Why nature resorts are a rising trend for Investors

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and one of the strongest growth segments today is nature-based tourism. Market reports show that nature retreats are no longer a niche but a global investment trend, offering both financial growth and long-term sustainability.

A growing global market

The global nature retreats market was valued at $31.98 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $34.26 billion in 2025, reflecting a 7.2% compound annual growth rate (The Business Research Company). Looking further ahead, the market is expected to reach $46.11 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 7.5% (The Business Research Company).

Other reports suggest even stronger growth: $33.9 billion in 2023, expanding to $80.8 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 7.2% (2024–2035) (Allied Market Research).

In other words, this segment is set to double or even triple in size within the next decade, a clear signal for investors seeking growth opportunities.

The drivers behind the trend

Several global megatrends are fueling the rise of nature resorts:

• • Urban escape: As urbanization accelerates, people crave retreats in natural settings to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with themselves (The Business Research Company)
  • Wellness boom: The global wellness economy has reached $1.8 trillion in 2024, of which wellness tourism accounts for $815 billion (around 45%) (HVS). Nature-based retreats are perfectly positioned within this boom, offering restorative and holistic experiences.
  • Sustainability and personalization: Travelers increasingly seek eco-friendly and tailored experiences such as forest bathing, guided hikes, and nature-based meditation (Business Wire).
  • Regenerative tourism: A rising trend combining sustainability with luxury, regenerative farm stays are projected to grow by 12% annually, reaching $14.5 billion by 2029 (Vogue).

Investor confidence in hospitality

The demand side is only half of the story. Investor sentiment is equally positive. According to the US Hotel Investor Intentions Survey 2025, 94% of investors plan to increase or maintain their allocations in hospitality, up from 85% the previous year (LightBox RE).

Nature resorts are particularly attractive because they align with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investment criteria. They combine tangible assets (real estate) with long-term social and environmental value, offering both returns and resilience.

Local inspiration: Romania’s eco-tourism leadership

Romania is quietly emerging as a leader in sustainable tourism and ecological investment. One standout example is the LIFE Carpathia project in the Southern Carpathians (2019–2025), backed by the European Commission with a total value of €27.6 million. This initiative has not only restored over 845 hectares of degraded land and reintroduced 82 bison and 62 beavers, but it has also established eco-tourism infrastructure, including the Bison House visitor center, that supports local communities and promotes long-term nature conservation (Carpathia.org).

Beyond these large-scale efforts, Vama Buzăului, the scene of The Valley Resort, is home to one of Romania’s best-known Bison Reserves, a sanctuary where visitors can observe these majestic animals up close. The reserve attracts thousands of tourists each year and plays a vital role in positioning the region as an eco-tourism destination.

Together, these examples highlight how Romania’s natural heritage is not only being preserved but also transformed into a catalyst for sustainable growth, perfectly aligned with the global trend of nature resorts as both an experience and an investment opportunity.

Romania in numbers: A tourism market on the rise

Tourism in Romania has seen steady growth in recent years, underscoring the country’s potential as a year-round destination:

• • In 2024, Romania recorded over 14 million overnight stays in commercial accommodation, a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year (INSSE)
  • Approximately 13.35 million foreign visitors arrived in the country, with Germany and Italy among the top countries of origin (INSSE)
  • Tourism contributed around 5% to Romania’s GDP, with forecasts still suggesting it could exceed 6% by 2030 (WTTC)
  • Brașov County, home to The Valley Resort, continues to rank among the most visited areas in Romania.

These figures confirm that Romania’s natural and cultural landscapes are not just local treasures but powerful drivers of economic growth. For investors, this means entering a market that is both expanding and diversifying.

The synergy of nature, wellness, and investment

This synergy makes nature resorts not just another branch of hospitality, but a strategic investment category.

Building the future of hospitality

Nature resorts are on the rise because they address both sides of the equation: growing consumer demand for authentic, sustainable, wellness-driven experiences and investors’ appetite for stable, ESG-aligned opportunities.

As the market expands towards 2030 and beyond, those who invest early will not only benefit financially but also contribute to reshaping tourism into a more regenerative and meaningful industry.

At The Valley Resort, we are building precisely on this foundation: combining natural surroundings with premium private wellness experiences. By investing in such projects, you are not just buying into a resort; you are joining a global movement towards conscious, future-focused hospitality.

👉 If you want to explore investment opportunities with The Valley Resort, fill in our contact form, and let’s start shaping the future of nature-based hospitality together.

Sources:

• • The Business Research Company – Nature Retreats Global Market Report (2024–2029)
  • Allied Market Research – Nature Retreat Market 2023–2035
    HVS – Why Wellness Resorts Offer Healthy Investment Opportunities (2024)
  • BusinessWire – Nature-Based Wellness Travel on the Rise (2025–2030)
    Vogue – Regenerative Farm Stays & Agritourism Trends (2025)
  • LightBox RE – US Hotel Investor Intentions Survey 2025
  • Carpathia.org – Largest European Environmental Project in Romania (2019–2025)
  • INSSE – Romanian National Institute of Statistics, Tourism Data 2023
  • WTTC – Tourism Economic Impact Report for Romania (2024)