The Catalan Federation of Campsites (FCC), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Tourism and Barcelona Provincial Council, organised the first conference of the sector at our site on 25 and 26 April. The gathering, which took place at the Vilanova Park campsite in Vilanova i la Geltrú, brought together various representatives of Catalan campsites with the aim of consolidating Catalonia as a leading destination in this area and promoting the tourism business network.
With the slogan 'Shaping a greener future', this event coincided with commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the history of this sector, which is a key economic driver of the country and a pioneer in its commitment to sustainability and constant improvement in water resources management.
Sustainability and innovation as present and future challenges
Adapting to climate change and sustainable development of the sector in the current context, marked by drought and the need to improve water management, were some of the topics for debate, with roundtables on Climate change and the camping sector: risks and opportunities and Innovation and sustainability in the camping sector. Other areas of work were digitalisation and the European dialogue on future trends.
The organising body emphasised that the sector has invested heavily in recent years to keep its facilities up to date and innovate, a fact that has brought it numerous awards and recognitions at European level. The Catalan camping sector has established itself as a leader and a benchmark in Europe.
Turnover of 538 million euros a year
The conference also served to present the first study of the sector, which analyses the economic, social and environmental impact of Catalan campsites. According to this study, they had a turnover of 538 million euros in 2022. The average operating income was 1.97 million euros and only 12% of the companies posted negative results.
The report also reveals that the camping sector in Catalonia has an economic impact of 2.467 billion euros a year. Of this, 29.3% goes to the transport sector; 22.6% to accommodation (around 500 million euros); 17.2% to maintenance; 21.8% to activities; and the rest to other expenses.
Entitled 'Campsites in Catalonia: economic impact, relevant data and sustainable benefits', the study was carried out by BIM Consultors on behalf of the Catalan Federation of Campsites. In total, 236 of the 353 campsite companies in Catalonia were analysed.
A thriving sector
Catalonia is one of the main European camping destinations. With 266,829 bed-places - 49.6% of all accommodation places in Catalonia - the sector represents a third of Catalan tourist accommodation and generates 20 million overnight stays a year, mostly by foreigners.
Other characteristics of Catalan campsites, according to the study, are the tendency towards seasonality – establishments are open an average of 9 months a year – and job stability. The sector currently provides direct employment to 15,695 people.
