Mobile homes and glamping: a booming industry
The popularity of mobile homes and glamping has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years
The booming domestic tourism industry has fueled demand for diverse accommodation options. In addition to traditional choices like hotels and vacation homes, new formats such as mobile homes and glamping have gained significant popularity. This article explores the current landscape and future potential of this sector.
What's going on today
Data from the Glamping Association, a member of the Russian Union of Travel Industry, indicates that Russia currently hosts approximately 550 glamping sites. Notably, 66% of these accommodations operate year-round, demonstrating the growing appeal of this outdoor hospitality concept. The leading positions in the number of glamping sites are occupied by the Moscow Region (56 sites), Krasnodar Territory (41 sites), and Tatarstan (22 sites).
Russia's glamping market is characterized by its individuality, with each project offering a distinct experience. According to Janna Kira, President of the Glamping Association, this uniqueness presents challenges for scaling operations across different regions.
Quantifying the size of Russia's mobile home market is complex due to the lack of standardized definitions. However, the sector is undeniably expanding, driven by a combination of local tourism development and government support. The number of mobile home manufacturers has surged to 500 by early 2024.
The allure of glamping and mobile home businesses is evident. But what makes these ventures so appealing?
Investing in glamping or mobile homes offers several advantages over traditional hospitality options. Firstly, the initial investment is significantly lower. Unlike hotels or cottages, which require substantial construction costs including foundations, glamping and mobile homes can be set up more quickly and economically. For instance, a glamping site can be established in a matter of weeks, compared to the year or more typically needed for a hotel.
Secondly, there's a strong and growing demand for these unique accommodations. Particularly popular among 23 to 45-year-olds seeking escape and relaxation, glamping and mobile homes often boast occupancy rates exceeding 90% during peak seasons.
Finally, these ventures offer faster returns on investment. While hotels may take 12 to 15 years to recoup initial costs, glamping projects often break even within five to six years, with some achieving profitability in as little as three years. Moreover, glamping experiences typically command higher nightly rates, ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 rubles.
State support measures have undoubtedly played an important role in the dynamic development of the sector. These include subsidies and grants at the federal and regional levels, simplified procedure for granting land plots, tax incentives, road connection, and marketing. Thus, if in 2022 4 billion rubles of subsidies were allocated for the construction of modular hotels, there were already 10 billion rubles in 2023-2024. Bashkortostan, North Ossetia-Alania and Kabardino-Balkaria were among the three leaders in terms of subsidies for these projects: RUB 418.4 million, RUB 332.5 million and RUB 283.8 million, respectively.
Prospects and Challenges for the Russian Glamping Industry
The Russian glamping industry is on a growth trajectory, with estimates projecting between 700 and 1,000 sites by the end of 2024. However, several challenges hinder the sector's full potential. A critical issue is the lack of a clear regulatory framework. The previous National Standard defining glamping has expired, and current regulations conflate glamping with camping, hindering the industry's development. Establishing a specific glamping standard is essential to differentiate the sector and ensure quality.
Furthermore, a standardized classification system for glamping sites is needed. As Nina Sinitsina, founder of the glamping site "Tochka Nemo," emphasizes, such a classification would establish benchmarks for facility offerings. Currently, the wide variation in offerings can dilute the glamping experience and negatively impact the industry's reputation.
Lastly, inconsistent land use policies and infrastructure access across regions pose significant obstacles. A unified approach to land allocation and utility connections is crucial for fostering equitable growth and development within the glamping sector.
Joining MITT 2025 can significantly elevate your market profile
The surging demand for glamping and mobile homes has created a lucrative market. Participating in the MITT International Travel & Hospitality Show, held from March 18-20, 2025, at Crocus Expo IEC in Moscow, empowers businesses to capitalize on this trend while addressing critical business needs such as customer acquisition and partnership development. For instance, glamping operators can connect with construction contractors to expand their offerings.
MITT boasts a substantial industry audience, attracting over 16,120 visitors from across Russia and internationally in 2024. Notably, 23% of visitors expressed keen interest in glamping and mobile homes.
ENJOY by Fantalis, Freedom, KupolHall, New Age, Horizon, Monza, Arch.Bro, Ecetera, WinWin House, Gnezdom, Vazuza, Hephaestus, Tut convenient, Kupol 365, Konakovo Hotel, Management, Visione 1, Skadtech, Elephant Park, Art House, Parklets, Wolferda, Lotus House, RT Comm, Premodul, EcoWood, LS Camp, Kravt, Master Module, Weber, Smart City and other companies are among the exhibitors in this sector at MITT 2023 and 2024.
