Camping is a true success story in Catalonia, one that began 70 years ago on the coast of Palamós, with the opening of the very first campsite in the area of La Fosca. Since then, outdoor tourism has steadily grown to become a vital sector for the region’s economy. To mark this milestone, the Girona Campsite Association (ACG) has launched a commemorative project that combines historical reflection with a forward-looking perspective.
This dual tribute to the history of camping comes in the form of a book and a documentary, both capturing how, in the span of seven decades, camping has evolved from simple tent pitches to a model of sustainable and high-quality hospitality. The Girona area now counting over 357 active campsites, 266,000 beds, and nearly 20 million overnight stays per year (representing 30% of all tourist stays in Catalonia). The sector generates an estimated economic impact of around €2.5 billion and provides direct employment to more than 16,000 people. The role of international tourism is particularly significant, with more than half of all overnight stays coming from foreign visitors.
This celebration wasn’t just about looking back. The event also offered a moment of reflection on ongoing changes and the challenges the sector is facing, such as adapting to new regulations often introduced without real consultation with campsite operators, as emphasized by ACG president Miquel Gotanegra.
A journey through memory and a glimpse into the future of camping
Despite current challenges, camping continues to stand out as one of the most dynamic and resilient forms of tourism, playing a fundamental role in driving the Spanish region’s economy. With this in mind, the Girona Campsite Association’s initiative aimed to highlight the sector’s contribution to Catalan tourism and its economic impact, while also showcasing its social evolution.
The book, titled “Camping: a history of campsites in Catalonia”, is the first comprehensive study of the camping industry in Spain. Curated by the University of Girona in collaboration with the Chair of Gastronomy, Culture, and Tourism of Calonge and Sant Antoni, the publication brings together firsthand accounts, unpublished images, and reflections that illustrate the historical and social significance of Catalan camping. It explores the sector’s early entrepreneurial efforts, its expansion, its influence on the development of coastal and inland areas, and the key milestones that have shaped its journey. More than just a historical documentation, the book is a valuable resource for a strategic reflection on the future of the sector.
Alongside the book, the documentary “Pioneers of camping: 70 years of camping in Catalonia”, produced by Visual 13, was also presented. In just 45 minutes, the film retraces the evolution of the sector through the voices of those who have helped shape its story: founders, entrepreneurs, experts, academics, and institutional representatives. It begins with the first European tourists in search of places to stay immersed in nature, and follows the journey to today’s offerings, which stand out for their innovation, service quality, and environmental commitment.
“This book and documentary are a tribute to all the people who made this history possible,” said Gotanegra during the presentation. “From the pioneers who believed in this unique way of experiencing nature, to the entrepreneurs, workers, and campers who helped evolve camping into an internationally recognized model”.
Photo by: Girona Campsite Association
LeadingCampings handed over of raffle prizes during CMT show