Caravanning continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing forms of tourism in Germany. According to a study conducted by the German Institute for Tourism Economics (DWIF), 2024 was a record year with around 55 million overnight stays on German campsites and 19 million outside traditional accommodation facilities, totaling 74 million nights spent in motorhomes and caravans.
The economic impact is equally significant. Traveler spending generated a record tourism revenue of €20.8 billion, marking a 6.7% increase compared to 2023. Of this amount, around €7.2 billion remained directly in local regions, benefiting communities and regional economies. Thus, it is not only campsite and pitch operators who profit from caravanners’ spending, but also local shops, restaurants, businesses, and service providers.
Daniel Onggowinarso – Managing Director of the Caravaning Industrie Verband e.V. (CIVD), the German association representing recreational vehicle manufacturers – highlighted how caravanning represents a major opportunity for both tourism and economic development in Germany, including for lesser-known destinations: “Many tourists opt for domestic destinations, often away from the classic hotspots. Pitches offer municipalities and private investors, especially in rural or less-visited areas, the chance to develop tourism infrastructure with relatively modest investments”.
Photo credits: CIVD e.V.
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