A new state standard has been approved in Russia to formally define and regulate glamping, marking the first time national standards have been applied to this form of accommodation.
The new GOST, as reported by Kommersant, sets requirements for accommodation quality, services, and safety at glamping facilities and will take effect on June 1, 2026.
Experts expect the adoption of the standard to have a positive impact on the sector by establishing clearer rules and reducing disputes between guests and operators over service descriptions and expectations.
Glamping, which combines hotel-like comfort with access to natural settings, has grown in popularity in Russia over the past decade, mirroring trends seen globally.
Despite the upcoming regulatory changes, market participants do not anticipate major price increases for glamping stays in regions such as St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, according to 78.ru.
Marianna Gorbanovskaya, manager of the Elki country cottage chain, said that demand and weather remain the main factors influencing pricing.
“In the past summer, due to the unfavorable season, it was decided to reduce prices to fulfill the planned budget indicators,” she said.
Yulia Mikhaleva, Deputy Head of Roskachestvo, noted that the new GOST was created in collaboration with industry associations.
“GOST takes into account the specifics of this industry, which began to develop in Russia 10 years ago. It has been developing in the world for a long time. Glampings must have a certain infrastructure, so it will no longer be possible to come, choose a site, pull up an awning, put up a tent, and call it glamping,” she said in an interview with Delovoy Peterburg.
Anna Somova, head of the consulting and classification center of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the new definition distinguishes glamping from campsites.
She explained that “glamping is a hotel according to quality standards, but without capital buildings,” highlighting the importance of safety measures, child- and pet-friendly facilities, and ensuring that glamping sites integrate harmoniously with natural landscapes.
The move follows a recent law signed by President Vladimir Putin that allows accommodation providers, including glamping and campsites, to offer non-refundable rates.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the introduction of Russia’s first national standard for glamping could provide valuable insight into how formal regulation may influence global industry practices.
The GOST model could serve as a reference point for operators and policymakers in other regions seeking to balance guest expectations, safety standards, and sustainable development within the glamping sector.