The evolution of Outdoor Lodging

The historical evolution of outdoor lodging and its progression to modern glamping has tracked closely to changes in how humans travel, seek leisure and interact with nature over centuries.

In nomadic traditions and ancient times, Mongolian yurts, Bedouin tents, and African safari camps have long provided practical, mobile shelters blending mobility, climate resilience and cultural identity. Military and royal expeditions often used lavish tents during campaigns as well. For instance, the Ottoman Empire’s royal pavilions and Mughal emperor’s tented cities were outfitted with silks, carpets and other luxuries.

From the late 18^th to the 19^th century, the Romanticism movement elevated nature as a source of beauty and restoration, and this movement led to leisure camping gaining cultural traction in Europe and North America. As cities grew dense, outdoor escapes became increasingly popular as a form of reprieve for urban dwellers.

The 20^th century witnessed organized outdoor lodging programs being formalized through groups like the Boy Scouts, YMCA Camps and national park lodges; and the advent of cars and railways enabled families to access wider and more extensive swathes of nature during the post-war leisure boom. Growing awareness of sustainability and low-impact travel began shaping outdoor lodging designs such as treehouses, eco-lodges and jungle retreats.

The most recent rise of outdoor lodging, particularly glamping, began in the early 2000s, as catalysed by changing traveller preferences, advances in hospitality design and the proliferation of social media as a tool for visual storytelling. This increase in demand has been further boosted by several additional factors, such as:

• the global wellness movement, which has encouraged travellers to seek restorative retreats in natural settings;
• the COVID-19 pandemic which drove demand for socially distanced and nature-centric travel; and
• a growing desire for escape from a hyper-connected, digital world.

Asia Pacific market size and trends

The outdoor lodging sector has witnessed exponential growth over the past decade. According to various industry reports, the global outdoor lodging market was valued at USD 25.8 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 41.7 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%¹. Glamping, as a premium sub-segment was valued at approximately USD 3.5-4 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed USD 9 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of approx. 11%.

Key drivers of growth include:

• Rising disposable incomes and greater desire for unique travel experiences;
• Increased investment in outdoor hospitality infrastructure;
• Popularity of experiential and adventure travel;
• Social media influence and digital marketing; and
• Sustainable tourism trends

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is witnessing a sharp rise in outdoor lodging demand, fuelled by the region’s vast natural landscapes and burgeoning middle class. While estimated figures for the broader outdoor lodging market remains unavailable, the APAC glamping market value was estimated to be approximately USD 620.5 million in 2024², and is projected to grow by a CAGR of 14-16% to exceed USD 1 billion in 2030.

Other regional growth drivers include:

• Rapid urbanization leading to increased demand for nature getaways
• Strong government and private investment in eco-tourism and sustainable lodging
• Rising millennial and Gen Z traveller base prioritizing unique and “shareable” travel experiences

Types of outdoor lodging accommodation

The diversity of outdoor lodging accommodations is one of the sector’s defining features. Key types include:

Tented and Canvas Accommodations

• Classic Tents: Classic tents typically refer to the fundamental designs that have shaped traditional camping, such as A-frame tents and cabin tents. They are valued for their simplicity and durability, making them a staple for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Safari Tents: Originally inspired by classic African safaris, these canvas tents have evolved into fully equipped suites with hardwood floors, plush beds, and ensuites; some including outdoor hot tubs.
• Yurts: Mongolian in origin, yurts feature circular, portable designs and are now built with high-tech insulation, heating, and stylish interiors.

• Domes & Geodesic Structures: Futuristic domes and pods provide panoramic views and resilience against the weather. Their unique spherical shape and modular design allow placement in diverse environments.

• Tepees & Bell Tents: Inspired by indigenous dwellings, these conical tents are spacious, airy, and often adorned with luxurious bedding, rugs, and lighting.

Raised, Speciality or Fixed Structures

• Treehouses: Treehouse accommodations offer privacy, remarkable views, and a deep sense of immersion in nature. Modern treehouses are engineered for comfort and safety.

