Tourism Accommodation Types: Find the Perfect Lodging for Your Business
Why Accommodation Choices Matter More Than Ever
The way people travel has changed dramatically. A decade ago, most travelers chose between a hotel or a hostel. Today, the options are almost endless.
From luxury resorts to budget hostels, from floating hotels to eco-friendly glamping tents – there is an accommodation type for every traveler and every budget.
For tourism business owners, this variety is both an opportunity and a challenge. Choose the right type, and you attract the right customers. Choose poorly, and you struggle to fill your rooms.
Here is a number to think about. The global travel accommodation market was valued at over $1 trillion in 2025, and it is expected to grow to $3.2 trillion by 2034. That is a massive opportunity for anyone in the hospitality industry.
But to succeed, you need to understand the different types of accommodation available – and which one fits your location, budget, and target audience.In this guide, I will walk you through 12 types of accommodation in tourism, from the classic to the innovative. I will also share practical advice on how to choose the right one for your business.
Understanding Accommodation in Tourism
Before we dive into the specific types, let us clarify what we mean by “accommodation in tourism.”
Simply put, tourism accommodation is any place where travelers can stay overnight during their journey. It can be as simple as a tent or as luxurious as a five-star resort.
Accommodation types generally fall into two broad categories:
Serviced Accommodation
Serviced accommodation provides not just a room, but also additional services like breakfast, room cleaning, shuttle services, and recreation programs. Guests pay more for these conveniences. Examples include hotels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts.
Non-Serviced Accommodation
Non-serviced accommodation offers a place to stay without the extra services. Guests are expected to be more self-sufficient – cooking their own meals, cleaning up after themselves, and managing their own stay. These options are usually cheaper. Examples include hostels, campsites, and aparthotels.Understanding this basic distinction will help you decide which model fits your business goals.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Accommodation Type
Why does your choice of accommodation type matter so much? Here are four key reasons:
- Attracting Customers – Unique, themed accommodation stands out and draws interest.
- Increasing Satisfaction – Comfortable lodging with good service leads to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
- Generating Income – The right type can bring higher profits with lower initial investment.
- Improving Competitiveness – Distinctive offerings help you stand out in a crowded market.
Simply put: your accommodation type shapes your entire business. It determines who visits, how much they pay, and whether they come back.
12 Types of Accommodation in Tourism
Now let us explore the 12 most popular types of accommodation. I have grouped them from the most traditional to the most innovative.
1. Hotel
The hotel is the most common type of accommodation worldwide. Hotels provide rooms and ancillary services like breakfast, cleaning, and often gyms or restaurants. They are usually categorized by star rating – from budget (1-star) to ultra-luxury (5-star).
Best for: Business travelers, tourists, and general travelers
Key feature: Wide range of services and price points
Investment level: Medium to high
2. Resort
A resort is more than just a place to sleep – it is a destination in itself. Resorts typically offer multiple restaurants, recreational facilities like spas and pools, and sometimes golf courses or water parks. Guests come to stay, not just to pass through.
Best for: Families, vacationers, and relaxation seekers
Key feature: All-in-one experience
Investment level: High
3. Aparthotel
An aparthotel combines a hotel with an apartment. Guests get a fully equipped kitchen, living space, and bedroom – but without daily housekeeping services. This makes it popular for longer stays.
Best for: Long-term travelers, business travelers, families
Key feature: Home-like comfort with hotel convenience
Investment level: Medium
4. Bed & Breakfast (B&B)
A B&B is a small accommodation usually run by the property owner. It offers rooms and breakfast – hence the name. B&Bs are known for their personal touch and homely atmosphere.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, budget-conscious tourists
Key feature: Personal service and local charm
Investment level: Low to medium
5. Homestay
A homestay is when a local family opens their home to travelers. Guests stay with the family, share meals, and experience daily life in the area. This is especially popular with international students and cultural travelers.
Best for: Cultural explorers, students, budget travelers
Key feature: Cultural immersionInvestment level: Low
6. Motel
A motel (motor hotel) provides lodging and parking for travelers on road trips. They are typically located near highways, airports, or major roads. Facilities are usually basic, and prices are low.
Best for: Road-trippers, truck drivers, budget travelers
Key feature: Convenient parking and access
Investment level: Low
7. Youth Hostel
Youth hostels offer budget accommodation, often with shared dormitory-style rooms. They are popular with backpackers, students, and young travelers. Hostels usually have communal kitchens and common areas for socializing.
Best for: Backpackers, students, young travelers
Key feature: Affordable and social
Investment level: Low
8. Campsite
A campsite is a simple outdoor accommodation where guests pitch their own tents or park RVs. Campsites are usually located in natural settings – forests, grasslands, or near lakes.
