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THE ASIA PACIFIC OUTDOOR LODGING ASSOCIATION
OUTDOOR INSIDER MARCH – APRIL 2026 |
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Welcome to Outdoor Insider - a round up of the latest outdoor lodging industry happenings by the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association. If you are a glamping operator or a supplier, enjoy a world of benefits, insights and practical tips by joining APOLA here.
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Five Reasons to Join APOLA |
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APOLA Sustainable Workshop at GSTC 2026 Conference |
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APOLA will run a 75-minute outdoor lodging sustainability workshop at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council conference (GSTC2026) in Phuket 21-24 April (see above). The focus will be on sustainability in outdoor lodging. GSTC expects the event to be the largest conference it has organised (about 700 participants from 60 countries). In a special deal, APOLA members are eligible for GSTC Individual Member Rates. Register here.
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Join Major Outdoor Lodging Event in Thailand in May |
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APOLA will lead a dedicated session at this year’s Eco Resort Network gathering in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, 17-19 May. The event will explore the evolving outdoor lodging landscape across Asia Pacific — emerging trends, regulatory shifts and sustainability in practice. The meeting of creative minds takes place at Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai. The emphasis will be on great conversations between pioneers and leaders in the outdoor lodging sector. There will be plenty of time to connect beyond the stage. APOLA members are eligible for a special event registration rate. Places are limited. Discover more at www.ecoresort.network/event
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Advertise in Outdoor Insider |
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APOLA’s B2B bi-monthly e-newsletter reaches hundreds of outdoor lodging operations, suppliers and vendors around Asia Pacific. Establish your unique sales position in the industry with a powerful message in a banner advertisement. Prices from US$250, depending on the number of insertions. Email anchalee@apola.io for further information.
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Tenthouse Structures is an innovation-led turnkey design-to-build practice specialising in luxury tented lodges, camps and eco-resorts. The multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers and technical specialists focuses on premium architectural fabric structures designed for durability, performance and minimal environmental impact.
The company works across ultra-luxury lodges, brand-led resorts, nature-based camps and private retreats. Projects range from client-collaborative design partnerships to fully integrated delivery solutions.
Selected projects can be viewed here: www.tenthousestructures.com/projects-portfolio
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Ryuger is a Japan-based engineering company developing advanced, structurally engineered tent systems for outdoor hospitality, community infrastructure, and emergency response use. Designed for durability, rapid deployment, and long-term reuse, Ryuger’s solutions move beyond conventional fabric tents, applying disciplined engineering, advanced materials, and real-world testing. Full specifications and professional imagery will be released as development is completed. Visit https://www.ryuger.com/
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APOLA welcomes the Pacific Asia Travel Association as a new Affiliate member. A joint MOU was signed by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and APOLA Executive Committee member Willem Niemeijer on 22 January at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2026 in Bangkok. Mr Niemeijer said: “It is fitting that APOLA works with PATA, the leading voice and authority on tourism in Asia Pacific, to draw attention to the potential that the sector has to deliver quality, nature-based responsible tourism experiences.” Read more.
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International Glamping Business magazine and its sister brand, the Eco Resort Network, have joined APOLA as Affiliate members. IGB magazine is the world’s first trade publication 100% dedicated to the glamping sector. Published six times a year, the magazine is available in a free-to-read digital format and is supported by a bi-monthly newsletter. Eco Resort Network is a global community for innovators shaping the future of sustainable outdoor hospitality. Each year, its flagship event brings leaders together to swap ideas, forge connections and create positive impacts. APOLA is an official supporter of ERN 2026 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 17-19 May.
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Visama Explorer Nan: Transfers, Offers and Agent Rates |
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Visama Explorer Nan tented camp in a serene and remote corner of northern Thailand celebrated its recent opening with a grand party on site 20-22 February. For travel agents, contracts commence 10 April. Direct clients receive a small discount if booking two nights or more. The eight-tent camp built around a creek with scenic mountain views also has direct B2C offers available to mark its opening. Guests have a choice of direct non-stop transfers from Nan airport. Or a Transfer Plus option with guide, pre-defined stops and alternative routing on the return leg.
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Lightweight Structures, Big Cost-Reducing Impacts
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APOLA member, Brendan O’Molony, CEO, Tenthouse Structures says that in tensile architecture, sustainability starts with one question: how little can we build to achieve the most?
He favours dry anchoring over traditional concrete foundations, significantly cutting embodied carbon, wet works, and construction disruption. For enclosed spaces, tensile skins are paired with prefabricated insulated panels that improve thermal performance and reduce long-term energy loads — particularly important in remote or off-grid environments. This combination of light structure and high-performance envelope is the difference between a viable off-grid hospitality product and one that simply consumes too much energy. Read on for how to do more with less.
