Glamping embracing sustainability in Cambodia

Cardamom Tented Camp is one of the places 

that is truly eco-friendly. Allan Michaud

Experience all the joys of camping in outdoors but without giving up any of the luxuries and comforts of the modern world. That in essence is the concept of ‘glamping’ born of the merger of the words ‘glamour’ and ‘camping’. Lately, with sustainability becoming all the rage across industries, glamping too has been increasingly promoting sustainability.

Glamping provides the opportunity of providing such experiences, that classic resorts do not, said Alexis de Suremain, Maads brand Founder. “Cambodia has this opportunity as the destination has not yet built its hospitality identity, it’s been all taken by Angkor for the time being,” he added.

Cambodia’s tourism industry is growing rapidly, and there is a demand for more unique and upscale accommodation options, explained Sokchanlida Horn, Co-Founder/CEO, Solo Landscapes.

Glamping can provide a way to meet this demand and attract new visitors to the country, especially among the locals.

“What is special about Cardamom Tented Camp is that we are one of the only places in Cambodia that is truly eco-friendly. Almost zero waste, runs entirely on solar and recycling everything. We also pay for the protection of 18,000 hectares of Botum Sakor National Park,” said Allan Michaud, Lodge Manager, Cardamom Tented Camp.

Glamping could be a perfect match for Cambodia tourism, either inbound or domestic, said Catherine Germier-Hamel, Founder & CEO of Millennium Destinations. It can draw discerning travellers who crave both adventure and comfort amidst its stunning, pristine natural landscapes, and perhaps even within proximity to notable landmarks, However, she recommended conducting thorough market and feasibility studies to better evaluate this potential.

The potential for glamping is huge and is already being realized in many places, pointed out Nick Ray, Lonely Planet contributor. “One of the pioneers is Canvas and Orchids, formerly known as Four Rivers Floating Ecolodge, which continues to be the only floating glamping option in Cambodia. It’s been joined more recently by Cardamom Tented Camp, the most eco-friendly camp in Cambodia, if not Southeast Asia. You also have the luxurious Shinta Mani Wild, offering a stupendous experience for those who have the money,” he added.

“We believe the destination has to differentiate itself from the neighbouring countries and unique glamping solutions are a way to do it,” continued Suremain. “We have been developing the ‘Jungloo’ tents specifically for hot and humid environments, with a few at Templation Resort in Siem Reap and a floating one in Phnom Penh,” he added.

The increase in the camping market revenue in Cambodia according to Statista is estimated to be significant, nearing $1.7 million by this year. Annual growth in the market has a projection of 19.53 percent by 2028 and a volume of $3.47 million.

By 2028, the number of users in the camping market is expected to reach 2,781,000 with user penetration estimated at a rate of 0.1 percent in 2024, which is expected to soar to 0.2 percent by 2028. As much as 63 percent of the total camping market revenue in the Kingdom will be the result of online sales by 2028. The expectation for average revenue per user (ARPU) is $108.10.