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The country’s latest adventure combines the excitement of an outdoor adventure with the perks of a five-star hotel. Glamour and camping are two contrasting words that usually don’t go together but “Glamping” and fun sure do. 

The success of the Department of Tourism’s Adventure Philippines program two years ago is evident with the monumental increase in numbers in domestic and international tourism. Now, Glamping is one of the latest additions to the number of adventures tourists can enjoy in the country. The activity is also expected to contribute to the increase in tourism numbers.

“It’s camping for everybody, from the boy scouts all the way up to people who only go to luxurious hotels,” said Eduardo Jarque, Jr. Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotion.

Glamping originated in Africa to cater to the needs of affluent tourists who want to experience the great outdoors. The activity offers the pleasure of enjoying nature without the inconveniences that are usually associated with camping.

Though guests would still stay inside a tent, it’s what inside the tent that would make this kind of camping “glamorous”. Inside are facilities that are usually seen in five-star hotels such as a comfortable bed and crisp linen bed sheets. Other pieces of furniture such as desks and small cabinets complement the complete glamorous camping set-up.

“They set-up everything, from the table to the chairs, and not the regular wobbly chairs, it’s really the comfortable ones, even showers where everyone can comfortably take a bath. What’s more interesting is that the food is especially prepared, gourmet meals for the guests,” explained Jarque.

It’s an entirely new outdoor experience. Eager tourists, who have always wanted to get close to nature but not too close for the bugs to bite them, will now have their chance.

Glamping is already a success in Africa and even Thailand and has been picking up in the US and European countries. Since the activity has become a popular activity, tourists are looking for a new destination to go glamping.

With the country’s bountiful natural resources and breathtaking sites, it’s only a matter of time before we see an increase in the number of new glamping sites. One of the travel agencies with glamping adventure packages is the Blue Horizons Travel Company. Currently there are two destinations that are ready to entertain glampers—Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Baguio’s Camp John Hay.

 “As of the moment we are already catering to numerous European tourists who are very interested to experience glamping in the Philippines. The numbers are getting up and tour operators have seen the potential of the activity and have been developing tour packages that tourists can enjoy,” Jacque added.

Experiencing nature in style and luxury through glamping is not only for international tourists but local tourists as well. The activity has allowed camping to be comfortable for all ages.

“We are hoping that other destinations and tour operators will join the bandwagon and maximize the potential of the new adventure called glamping. The charm of waking up to nature after sleeping in a comfortable bed and eating gourmet food in front of a breathtaking view is simply irresistible” emphasized Jarque.