Discovering the allure of glamping with Willem Niemeijer, Thailand’s…

As we embark on Season Two of Trends, our intrepid host, David Barrett, is all set to dive into the world of glamping. And who better to guide us through this eco-luxe adventure than Willem Niemeijer, the visionary Founder and CEO of YAANA Ventures, Thailand’s trailblazer in sustainable travel and Glamping.

For Willem, the love affair with travel began in his youth, igniting a lifelong passion that eventually led him to Thailand. His journey in the travel industry started in the 1980s in Holland, and then in Thailand he established Khiri Travel in 1993. Fast forward to 2016, and Willem birthed YAANA Ventures, a conglomerate committed to fostering sustainable hospitality brands in Asia.

The YAANA Ventures portfolio, including the well known travel brand Khiri Travel, spans continents and boasts innovative ventures like Anurak Lodge in Thailand, Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia, and the recently unveiled tented camp experience, Visama Lodges. Willem’s latest endeavour, in collaboration with The Orient & Occident Company, gave birth to their first Visama Lodge at Mae Chan on the outskirts of Chiang Rai in late 2023.

Eco-tourism and sustainability have surged in popularity in the aftermath of COVID-19, and glamping in Thailand is emerging as a captivating market. While the Four Seasons tented camp in Chiang Mai marked an initial foray into glamping, standards for such camps in Thailand remain an untamed wilderness and luxury camping opportunities are there to be pitched.

Visama Lodges, however, aims to redefine the glamping landscape. They are positioning the brand as a pioneer in crafting unique eco-lodge and tented camp resorts in remote corners of Asia. Willem added that Visama Lodges focuses on conceptualization, development, sales & marketing of deluxe eco-lodges. Their pre-packaged eco-lodge tented camp model features 20 en-suite deluxe units, each intricately tailored to its local environment with a resolute commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

Willem and his team, with eyes set on neighbouring countries and even further in Indonesia, are set to expand the glamping world. These lodges offer investors and owners a more accessible entry point into hospitality compared to traditional hotel builds.

The allure of eco-tourism lies in its promise to whisk guests away from the beaten track and mass tourism. Today’s travellers crave adventure and a reconnection with nature, all while minimizing their carbon footprint.

According to Willem, 2023 marked a true recovery for the Thai tourism industry, and 2024 is poised for robust growth in niche sectors like glamping and eco-tourism. Despite the overall lower numbers in mass tourism arrivals, glamping and its ilk are witnessing a healthy surge, proving that travellers are seeking unique and sustainable experiences.

However, the spectre of political unease and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East looms large. The tourism industry, sensitive to external factors, remains resilient, and Willem maintains an optimistic outlook.

The chief challenge, as Willem sees it, is the resurgence of ‘Overtourism’. Badly managed mass tourism concentrates in a few hubs, necessitating a concerted effort to disperse tourists to lesser-known regions. Places like the northeast Isaan region in Thailand hold untapped potential.

When asked about the go-to destination for 2024, Willem enthusiastically recommended the Nan Province in Northern Thailand. Despite being a domestic tourism hotspot, it’s yet to be fully discovered by international visitors. So, let’s heed Willem’s advice, pack our bags, and head north to Mae Chan, where Visama Lodge awaits. Add a side trip to the enchanting Nan Province, and you’ll find yourself on the forefront of the next wave in sustainable, luxurious travel.