Gone are the crumpled tents and deflating mattresses. Welcome to the king-size bed under a transparent bubble, with a view of the starry desert. Glamping, a blend of glamour and camping, has found its place in Israel. From the yurts of the Golan to the lodges of the Negev, offerings are exploding on platforms. We no longer just book a night, but a design experience in the heart of nature.
Why it’s booming
- Varied landscapes: desert, lakes, mountains.
- Climate: a long tourist season, almost four seasons.
- Urban dwellers: need for fresh air without losing comfort.
- Added value: themes like wine, astronomy, yoga, or gastronomy.
Glamping checks all the boxes for the modern traveler: nature + comfort + Instagram.
Land and regulations: the crux of the matter
Before setting up the first tent, you need to get the green light. Zoning, planning (TAMA), safety and sanitation standards: everything must be approved. Poor zoning = a stillborn project. The winning strategy: work with a local planner and anticipate administrative delays.
Where to invest today
- Negev (Mitzpe Ramon, Arava): lunar landscapes, astro and desert tourism.
- Galilee and Kinneret: proximity to water, vineyards, family stays.
- Golan: green panoramas, adventure and nature circuits.
- Wine valleys: perfect synergy with wine tourism.
Key choices: water, road access, proximity to attractions. Without these three elements, profitability evaporates.
Business model: from bed to event
A tent is the foundation. But the real income comes from extras:
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High-end nights: 300–400 NIS on average (some formats go much higher).
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Experiences: tastings, guided hikes, wellness workshops.
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Private events: intimate weddings, yoga retreats, nature seminars.
👉 Result: margins often higher than those of a small traditional hotel, with a reduced initial investment.
Risks and levers
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Risks: administrative burden, seasonality, water/energy management, competition.
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Levers: distinctive design, local partnerships, sharp digital strategy, control of operational costs.
A well-thought-out site operates with attractive occupancy rates. But amateurism comes at a high cost.
Numbers and perspectives
Experience feedback shows solid revenues for well-placed sites. Glamping unit ≈ lower cost than a traditional hotel room. Nightly rate ≈ similar or higher price. Accelerated ROI if managed effectively and with strong storytelling.
Actionable advice for visionary investors
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Choose land already classified for tourism/rural use.
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Consult a planner before purchasing.
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Test first in a seasonal pop-up version.
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Add local experiences.
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Integrate sustainability (water, solar, waste).
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Check for grants and programs from the Ministry of Tourism.
Glamping in Israel: the tent of tomorrow is a cash machine
Glamping in Israel is not a passing trend. It is a consolidating sector, where the right concept can combine profitability, local impact, and high-end differentiation. The key: to captivate the visitor’s soul while respecting the land… and keeping an eye on the Excel spreadsheet.
Message to investors: The desert does not lie. When well-designed, a glamping project can become an oasis of returns.
