The Long Run (TLR), a global membership organisation working at the intersection of nature conservation and sustainable tourism, and the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the growth of sustainable outdoor lodging in Asia Pacific.
The inaugural agreement signed 8 June establishes a working partnership between the two organisations. The MOU gives the green light for collaboration in events, knowledge exchange, communications and membership engagement.
Both TLR and APOLA aim to help outdoor lodging operators strengthen their sustainability practices.
APOLA represents and supports an outdoor lodging sector, which is growing around 15% per year in Asia Pacific, compared to 11% globally, according to various research bodies. APOLA also seeks to develop operational standards and sustainable development for the sector, which is often called ‘glamping’.
The Long Run supports a global network of nature-first lodges and travel partners, all guided by TLR’s ‘4Cs’ framework based on the primacy of conservation, community, culture, and commerce.
Both organisations see tourism as a force for good.
“Outdoor lodging, when developed with genuine environmental consideration and local partnership, can be a powerful tool for rural economic development,” said Robert Hecker, co-founder of APOLA. “In that regard, The Long Run’s best practice experience from sustainable lodges around the world will help our members in Asia Pacific develop responsibly and with confidence.”
Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, Executive Director of TLR, said: "Our new partnership with APOLA reflects a shared commitment to strengthening sustainable outdoor lodging across Asia Pacific through practical collaboration, events, knowledge exchange, membership engagement and communications.”
Regional hub meeting
APOLA, for example, is helping support The Long Run’s APAC Regional Hub Meeting at APOLA member Cardamom Tented Camp in Cambodia 15-17 June.
With the theme, “From Influence to Evidence: The 4Cs in Practice,” the event will feature conservation-driven accommodation businesses, nature-based lodges, travel businesses committed to responsible tourism, and organisations promoting sustainable and regenerative tourism in Asia.
“The hub meeting is designed for those already on their sustainability journey and those looking for a community to support their efforts,” said Zschiegner.
Through the agreement, the organisations will explore further opportunities to co-host workshops, panel discussions and training initiatives.
The partnership will also encourage the exchange of knowledge and best practices. The aim is to help outdoor lodging operators navigate challenges such as sustainability, investment, regulatory compliance, planning permissions, guest satisfaction, and marketing.
Tags: Long Run APOLA
