A child plays in Igneada, a resort town along Türkiye's western Black Sea coast, on Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua)
ISTANBUL, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Joyous laughter floats in the air, heard from children navigating a thrilling parkour course, back and forth between towering trees five to ten meters above the ground in the heart of a forest.
The course for a high-adrenaline adventure distinguishes the Longosphere Glamping retreat in Igneada, a resort town along Türkiye's western Black Sea coast. Moreover, it showcases a growing trend of combining luxury with nature in the local ecotourism.
"Nature is one of our deepest needs, and finding peace in the lush forest, away from noises of the city, rejuvenates the soul," said Pelin Denizhan. She took her kids there to spend the school holiday, together with friends.
To her, "Nature is the healthiest, most beautiful and safest escape from the chaos of urban life," she said. Seeking tranquility at the glamping retreat is good with the comforts offered there, according to her.
Glamping, the short term for glamorous camping, allows campers to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the modern comforts. It is increasingly popular in Igneada, a region internationally renowned for its Longoz forests, pristine lakes and wild beaches.
The Longoz floodplain forests, a result from the evolution of river alluvium and the influence of nearby coastal deltas, are home to around 630 plant species, most of them endemic to the region.
Diverse programs in the Longosphere Glamping retreat enrich the experience there, such as all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, hiking, canoeing or trekking through a snow-covered forest at night.
Yigit Kucukkinay, founding partner of the glamping retreat, said their 125 eco-friendly luxury tents were designed to harmonize with the forest ecosystem, with no disruptions.
"The glamping concept is expected to grow in popularity because it addresses urban dwellers' longing for nature while alleviating their concerns about safety, unfamiliarity and basic needs," he told Xinhua.
"By offering modern amenities like climate control and hygiene facilities, it provides comforts without compromising the immersive natural experience, making it an appealing option for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature."
Mayor of Igneada Altug Erdem told Xinhua that the region has caught the attention of ecotourism businesses, with many now focusing their services on glamping.
"Tourism in the region is no longer just a summer attraction," he said. "It now includes forest tourism, mushroom foraging, and eco-friendly tours, extending the tourism season throughout the year."
Mikayil Koroglu, head of Nature and Adventure Tourism Specialization of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association, stressed that nature conservation is an important element in running the glamping business.
"Ecotourists prefer accommodations that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, and seek to immerse themselves in pristine nature," Koroglu told Xinhua.
"The most crucial factor is long-term, sustainable infrastructure," he said, adding that short-term solutions are often tempting, but they can harm nature. ■
This photo taken on Jan. 23, 2025 shows a view of Igneada, a resort town along Türkiye's western Black Sea coast. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua)
This photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows a view of Igneada, a resort town along Türkiye's western Black Sea coast. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua)
An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 24, 2025 shows a view of Igneada, a resort town along Türkiye's western Black Sea coast. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua)
