The outdoor hospitality sector in the Leningrad Region and St. Petersburg continues to see steady growth, with a notable expansion in recreational accommodations over the past five years.
According to the Petersburg Real Estate Consulting Center, the number of recreational complexes in the area has increased by over 30%, bringing the total to just over 400.
This growth has largely been driven by small-scale facilities and glamping projects, which have become a popular alternative to traditional hotels for nature-based tourism.
Glamping—a blend of hotel-style comfort and natural surroundings—has been one of the more prominent formats emerging in the region.
The sector saw rapid expansion following the COVID-19 pandemic as domestic travel surged and travelers sought safer, open-air environments. The Leningrad Region is now home to approximately 50 glamping operations.
While investor activity has cooled slightly in the past year, glamping remains a viable investment, especially as developers shift focus toward more sustainable and diversified offerings.
Most of the region’s recreational facilities are multi-format, with 48% offering a mix of hotel rooms and cottages, according to Business Petersburg.
About 30% consist solely of hotel accommodations, and roughly 20% are individual cottages, including glamping units.
“In general, multi-format complexes are the most successful suburban product, but for its development, it is necessary to carefully consider the composition and needs of the target audience,” said Svetlana Moskovchenko, deputy director of the Petersburg Real Estate Consulting Center.
“We see that catering facilities, as well as facilities designed for different seasons of the year and age groups of tourists, are opening more and more often on the territories of country hotels.”
Glamping accommodations in the region range widely in price and design. Budget-friendly summer tents can be booked for between 2,000 and 6,000 rubles per night, while mid-range heated cabins average 8,000 to 15,000 rubles.
Premium offerings—including water-view villas—can cost up to 30,000 to 40,000 rubles per night. With occupancy rates reaching 80–90% in the summer and about 45–50% in the off-season, operators are increasingly expanding service offerings to maintain year-round demand.
Construction costs for glamping vary significantly by project scale. Small setups with five to ten units can be launched for 10–30 million rubles.
Mid-size developments with additional amenities such as a sauna or recreation area may require 50–100 million rubles, while high-end facilities featuring spas and restaurants can exceed 100 million rubles.
However, experts caution that actual expenses often outpace initial estimates by four to five times due to infrastructure and logistical challenges.
Legal uncertainties remain a major concern. There is still no official legal classification for glamping under Russian law, complicating approval processes with agencies such as Rospotrebnadzor and the fire department.
Many glamping projects operate on agricultural or forest land where capital construction is restricted. While non-permanent structures like tents or modular cabins often avoid permit requirements, there is still the risk that authorities may retroactively classify them as illegal.
Another challenge is growing competition. Over 50 glamping sites now operate in the Leningrad Region, particularly in popular districts like Vyborgsky and Priozersk.
As guest expectations evolve, operators are finding it increasingly important to differentiate their offerings through distinctive accommodations, curated experiences, and robust service.
“Domestic tourism continues to grow, and the demand for comfortable recreation in the natural environment is only increasing,” said Moskovchenko.
“Successful projects rely on non-standard formats, such as tree houses or floating tents, and complement them with high-quality service.”
While some investors report optimistic payback periods of two to four years, more conservative projections extend to five to seven years due to seasonal fluctuations.
Peak business typically occurs from May through September, with winter occupancy dropping to around 30–40%. Sites that cater to corporate retreats and year-round events may achieve more stable returns, though such examples remain limited.
From 2024, glamping sites are now included in Russia’s Unified Register of Accommodation Facilities. While classification remains voluntary, it can enhance consumer trust and improve access to government support.
Prospective operators must also comply with applicable sanitary and fire regulations, register their business, and meet communication and waste management requirements.
As the glamping market matures, successful development in this segment will depend on thoughtful planning, regulatory compliance, and service innovation.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, particularly those operating in or eyeing the Russian market, glamping continues to represent both a growth opportunity and a complex investment landscape requiring careful consideration.