Best for: Adventurers, nature lovers, budget travelers
Key feature: Close contact with nature
Investment level: Low to medium
9. Glamping Hotel
Glamping – a blend of “glamorous” and “camping” – offers the luxury of a hotel with the experience of camping. Glamping hotels are set in scenic locations and feature spacious tents with real beds, private bathrooms, and sometimes even air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Here is why glamping is worth your attention. According to Grand View Research, the global glamping market was valued at $3.79 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $7.87 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.5%.
Even more striking: a 2025 report found that glamping now accounts for 29% of first-choice accommodation bookings among US campers – equal to traditional tents. Gen Z travelers are driving much of this growth.
Best for: Luxury travelers, nature lovers, couples, families
Key feature: Luxury in nature
Investment level: Medium (lower than hotels, higher than campsites)
10. Motorhome / RV Park
Motorhomes (or RVs) are vehicles with built-in accommodation. Many campgrounds now offer dedicated RV parks with hookups for electricity, water, and sewage.
Best for: Road-trippers, retirees, camping enthusiasts
Key feature: Mobility and convenience
Investment level: Low to medium
11. Boatel
A boatel is a hotel built on a boat. It offers rooms, food, and sometimes water sports equipment rental. This is a unique option for travelers who love the water.
Best for: Water sports enthusiasts, adventure travelers
Key feature: Unique floating experience
Investment level: Medium to high
12. Cabin
A cabin is a small, rustic house usually located in remote areas – countryside, forests, or near national parks. Cabins vary from basic to luxurious.
For those targeting high-end travelers, a luxury cabin tent (like the Safari Cabin Tent from KK Glamping) offers the best of both worlds: the rustic feel of a cabin with the comfort of a hotel room.
Best for: Nature lovers, families, couples
Key feature: Rustic charm with modern comfort
Investment level: Medium to high
Which Accommodation Type Is Best for Your Business?
With so many options, how do you choose? Here is my advice based on three key factors.
Consider Your Location
- City destinations: Hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and aparthotels work well.
- Natural settings: Campsites, glamping hotels, cabins, and resorts are better suited.
- Waterfront locations: Boatels and beach resorts are natural fits.
Consider Your Budget
- – Low budget: Hostels, campsites, motels, and B&Bs require less upfront investment.
- – Medium budget: Glamping hotels and aparthotels offer good returns without excessive costs.
- – High budget: Resorts and luxury hotels require significant capital but offer higher potential returns.
Consider Your Target Audience
- Young travelers: Hostels, campsites, and motorhomes appeal to budget-conscious adventurers.
- Families: Resorts, cabins, and glamping hotels offer space and activities for all ages.
- Luxury travelers: Glamping hotels, luxury resorts, and high-end cabins attract those willing to pay more for comfort.
Why Glamping Hotels Are a Smart Choice
If you are looking for a type of accommodation that combines low initial investment with high growth potential, glamping is hard to beat.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- The global glamping market is projected to grow from $3.79 billion in 2025 to $7.87 billion by 2033.
- Glamping now attracts 29% of first-choice bookings among US campers, equal to traditional tents.
- Glamping resorts have seen 17% year-over-year growth in occupancy.
Glamping tents are also faster and cheaper to build than traditional structures. A glamping hotel can start generating revenue within months, not years.
How KK Glamping Can Help You Get Started
If you are considering entering the glamping market, KK Glamping is here to help.
We are a leading tent manufacturer with over 10 years of experience. Our glamping tents are made from high-strength aluminum frames and durable PVC tarpaulins – lightweight, easy to transport, and quick to install.
Here is what we offer:
- High-quality customized tents – Safari tents, dome tents, cabin tents, and more
- Professional program design – From 3D blueprints to final installation
- Factory-direct pricing – No middleman fees, affordable prices, and fast delivery
- One-stop service – We handle everything from planning to completion
Whether you are starting a new glamping business or expanding an existing one, we can help you find the right tents and the right layout for your site.
Choose Wisely, Grow Faster
The tourism accommodation industry is evolving fast. Travelers today want more than just a place to sleep – they want experiences, comfort, and connection with nature.
Among the 12 types of accommodation we have covered, glamping hotels stand out as one of the most promising opportunities. The market is growing rapidly, initial investment is reasonable, and guest demand is strong.
But the best choice for you depends on your location, your budget, and your target audience. Take the time to evaluate your options, and do not be afraid to think differently.
If you are ready to start your glamping journey, contact KK Glamping today. Let us help you build something extraordinary.
