For the first time, camping and caravanning have been included in the official programme of the ITB Berlin Convention, the leading conference platform of the world’s largest tourism trade fair. The session, entitled “Camping: one of Europe’s fastest-growing travel segments”, took place on the Green Stage within the “Adventure, Youth & Outdoor” track, dedicated to emerging segments and new forms of travel. The debate was moderated by Frank Schaal, Managing Director of the German Camping Industry Association (BVCD), alongside six international industry experts.
The discussion focused on the strong growth of outdoor tourism in Europe, driven in particular by the expansion of caravanning and the increasing demand for nature-based experiences. Key topics also included the growing importance of rural destinations, which are benefiting significantly from the sector’s expansion, and the evolution of traveller behaviour, with a clear shift towards more flexible and sustainable solutions.
The inclusion of camping in the ITB Convention programme – which in 2026 brought together more than 400 international speakers across over 200 sessions – marks a significant step in the recognition of the sector within the global tourism industry. No longer a niche segment, it is now a structural component of a market undergoing profound transformation.
Photo credit: BVCD
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