From June 25 to June 27, Mexico is set to host the First Glamping and Conscious Tourism Expo. Taking place at a historic site in Morelos, the expo will bring together entrepreneurs, glamping operators, sustainability advocates, and indigenous artisans to explore how tourism can thrive while respecting the land and communities it inhabits.

According to Regina Saravia, the expo’s organizer, the idea was born from a need to guide Mexico’s rapidly growing glamping industry. “Glamping in Mexico—it started, the big boom was after the pandemic when people were looking for connections with nature,” Saravia said. 

She noted that while many launched glamping sites in scenic locations, a lack of hospitality training often left them unprepared. 

“Some new glampers jumped into the business without basic hospitality knowledge, underestimating what it takes to run a successful stay. Some failed to provide proper guest services or didn’t know key logistics, which ultimately led to the closure of their sites,” she noted.

Saravia also emphasized that the expo is designed to bridge those gaps by offering both foundational knowledge and advanced insights.  “What we’re trying to do is help them be more successful but also stable,” she said. “There are a lot of glamping sites that are closing.” 

“It’s not that they didn’t know it was going to be a lot of work, but that it’s a different job with not much information available,” she added.

Rather than focusing solely on expansion, the expo encourages operators to enhance the quality of guest experiences. “It’s going to be better—the experience in each glamping,” Saravia added, underlining the importance of professionalizing operations without losing authenticity.

Celebrating Regional Identity Through Authentic Guest Experiences

One of the core messages of the expo is the value of regional identity. Saravia explained that while there may not be new technological innovations on display, there will be a strong emphasis on preserving and celebrating local culture. 

“What you’re going to find in Mexican glampings you cannot find anywhere else… because of the communities around it,” she said.

The event will also feature vendors who are deeply rooted in Mexican tradition. From large-scale tent manufacturers like Peregrino to EcoDomes. Peregrino, a Mexican company known for producing quality tents, operates on a smaller scale. While the Domes have yet to confirm, Canvas Camp has.

Getting the project off the ground hasn’t been without hurdles. “It’s something that people are not very… they still don’t buy it,” Saravia shared. 

She noted skepticism around the feasibility of such an event, citing Mexico’s still-developing glamping landscape as one of the main reasons. “For me, this is the perfect moment to do it… but it’s kind of hard because people are still not sure.”

Despite these challenges, Saravia sees the expo as a significant point for the industry. Beyond simply showcasing products, it aims to create a movement grounded in purpose and sustainability. 

Sustainability remains a foundational pillar. “Glamping is the only type of accommodation that if it doesn’t take care of nature, it dies,” Saravia said. She explained that the success of a glamping site is intrinsically tied to the environment it inhabits. 

Saravia offered a vivid example: the expo site in Morelos sits at the state’s largest natural spring, a place where centuries of sugarcane farming once depleted the land. “We planted trees and we restored that space,” she said. The area, once barren, is now home to iguanas, raccoons, and armadillos. 

“It’s about consciously learning about the place you’re going to go to and experiencing it fully,” she told Modern Campground.

Workshops Designed to Build Skills and Support Long-Term Success

According to its website, the First Glamping and Conscious Tourism Expo will feature an extensive lineup of workshops designed to equip participants with essential tools for launching and growing successful glamping ventures. 

From developing a comprehensive business plan to learning how to effectively manage finances, attendees will gain insights into core operational strategies. 

Sessions will also guide aspiring and established operators in defining their vision, understanding their market, and creating actionable financial and marketing roadmaps. 

Additional workshops will focus on storytelling through heritage interpretation and teaching techniques to connect guests with local culture and natural surroundings, while practical sessions, such as canvas tent maintenance, will cover cleaning, repair, and safety essentials to ensure long-term facility durability.

Digital and leadership skills will also take center stage, with dedicated workshops on mastering social media, crafting online advertising campaigns, and measuring digital performance. 

Financial management topics will explore budgeting, cost control, and evaluating profitability. Meanwhile, leadership and team management sessions aim to enhance workplace culture, improve communication, and build effective conflict-resolution capabilities.

Fostering Sustainability and Community Partnerships for Lasting Impact

Sustainability is also closely tied to partnerships with indigenous communities. In Sonora, for example, the Azul Xerena glamping site works closely with the Seri people. “Their activities are with them and are to learn from them,” she said. “It’s a lot more fulfilling for the soul to go to these types of places and learn about the people who work there.”

Looking to the future, Saravia envisions the event expanding in reach rather than size. “I’d love for the Mexican Glamping Association to take over this event and take it all around the country,” she said. 

Rather than scaling up attendance, she believes the priority should be creating a lasting impact. “It has to be very impactful on people, just to like… know what you’re doing and why it’s important.”

In the end, Saravia hopes attendees leave feeling inspired and more connected to their work. “Having a purpose and having a good time doing what you do—but taking care of the little piece of land that you’re in charge of,” she said.

Featured image by  First Glamping and Conscious Tourism Expo