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APOLA Masterclass Videos and Insight Papers Available |
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Specialist insights on outdoor lodging design, operations, engineering, sustainability, cost savings and more are available to APOLA members in the members’ zone. Enjoy premium content, special features, and insider perks curated just for APOLA members here. Join APOLA today and get immediate access here.
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Sustainability in Practice |
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The Vital Importance of Design in Flood-Prone Locations
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The floods in October-November 2025 in Central Vietnam tested riverside hospitality projects. At Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, early sustainability decisions proved decisive, says Charles Gallavardin, Co-Founder of T3 Architects and Kanopya Living.
Buildings were designed low-height and lightweight to protect the riverbank, and positioned above the 50-year flood level. Roof overhangs shielded façades. Mangroves and nipa palms stabilised the landscape. When floods came, the structures stayed dry. Repair costs were limited. Operations resumed quickly. Read more about this case study here.
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Designing Outdoor Lodging for Longevity
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In its latest blog, Escape Nomade says there are five ways to design outdoor lodging that lasts:
- Sustainability must be designed for operations, not only construction
- Guest comfort is central to commercial viability
- Durability is a strategic design decision
- Experience-led design strengthens long-term value
- Longevity requires planning beyond the opening year.
Escape Nomade gets into the details and rationale for each point here. |
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Tented Camp Sustainability: The Four Seasons Way
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The Four Seasons Tented Camp in the Golden Triangle area at the very northern tip of Thailand, operates on key principles:
Mindful design: No walls, no television in-tent, and no air-conditioning in public areas – giving guests an opportunity to truly connect with themselves and the destination.
Waste management: Composting food and garden waste and recycling natural material back into the soil to nourish the landscape. Organic waste generated onsite is transformed into compost that supports native flora.
Sustainable F&B: Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms and community producers, with daily specials shaped by what’s available locally.
Thoughtful experiences: The camp promotes nature through low-impact adventures such as foraging walks, riverside dinner, tree planting and guided hikes along the camp’s private nature trails.
These are just a few highlights. The camp’s full sustainability profile can be viewed here. |
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- In its latest findings, Fortune Business Insights reports that the global glamping market size was valued at US$3.40 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from US$3.71 billion in 2025 to US$7.36 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.27% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the global glamping market with a market share of 36.76% in 2024.
- HTF Market Intelligence Consulting says the glamping sector is witnessing trends towards sustainable luxury accommodations, modular glamping structure, the integration of wellness, the dominance of digital booking platforms, a move towards remote locations, and year-round climate adaptation.
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- Travel Daily Media has added the new category of “Outdoor Lodging of the Year” to its TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026. The award will recognise exceptional outdoor accommodations, including eco-lodges, glamping sites, cabins, and other unique lodging experiences.
- Discussions at the Atlantic Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit in Madrid in January showed that major hotel brands are establishing dedicated outdoor accommodation divisions. Private equity investors are entering the glamping sector in search of yield, sustainability alignment, and new guest experiences. Full story.
- The Australian Camps Association has entered a strategic partnership with the International Camping Fellowship. The agreement recognises ACA as Australia’s national camp association and strengthens links between Australian providers and the global camping community.
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Outdoor Insider: Submissions Welcome
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APOLA exists to support serious operators navigating a changing landscape — through shared knowledge, credible visibility and practical industry connection. Members are encouraged to contribute short news items, videos, insight and comment pieces for future editions. Next edition: May-June. Deadline: 23 April. Email: kens@scottasia.net cc ann@scottasia.net
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ABOUT THE ASIA PACIFIC OUTDOOR LODGING ASSOCIATION
APOLA is an industry body driven by local professionals dedicated to uniting and empowering the Asia Pacific outdoor lodging community, championing sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration to elevate the industry’s standards. With a forward‑looking vision of embedding sustainability and cultural enrichment at the heart of outdoor hospitality across the region, APOLA aims to fuse responsible development with the rich traditions and natural beauty of Asia Pacific destinations. Visit https://apola.io/
Editors and journalists seeking specialist insights, or who want to run an in-depth feature on outdoor lodging / glamping, or visit one of the properties mentioned, should contact APOLA’s media team below:
MEDIA CONTACT FOR APOLA
Ken Scott | ScottAsia Communications | Mobile: (+44) 7949 077959 | Email: kens@scottasia.net
Anchalee Sriwongsa | ScottAsia Communications | Mobile: (+66) 91 806 0484 | Email: ann@scottasia.net
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Be part of shaping the future of outdoor lodging in Asia Pacific
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