The 2026 edition of the Recreatie Vakbeurs in Hardenberg set a new milestone with more than 9,000 professional visitors. Growth was driven by increasing international interest, supported especially by the “Deutschland Live” initiative, which attracted a growing number of German operators and suppliers. The knowledge programme expanded, with more exhibitors hosting sessions directly on the exhibition floor.
A key highlight was a live panel discussion led by leisure expert Richard Otten, host of Leisuretalk and manager at PleisureWorld. The session explored major industry themes such as inclusivity, digitalisation and the senior market, reflecting the sector’s broader transition toward sustainable, high-comfort and future-proof operational models.
Accommodation suppliers presented a broad range of solutions, demonstrating the shift toward durable, comfortable and flexible lodging concepts t hat support year-round use. Below is a curated overview of the most notable innovations showcased at the fair.
Arcabo
Arcabo showcased its premium chalet line distinguished by architectural identity, strong build quality and extensive customisation. As Europe’s largest chalet manufacturer for more than 28 years, the company supports operators aiming to establish high-comfort, year-round accommodation zones.
A key highlight was the Portland, a fully electric chalet that combines comfort, efficiency and contemporary design. The model includes a separate technical room, an open-plan interior with wall shelving to enhance spatial feeling, and a renewed exterior with a redesigned façade, striking front elevation and recessed sliding door. The Portland also features an upgraded air-conditioning system for optimal year-round climate control.
Bio Habitat Coco Sweet
Bio Habitat showcased its latest generation of mobile homes and the Coco Sweet, aimed at both rental and residential markets. The company focuses on contemporary architecture, high energy performance and environmentally responsible construction.
Layouts are optimised for families and long-stay use. As a leading French manufacturer strengthening its position in the Netherlands, Bio Habitat firmly targets the premium segment. Enhanced insulation standards, flexible configurations and refined design details offer operators a dependable pathway to upgrading their accommodation portfolio across Europe. According to Stephane Serra, account manager for the Netherlands, market interest is growing steadily.
CampSolutions
CampSolutions presented a safari-style lodge designed around modularity, allowing operators to adapt unit configurations to specific plot dimensions, guest preferences or operational strategies. Wooden frames and heavy-duty canvas support seasonal and extended-season operation depending on specification.
The featured model was the Nature Lodge, originally created by Tent2 (Djoerd Vulto) and recently acquired by CampSolutions. Ideal for family-oriented parks, the Nature Lodge accommodates four to six guests and includes a complete bathroom, full kitchen and a smart layout balancing privacy and communal space. With dimensions of 10 by 5.4 metres and robust wooden trusses, the unit provides a home-like atmosphere complemented by a spacious covered veranda. CampSolutions positions the model as a high-quality glamping option that bridges the gap between canvas lodges and small chalets.
De Bergjes
De Bergjes presented an extensive range of chalets and mobile homes for both rental and sales markets across Europe. With decades of industry experience, the company offers configurable units featuring diverse façade options, interior finishes and floorplans.
A focus on durability, energy performance and consistent build quality supports operators looking to extend their rental season and target broader guest segments. De Bergjes is recognised for delivering project-specific solutions that elevate accommodation quality on holiday parks.
Hekipia
Hekipia showcased lightweight chalets, tiny houses and reversible wooden units for tourism, temporary accommodation and residential settings. Built on chassis or modular bases, these units offer high insulation levels suitable for year-round use.
Compact footprints, landscape-friendly designs and functional interiors reduce operational complexity. Their mobility and modularity provide operators with long-term flexibility and an efficient alternative to traditional chalets or canvas structures.
Klapkot
Klapkot introduced compact fold-out wooden units designed for flexible placement and rapid installation. Durable insulation and practical layouts make these units suitable for short-stay clusters or additional capacity on parks.
Klapkot is an unfolding holiday home on wheels aimed at travellers who value freedom and mobility. The innovative fold-out mechanism transforms the unit into a spacious living environment that can be customised to individual preference. The concept combines outdoor living with private comfort, making it suitable for year-round use.
Nordya
Nordya, designed by Ben Eilers, presented a diamond-shaped luxury glamping tent built on an aluminium frame inspired by Eilers’ earlier iconic designs. Available in multiple configurations, Nordya offers options for different guest capacities, interior layouts, colour schemes and bathroom or furnishing variants.
The brand provides a premium solution requiring minimal site adjustments, giving operators an accessible way to introduce a distinctive and aesthetically driven glamping product.
Outstanding
Outstanding displayed its collection of safari tents known for rapid installation, predictable delivery and reliable day-to-day performance. The brand focuses on durable construction, rental-proof interiors and reduced maintenance needs.
The Seas-on Lodge was the featured model, designed for all-season rental and maximum yield. With the classic appearance of a safari tent and a distinctive glass sliding door, the Seas-on Lodge blends authenticity with modern comfort. Scalable model sizes enable parks to develop uniform glamping clusters tailored to different guest segments.
Ticra Outdoor
Ticra Outdoor presented a complete range of compact wooden accommodations designed for glamping and outdoor hospitality environments. The range includes Camping Pods, Camping Barrels and Finnish Kotas, all fully insulated to extend the operating season without extensive infrastructure investments.
Durable construction, straightforward installation and low operational costs make these units suitable for both small-scale glamping sites and larger parks seeking modular expansion. With the addition of outdoor wellness units such as saunas, Ticra enables operators to create cohesive clusters that combine accommodation and experience in a commercially flexible way.
Yala Luxury Canvas Lodges
Yala Luxury Canvas Lodges introduced the Sparkle model, engineered for reliable performance in diverse climates and developed in response to the industry’s move toward PFAS-free materials. Yala presented a world-first PFAS-free canvas and PVC combination, featuring a zero-mould rating, anti-fire level 2 performance and colourfastness levels 6 and 7. These material specifications illustrate the brand’s readiness for future environmental standards.
Combining traditional canvas aesthetics with reinforced structural frames, the Sparkle offers spacious layouts, comfortable living areas and customisable design options that allow operators to align accommodation styling with their brand strategy.
The evolution of the sector
In the Dutch outdoor hospitality sector, safari tents remain popular, but the market is clearly shifting toward greater diversity. Operators increasingly require accommodations that support year-round use, offer higher comfort and meet modern sustainability standards.
The era of placing six identical safari tents in a row has passed. Competitive parks now rely on a balanced mix of accommodations supported by strong landscaping, solid infrastructure and a coherent overall concept. The Dutch market continues to lead the sector, with diversification emerging as the core strategy for future glamping development.
Recreatie Vakbeurs will return to Hardenberg next year from 17 to 19 November.
Best Camping Village Awards 2027: applications now open for campsites, holiday villages and glamping sites