Editorial

Welcome to the new 2026 edition of my newsletter.

We are entering a pivotal year. The “discovery phase” of glamping is over; we have entered the era of Professionalized Experiential Hospitality. For years, I’ve been filtering the noise to give you some insights and selected signals of changing.

As we kick off 2026, the boundary between traditional luxury resorts and high-end glamping has officially blurred. Investors, architects, and GMs are no longer asking if they should integrate experiential units, but how they can scale them soon.

Stay informed, keep aware!

Thierry Tombelle – Consultant – contact@thierrytombelle.com – +84 (0)941 50 20 20

NUMBER OF THE MONTH

15%

The projected share of “Alternative Lodging” (glamping, treehouses, tented lodges) within the total portfolio of major global hotel groups by the end of 2026. Institutional capital has officially arrived.

MARKET INSIGHTS: 2026 PREDICTION

The “Resort-ification” of Glamping: In 2026, we are seeing a massive shift where traditional 5-star resorts are adding “Experiential Wings.” Instead of building more concrete rooms, GMs are opting for high-margin, low-impact tented suites. Direct impact: Investors see faster ROI and higher ADR (Average Daily Rate) compared to standard hotel wings.

The “Silver Glamper” Surge: While Gen Z drove the initial boom, the 55+ demographic is the 2026 growth engine. They demand high-thread-count linens, orthopedic comfort, and fine dining, but want to wake up to a 180° nature view. Strategic Move: Architects must prioritize accessibility and “invisible” luxury (no more climbing ladders to reach a bed).

Wellness 3.0: Biophilic Design: Wellness is no longer just a spa; it’s the architecture itself. 2026 projects are focusing on biophilic design—buildings that improve the guest’s health through natural light, air filtration, and direct integration with local flora.

BUSINESS ALERT

The Professionalization Gap:

As institutional capital floods the market, the “amateur” era of glamping is officially closing. In 2026, investors are increasingly penalizing sites that lack standard hospitality certifications (ISO 14001, ESG ratings) or professional Property Management Systems (PMS).

The Risk: If your operations aren’t standardized by Q3 2026, your asset valuation could drop by an estimated up to 20% compared to professionalized “branded” competitors.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS 2026

International Level

Amanvari (Baja, Mexico): Aman’s upcoming ultra-luxury destination featuring standalone biophilic pavilions, setting the 2026 global benchmark for low-impact desert luxury.

JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve (Kenya): A significant 2026 expansion into high-end tented safari camps, bridging big-brand hospitality with raw wilderness.

The Malkai (Oman): A desert-to-mountain tented project in the Al Hajar range, showcasing the scaling of experiential luxury in the GCC region.

Southeast Asia (SEA) Spotlight

Sadec Glamping (Long An, Vietnam): A local development with”Saddle-Tent” structures with good wind resistance and minimal footprint in the Mekong Delta region targeting locals travellers.

Nam Cat Tien Forest Expansion (Vietnam): New biodiversity-focused glamping units within the National Park, focusing on eco-education and high-end conservation lodging.

InterContinental Khao Yai (Thailand): The continued expansion of its “upcycled heritage railcar” suites, a global case study in transforming historical hardware into premium experiential keys.

The Pavilions Anana (Krabi, Thailand): A 2026 push for “Regenerative Glamping,” where units are integrated into a working permaculture farm to offer “Farm-to-Tent” dining experiences.

EQUIPMENT & TECH TRENDS

Standardized Prefabricated Wood Frames: Modular kits that allow for installation in days, reducing on-site labor costs by 30%.

Hybrid Solar Kits & Lithium Storage: Mature, affordable technology providing autonomy for lighting and charging in remote units.

Smart Occupancy Sensors (IoT): Simple Wi-Fi sensors that automatically shut down climate control when guests leave, saving 20% on energy costs.

TECHNICAL POINTS

1. Wind Load & Structural Aerodynamics: In 2026, climate volatility (especially in Southeast Asia and coastal US) is the primary engineering constraint.

• Tension Monitoring: in tropical areas, some professional operators start now to install digital tension sensors on main guy-ropes to provide real-time alerts to secure structural failure occurs during storms.

2. Thermal Performance & The “R-Value” Gap: The biggest complaint in glamping remains “too hot during the day, too cold at night.”

• Multi-Layer Membranes: the new high-end units utilize a triple-layer system: an outer UV-reflective PVC skin, a middle “Alu-bubble” insulation layer, and an inner fire-retardant canvas. This achieves an R-value of 4.5 to 6.0, reducing HVAC energy consumption by up to 35%.
• Thermal Breaks: Architects must ensure “thermal breaks” in the metal sub-frames to prevent heat conduction from the exterior deck to the interior floor.

3. “Light-Touch” Foundation Engineering: Concrete slabs are increasingly banned in protected ecological zones. Existing deck systems generrally used in contruction are gradually introduced in platforms building.

• Ground Screws (Helical Piles): These are the 2026 newstandard. They can be installed in a single day, require no curing time, and can be completely removed, leaving zero soil impact.
• Pod levellers: coming in differents shapes and material, usually plastic, they are definitly very useful. Super easy to install, just placed on a flat ground surface, they can stand a big load while their system of inner screw make the level easy to fine tune.
• Elevated Platforms: Maintaining a minimum gap of 400mm between the ground and the deck is critical for airflow (reducing mold) and allows local micro-fauna to pass underneath undisturbed, a key ESG metric.

TIP OF THE MONTH

Prioritize “De-constructability”: When selecting your structural materials, choose bolted connections over welded ones. In the 2026 market, the ability to disassemble, move, relocate or resell your units without damaging both your equipment and the land is a massive plus for your asset’s liquidity and future-proofs your investment against changing land-use regulations.

SECTOR AGENDA

• Feb 10–11: Hospitality Expo – Dublin, Ireland – https://www.hospitalityexpo.ie/
• Mar 3–5: ITB Berlin – Berlin, Germany – https://www.itb.com/
• Mar 16–18: IHIF (International Hospitality Investment Forum) – Berlin, Germany – https://www.ihif.com/
• Mar 31 – Apr 1: Rendez-vous en France – Nice, France – https://www.rendezvousenfrance.pro/
• June 10–11: The Glamping Show Europe – UK – https://www.glampingshow.com/europe
• Sep 10–12: The Glamping Show UK – Stoneleigh Park, UK- https://www.theglampingshow.com/
• Sep 28–30: Glamping Show Americas – Aurora (CO), USA – https://www.glampingshow.us/
• Oct 14–16: SIA Hospitality Design – Rimini, Italy – https://www.siaexpo.it/
• Nov 3–5: Salon SETT – Montpellier, France – ttps://www.salonsett.com/
• Nov 14–15: Salon de l’Hébergement Insolite – Paris, France – https://www.salon-herbergement-insolite.com/
• Late Nov: Camp & Glamping Expo (Leisure Japan) – Tokyo, Japan – https://leisure-japan.jp/

SOURCES

SOURCES

• Sustainable Hospitality Alliance: https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/
• Glamping Business Americas: https://www.glampingbusinessamericas.com/
• International Glamping Business Magazine: https://www.glampingbusiness.com/
• Glampstay Tents – glamsptaytents.com
• Glamping Passion Magazine – glampingpassion.com

PROJECT SUPPORT, SPECIALIZED SOURCING?

I help and support operators and developers in developping experiential hospitality and glamping 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: March 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.