The camping sector is facing increasingly complex challenges: facilities in need of modernisation, new digital tools to be integrated into day-to-day management, and growing competition for travellers’ attention. These issues will be among the key topics at CMT 2027, taking place in Stuttgart from 16 to 24 January.
Recognised as the world’s largest consumer trade fair for tourism and leisure, CMT brings together tourist destinations, tourism operators and companies from the caravanning sector, including international exhibitors. Alongside its extensive offer for the general public, the event also features a comprehensive professional programme, which will be expanded in the next edition with new congresses and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
Camp Ground: modernisation, artificial intelligence and profitability
Among the new initiatives of particular interest to the open-air sector is Camp Ground, an event dedicated to the development prospects of campsites and motorhome stopovers. The Stuttgart edition will take place on 16 January 2027 and will also be held at two other trade fairs: Touristik & Caravaning Leipzig, on 20 November 2026, and Reisen & Caravaning Hamburg, on 4 February 2027.
The programme will address several key issues affecting the management of open-air accommodation facilities. Two topics will be common to all three events: addressing the backlog of modernisation work at campsites and motorhome stopovers, with a particular focus on practical solutions and smaller-scale investments, and improving the visibility of facilities through new AI-powered search tools, with an emphasis on the opportunities these offer for attracting new guests.
The Stuttgart edition will also feature two in-depth sessions focusing on digitalisation, profitability and competitiveness. The congress is aimed not only at campsite operators, but also at municipalities, tourism organisations, industry associations, technology and service providers, planners and investors.
A professional programme that also embraces outdoor tourism
CMT 2027’s business programme includes other events of potential interest to the camping sector, particularly in relation to diversifying accommodation offerings and developing new tourism experiences.
On 18 and 19 January, the CycleTourismSummit will focus on the prospects for cycle tourism. The programme will address topics such as infrastructure, route quality, digitalisation, new tourism products and cooperation between operators and destinations. These issues are also relevant to campsites looking to tap into demand for active holidays and develop services for cycling tourists.
On 19 and 20 January, the Future Tourism Congress will focus on sustainability and the transformation of tourism. Topics on the agenda include governance, sustainability standards, climate change, social responsibility and nature-based tourism.
The programme also includes the Neues Wandern congress on 18 January, with sessions on accessible hiking, trail running and new forms of walking tourism, and the Wellness & Health Tourism Summit, scheduled for 21 January.
A key event for the camping and caravanning industry
CMT remains one of the leading events for the German tourism and caravanning markets. The 2026 edition attracted approximately 268,000 visitors and 1,660 exhibiting companies, covering 125,000 square metres across ten halls. The event also hosted around 720 supporting events.
A CMT Business Ticket is available for industry professionals, offering additional services to make trade fair visits and business meetings more efficient. The next edition will take place from 16 to 24 January 2027 at Messe Stuttgart, alongside themed events covering areas including cruises and golf.
Happy Easter from the Leading Campings director