One week on from Eco Resort Network 2025, we’ve reflected on the presentations, innovations, and conversations that inspired us during two packed days in Spetses, Greece.
The event saw experts in sustainable hospitality, glamping and experiential lodging – including Glamping Advisors’ Lars Schäfer – gathered to talk about everything from heat pumps to marketing.
The summit offered a glimpse at the future of eco-tourism and glamping’s key role in it.
Here are five things we learned from Eco Resort Network 2025.
1. Sustainable travel is a global phenomenon
“Travel is global” might not exactly be breaking news, but the range of projects, delegates and speakers at Eco Resort Network was a reminder that eco-tourism and sustainable travel is a worldwide trend.
From emerging markets to established eco-destinations, the commitment to responsible travel is gaining momentum everywhere.
The international range of operations reflected the growing understanding of environmental challenges and a shared vision for more conscious tourism, highlighting the universal appeal and necessity of sustainable development in the hospitality sector.
2. Luxury stays don’t have to cost the earth
Today’s luxury traveler is increasingly seeking authentic, immersive experiences that align with their values. Eco resorts are exceptionally well-positioned to cater to this.
Guests are shifting from excess to understated elegance and a genuine connection with the natural world.
Glamping, in particular, offers a unique blend of comfort and nature, allowing guests to enjoy luxury amenities and service while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Operators speaking at Eco Resort Network 2025 proved that it’s possible to deliver five-star experiences with eco-conscious practices, from using locally sourced, organic materials in construction to running biodiversity tours that give back to the ecosystems they explore.
However, building and operating sustainably can sometimes lead to higher costs, meaning lower margins on even the highest daily rates. This can leave investors to choose between better returns or more responsible operations, creating a hurdle for greener projects trying to get off the ground.
3. Thoughtful design matters
Good design is key to a successful operation, including physical structures and the guest journey.
Thoughtful structure and resort design mean integrating sustainability from the ground up. This includes optimising for natural light and ventilation, using low-impact construction techniques, and selecting durable, eco-friendly materials that blend harmoniously with the landscape.
It’s about creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also inherently resource-efficient and respectful of their environment.
Designing the guest experience involves planning every touchpoint, from the initial booking process to post-stay engagement. It’s about creating a narrative and ensuring seamless integration of comfort and environmental stewardship.
3. Thoughtful design matters
Good design is key to a successful operation, including physical structures and the guest journey.
Thoughtful structure and resort design mean integrating sustainability from the ground up. This includes optimising for natural light and ventilation, using low-impact construction techniques, and selecting durable, eco-friendly materials that blend harmoniously with the landscape.
It’s about creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also inherently resource-efficient and respectful of their environment.
Designing the guest experience involves planning every touchpoint, from the initial booking process to post-stay engagement. It’s about creating a narrative and ensuring seamless integration of comfort and environmental stewardship.
4. Going from sustainable to regenerative
We talk a lot about sustainability, and glamping is well-positioned for environmentally-sound hospitality offerings.
But now, operators are looking to go one step further: sites that actively give back to the environments they’re in.
This includes regenerative activities such as reforestation projects, native habitat restoration, and supporting local conservation efforts.
Resorts are increasingly becoming stewards of their surrounding ecosystems.
Food and beverages are a key area for regenerative practices, with a growing emphasis on serving locally-sourced dishes produced with good agricultural practices. This means better soil health, biodiversity and water quality, directly contributing to a healthier planet.
Regenerative design for glamping operations involves implementing innovative solutions like off-grid solar systems for energy independence, smart water systems that minimize consumption and recycle wastewater, and renewable building materials that have a positive impact on the environment throughout their lifecycle.
The goal is to create properties that not only reduce their negative impact but actively contribute to natural resources and local communities.
5. Technology will impact every element of glamping
While glamping resorts are often an escape from modern tech, new innovations are vital behind the scenes for efficient, sustainable and profitable operations.
From leveraging analytics to understand guest preferences to implementing heat pumps for reduced energy consumption, tech is pushing eco-operations forward.
Emerging technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) for smart resource management could further enhance the operational efficiency, sustainability, and guest experience in the glamping sector.
AI is impacting almost every industry, and glamping is no exception. There is likely to be major shifts such as hyper-personalized guest communication and more advanced predictive analytics for demand forecasting.
We’re excited for Eco Resort Network 2026 and can’t wait to see the innovations this network of experts develops over the next 12 months.
