Spanish campsites are experiencing an extraordinary summer. The latest data published at the end of June by the Spanish Federation of Campsites (FEEC) depict a season of almost “full occupancy” in the country’s facilities, without distinction between regions: the coastal campsites, as well as those in the interior and north of the country, are almost fully booked.
According to FEEC, the average occupancy rate will hover around 90% nationwide, with hundreds of facilities reaching full capacity during the period from July 15th to August 20th. This exceptional result is expected to surpass the record-breaking 2022 season, which saw 25 million overnight stays and 5 million travelers. According to FEEC’s forecasts, the season will extend until mid-September.
A decade of growth
With bungalows fully booked at 100%, pitches at 80%, and glamping experiencing a significant rise in popularity among families seeking new experiences, it will be challenging to find accommodation for those who haven’t planned their vacations well in advance.
Regarding the timing of bookings, FEEC has observed a reversal of the past trend: there is no longer a prevalence of last-minute reservations or bookings made a couple of months in advance, as has been the case in recent years. On the contrary, there is a trend towards planning vacations well in advance. According to the collected data, 40% of bookings were made in the first quarter of the year, and 60% immediately after Easter.
Another interesting fact is the growth and consolidation of the camping sector in Spain over the last decade. FEEC cites data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), which indicates that during the period from 2013 to 2022, in the summer season (June 15th – September 15th), the number of travelers increased by 40.7%, and overnight stays by 30.7%. In 2013, there were approximately 3.6 million travelers, while in the summer of 2022, there were nearly 5.1 million, and overnight stays reached almost 25 million, compared to just over 19 million in 2013.
Rates
The increasing inflation, which has led to a 10% increase in electricity and gas costs, as well as in trade and catering services, has also impacted campsite rates, which have increased by 5% compared to 2022. This increase is influencing the consumption choices of campsite guests who, in order to avoid reducing the length of their stay, choose to allocate a smaller portion of their budget to catering and ancillary services such as sports activities, wellness centers, and saunas.
This was emphasized by Ana Beriain, president of FEEC, who stated that “unlike other vacation offerings, campers maintain the expected number of vacation days, around 7, but reduce their internal spending at our facilities by 20%“.
Photo credits: FEEC