• Cabins & Tiny Homes: From rustic log cabins to minimalist tiny houses, these structures blend traditional lodging with modern amenities, often featuring kitchenettes, climate control, and private decks.
• Modular Lodges: Built using prefabricated modules or sections constructed off-site, these lodges are then transported and assembled at the site to form a complete, permanent structure. Modular lodges are often used for eco-resorts, glamping retreats and remote accommodations.

Water-Based Accommodations

• Floating and Waterfront Lodges: Unconventional accommodations, such as houseboats, floating tents, overwater villas, and eco-pods build directly atop lakes, rivers, or coastlines, offering a blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Mobile Accommodations

• Airstreams, Caravans & Converted Vehicles: Vintage travel trailers, retrofitted buses, and luxury caravans appeal to travellers keen on mobility and nostalgia. These are equipped with modern comforts and are often set in scenic locations.

Ground-Level Outdoor Sites

• Standard campsites, RV hookup sites, van camping and hammock camping platforms

Adventure or Unique Accommodations

• Ice Domes and Igloos: For those seeking Arctic or alpine experiences, ice hotels and igloos offer insulated, heated interiors with glass roofs for stargazing or witnessing the Northern Lights.
• Earth Huts and Hobbit Houses: Earth huts are shelters constructed using natural materials found in the immediate environment – primarily soil, branches, leaves, grass and sometimes mud or turf. These shelters are widely recognized for blending into the landscape and providing both thermal insulation and year-round comfort in various climates. Inspired by the fictional homes described in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” series, hobbit houses are typically built into hillsides or partially covered with soil and vegetation, blending naturally into the landscape for natural insulation and camouflage.
• Farm Stays, Eco and Vineyard Lodges: Set amidst working farms or vineyards, these accommodations combine agrotourism with luxury, allowing guests to participate in farm activities or enjoy wine tastings.

Conclusion

The outdoor lodging segment is a vibrant and growing sector sitting at the intersection of hospitality innovation, experiential travel and environmental stewardship. With the right strategies, industry stakeholders can unlock value for guests, investors, local communities and the natural environment. The sector’s robust growth is testament to travellers’ growing desire for alternative accommodations and meaningful connections with nature, without forgoing convenience, comfort or luxury. As the industry continues to innovate – with new accommodation types, creative design, sustainable practices, and personalized experiences – this segment is poised for further growth.

Sources:

¹ Comprehensive Outdoor Hospitality Market Analysis: Opportunities and Challenges, Jan 2024, CRR Hospitality

² Asia Pacific Glamping Market Size & Outlook, 2024 – 2030, Grand View Research

This is the first part of a series of articles on the Outdoor Lodging sector authored by APOLA in partnership with Horwath HTL and C9 Hotelworks.

About APOLA

The Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) is an industry association that seeks to create a collaborative environment where outdoor lodging providers, industry experts, and stakeholders can come together to share knowledge, insights, and innovations. By fostering collaboration, the association aims to drive continuous improvement in the quality of outdoor lodging experiences that showcases the diverse beauty of Asia Pacific while preserving and celebrating its natural and cultural heritage. This includes the exchange of ideas on new technologies, design concepts, and operational strategies that enhance the overall guest experience, minimise the environmental impact of outdoor lodging and contribute to the long-term success of the industry.

About C9 Hotelworks

C9 Hotelworks is a globally awarded hospitality consultancy recognized as Asia’s leading advisor on residential and mixed-use developments, with projects and clients across all markets within Asia Pacific.  With a history spanning over a decade, C9 has worked throughout Asia and in many other locations around the globe from its base in Thailand, delivering independent, strategic advisory services to owners and developer for market studies, feasibility reports, management operator negotiations and asset management.  C9 has a high level of expertise in both hospitality and property sectors, with deep experience producing and analysing research that delivers insight to identify key issues, evaluate complex ones and support clients in achieving solid success.