Editorial

Glamping 2026: The “Resort-ification” Standard & Technical Dives

The acceleration is confirmed. As we move through March 2026—with ITB Berlin and IHIF in full swing—one major trend is dominating the conversation: “Resort-ification.” Glamping is no longer just an alternative to luxury; it has become its most profitable component.

The operators succeeding this year are not those selling “a tent,” but those delivering a thermally insulated, connected hotel suite that complies with the strictest ESG standards.

Stay informed, keep aware!
Thierry Tombelle – Consultant – contact@thierrytombelle.com

NUMBER OF THE MONTH

22%

This is the average increase in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) observed in 5-star resorts that have integrated “Safari” or “Lodge” units alongside their traditional brick-and-mortar rooms. Experience now takes precedence over traditional construction.

MARKET INSIGHTS

The “Wellness-Integrated” Unit: In 2026, the spa is no longer a place you visit; it’s a place you experience. New projects systematically include private Nordic baths or meditation zones integrated directly into the deck. Design is a must have

Institutional Shift: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are now primarily targeting “Light & Reversible” assets for their fiscal agility and low environmental impact.

Vietnam / Cambodia Hub: We are seeing an fast rising of “Jungle-Luxe” projects around Siem Reap and in the Vietnamese Highlands (Da Lat), driven by a highly demanding regional clientele.

BUSINESS ALERT

As institutional capital (REITs and Private Equity) floods the market in Q1 2026, a “valuation gap” is appearing.

The Risk: Sites that cannot provide audited data on water consumption, waste management, and “Light-Touch” foundation impact are seeing their exit valuation drop by up to 15%.

The Strategy: Professionalizing your data tracking now is no longer an option, it is a requirement for future liquidity and asset resale.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS 2026

International Level

• The Red Sea Project (Saudi Arabia): New ultra-luxury hyper-modular tented suites are opening this month, setting a new global standard for 100% off-grid luxury.
• Amanvari (Mexico): Construction update: The biophilic pavilions are entering the final fit-out stage for a late 2026 opening.

Southeast Asia (SEA) Spotlight:

• Siem Reap Eco-Lodge (Cambodia): A major 40-unit Safari Lodge project focusing on “Regenerative Tourism” near the Angkor buffer zone.
• Da Lat Highlands (Vietnam): Multi-layered insulated domes are becoming the standard to tackle the high humidity and cool nights of the Central Highlands.

EQUIPMENT & TECH TRENDS

Tto survey for 2026:

The “Silent” HVAC: New standards discourage noisy split systems. Integrating ducted units under the floor or behind partition walls is becoming the norm to preserve the natural soundscape. Discover our new Breeze system, eco-friendly and great in open areas

Modular Bathrooms: To reduce on-site construction costs, 2026 is seeing a surge in pre-fabricated “Plug & Play” sanitary blocks that slide directly into the tent structure.

Fire-Rated Canvas: Pay close attention to new 2026 European and Asian regulations: Ensure your canvases have M2-M1/B2-B1/NFPA (or international equivalent) certification for your site safty and insurance.

Modular and foldable houses: a rinsing demand for this modular house system. This “Container-Bungalow” style system is a great alternative solution to replace efficiently mobile-homes at great cost. Expendable, foldable, assembling, quick solution for supr fas installation.

Capsule Houses: with their Science-Fiction movie design style, they are also highly luxery. delivered empty or fully furnish for instant installation and fast high-end operating

TIP OF THE MONTH: The “First Impression” Lighting

In 2026, outdoor lighting must be “Dark Sky Compliant”. Expert Lighting Design and use of low-temperature LEDs (2200K) pointed downwards. This preserves star visibility for your guests while reducing the impact on local fauna, a major ESG metric.

SECTOR AGENDA

• Mar 16–18: IHIF (International Hospitality Investment Forum) – Berlin, Germany
  www.ihif.com
• Mar 18: The Glamping Show European Forum – Lisbon, Portugal
  www.theglampingshow.com/the-glamping-show-european-forum
• Mar 31 – Apr 1: Rendez-vous en France – Nice, France
  www.rendezvousenfrance.pro
• May 4–7: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – Dubai, UAE
  www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html
• May 17–19: Eco Resort Network – Chiang Mai, Thailand
  www.ecoresort.network
• Sept 10–12: The Glamping Show UK – Stoneleigh Park, UK
  www.theglampingshow.com
• Sept 29–30: Glamping Show Americas – Aurora (CO), USA
  www.glampingshow.us
• Oct 14–16: SIA Hospitality Design – Rimini, Italy
  www.siaexpo.it
• Nov 3–5: Salon SETT – Montpellier, France
  www.salonsett.com
• Nov 14–15: Salon de l’Hébergement Insolite – Paris, France
  www.salon-hebergement-insolite.com
• Late Nov: Camp & Glamping Expo (Leisure Japan) – Tokyo, Japan
  leisure-japan.jp

SOURCES

• Sustainable Hospitality Alliance: sustainablehospitalityalliance.org
• Glamping Business Americas: www.glampingbusinessamericas.com
• International Glamping Business Magazine: www.glampingbusiness.com
• Glamping Passion Magazine: glampingpassion.com
• Glampstay Tents:glampstaytents.com
• Amanvari Development News: www.aman.com/resorts/amanvari

PROJECT SUPPORT, SPECIALIZED SOURCING?

Developing a glamping project in 2026 requires technical precision. I support operators and developers in securing their investments:

• Specialized Sourcing: Direct access to manufacturers of high-performance structures.
• Business Representation: Qualification and negotiation for your projects and suppliers.
• Technical Assistance: Adapting equipment to specific climatic constraints (R-Value, Wind Load).

Informed decisions lead to sustainable profits.
Let’s discuss how to secure your project growth.

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