract wellness-seekers year-round.

Vietnam Glamping Hub Projects: Flexiiform is collaborating on high-end saddle tent glamping at Glamping Hub resorts, including strategic partnerships to boost investor value through 2024-2026 developments in Vietnam.

EQUIPMENT & TECH TRENDS

Innovations to survey for 2026:

Invisible Tech: AI analyzes user data to tailor activities, optimize climate and security systems, and even design innovative structures like bubble tents, boosting comfort and efficiency. These applications drive the industry’s growth by merging luxury with technology for eco-conscious travelers.​

The Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association: highlights rising family-friendly glamping options across Asia, including Thailand.

Regional Trends :

ASEAN’s outdoor lodging sector, including glamping, is projected to grow 10.8% annually through 2030, driven by sustainable tents, eco-lodges, and nature pods. Events like the ASEAN Garden Living Expo 2026 in Malaysia will showcase related innovations for resorts

Glampstay Tents (glampstaytents.com): bring a new series of high-end canvas models for 2026 with Authentik Tents.

The Breeze Air-Conditioning innovative system slowly make is place in hospitality projects, especially adapted to hot-temperature zones and open walls spaces, optimizing the distribution of cool air over the bed area.

TECHNICAL POINTS

Bilan Construction 2025 Off-site prefabrication in the major tendance. It divides the time of istallation by 5 to 10 compare to standard construction and reduce site impact by 40%. Minimizing “ground disturbance” is now a key requirement for obtaining permits in protected areas. Designer and builders as Epic-Cabins has now Factory in Indonesia to maximize

2026 Technical Checklist

Operational Yield: High-performing sites are targeting an 18% to 25% annual rental yield by bundling stays with “Wellness Packages.”

Climate Resilience: New 2026 safety codes in Europe and the US require lightweight structures to be rated for winds exceeding 120km/h.

Water Management: Transitioning to closed-loop greywater systems cand even dry-toilets, using water pumps to feed plants can reduce site water costs by up to 30%.

Introduction of AI Agents to optimize the management of guests, costs control and tecnnical maintenance.

TIP OF THE MONTH

Outdoor Cinema under the stars: this entertainment is one of a top demand trend for 2026. Invest in a “Kit projection” (Video-projector, portable screen, sound-system, blankets, long chairs). propose drinks and snacks. This simple add-on can increase your your booking for 15%, while offering a great experience and entetainment for your guests.

SECTOR AGENDA

• Jan 8–11: Vakantiebeurs – Utrecht, Netherlands (Key Benelux event for outdoor and holiday concepts)

• Jan 19–20: Destination Montagnes – Grenoble, France (Specialized in winter and high-altitude glamping)
• Feb 10–11: Hospitality Expo – Dublin, Ireland (Focus on tech and premium hospitality equipment)
• Mar 3–5: ITB Berlin – Berlin, Germany (World’s largest travel trade show; Luxury & Eco-Tourism focus)
• Mar 31 – Apr 1: Rendez-vous en France – Nice, France (B2B networking for French unusual accommodations)
• Sep 10–12: The Glamping Show UK – Stoneleigh Park, UK (The primary hub for new glamping structures)
• Sep 28–30: Glamping Show Americas – Aurora (CO), USA (The largest global B2B event for glamping innovation)
• Oct 14–16: SIA Hospitality Design – Rimini, Italy (High-end Italian design for open-air hospitality)
• Nov 3–5: Salon SETT – Montpellier, France (European leader for outdoor equipment and major investments)
• Nov 14–15: Salon de l’Hébergement Insolite – Paris, France (Dedicated to niche units like domes and cabins)
• Late Nov: Camp & Glamping Expo – Tokyo, Japan (Spotlight on minimalist innovation and Asian glamping tech)

SOURCES

SOURCES

• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (CNR) – 2026 Project Launch
• Amanvari Development – Baja California Sur Press Release
• JW Marriott Luxury Collection – Safari Camp Roadmap 2026
• Breeze Air-Conditioning – Thermal Efficiency Report 2025
• Glampstay Tents – glamsptaytents.com
• Glamping Passion Magazine – glampingpassion.com

PROJECT SUPPORT, SPECIALIZED SOURCING?

Developing or expanding your glamping project requires technical precision and a reliable technical supply chain. I offer support operators and developers in making safe and aware decisions.

• Strategic Sourcing: Direct access to specialized manufacturers for high-performance structures and technical equipment.
• Business Representation: Acting as your representative to qualify and negotiate projects, clients and suppliers sourcing.
• Technical & Design Assistance: Matching the right equipment and services to your specific project, concepts and market segment.
• Operational Setup: Bridging the gap between project delivery and a seamless guest experience.
• Workshops & Expert Speaking: Specialized training for teams and industry events.

Safe decisions lead to sustainable profits. Whether you are launching a new site or optimizing an existing one, let’s discuss how to de-risk your project and accelerate your growth.

Direct contact: contact@thierrytombelle.com
Phone/Whatsapp: +84 (0) 941 50 20 20

The Glamping Brief – Newsletter
Monthly edition for professionals, consultants, investors and operators
Next edition: February 2026

Stay inspired, informed, and ready to durably develop your project.

Thierry Tombelle Consulting
Support services, Business Representation, feasibility study, project support, tenting design, equipment sourcing, eco-solutions, technical and tropicalization assistance.