Two of the most influential forces in sustainable tourism have joined together in a new partnership designed to reshape the future of outdoor lodging across Asia Pacific.
The Long Run (TLR) and the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that formalises a shared ambition: to accelerate responsible development, strengthen industry knowledge, and elevate sustainability standards across one of the world’s fastest‑growing hospitality sectors. The agreement was signed on 8 June and marks the first formal collaboration between the two organisations.
Outdoor lodging often grouped under the “glamping” umbrella is expanding at around 15% annually in Asia Pacific, outpacing global growth and signalling a shift in traveller expectations towards nature‑led, low‑impact experiences. APOLA’s mission is to guide this momentum with structure, standards and long‑term vision, while The Long Run brings decades of global expertise through its renowned 4Cs framework: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce.
Both organisations see tourism not simply as an economic engine, but as a force for good when rooted in environmental integrity and local partnership. As APOLA co‑founder Robert Hecker notes, outdoor lodging “can be a powerful tool for rural economic development” when designed with genuine environmental consideration and TLR’s global best‑practice network offers a blueprint for doing exactly that.
A Partnership Built on Knowledge, Evidence and Community
The agreement opens the door to joint events, knowledge exchange, communications initiatives and membership engagement across the region. One of the first major collaborations will be The Long Run’s APAC Regional Hub Meeting, to be held 15–17 June at Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia, itself an APOLA member. Centred on the theme “From Influence to Evidence: The 4Cs in Practice,” the gathering will bring together conservation‑driven lodges, nature‑based operators and responsible travel businesses from across Asia.
The event is designed for both seasoned sustainability leaders and those at the beginning of their journey, offering a rare space for open dialogue, shared challenges and practical solutions. As TLR’s Executive Director Dr. Anne‑Kathrin Zschiegner explains, the partnership reflects a commitment to “practical collaboration” and building a community capable of driving meaningful change across the region.
Setting the Standard for the Next Era of Outdoor Hospitality
Beyond events, the partnership will explore workshops, panel discussions and training programmes, all aimed at helping operators navigate the complexities of sustainable development — from investment and regulatory compliance to guest experience and marketing. The goal is not simply to grow the sector, but to shape it with intention, embedding environmental stewardship and cultural respect at its core.
As Asia Pacific continues to emerge as a global leader in nature‑based hospitality, the alliance between The Long Run and APOLA signals a new chapter, one where growth is matched with responsibility, and where outdoor lodging becomes a model for how tourism can enrich landscapes, communities and travellers alike.
