The camping market in Europe is changing, and so are the expectations of holidaymakers on campsites – these were two of the key points discussed at the annual general assembly of European campsite group LeadingCampings. Taking place at Camping Čikat on the island of Lošinj in Croatia in early October, the general assembly gathered together many of LeadingCampings’ 48 members to discuss how they can meet the challenges facing the industry and create new ideas together.
The event consisted of a wide range of workshops and discussion panels in which the various campsite operators who make up the LeadingCampings membership brought ideas and enthusiasm to the table, as well as their own perspectives from different locations around Europe.
A particular highlight was a keynote speech by Josipa Bonifačić Cvelić from the University of Rijeka on the subject ‘Croatia’s Transformation into One of Europe’s Leading Premium Camping Destinations’. Her speech offered insightful perspectives on the evolution of the open-air tourism industry and some indications about where she believes its future lies.
A statement by LeadingCampings said: “Over the past few days, we experienced once again what a strong European network can achieve when people from different countries come together, exchange perspectives openly and work towards a common goal. This spirit of collaboration, the willingness to learn from one another and our shared commitment to excellence are what make LeadingCampings unique in Europe. We leave Croatia with plenty of ideas, new perspectives and a clear ambition: to continue shaping the future of premium camping in Europe – together”.
Collaborative events such as this are becoming an increasingly important element of the open-air tourism industry as a way of tackling challenges and also a way of capitalising on the opportunities.
LeadingCampings was founded in 1994 by a group of visionary campsite owners and now comprises almost 50 members, who are all professional hosts operating premium campsites and holiday parks across 10 different European countries, including Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Croatia, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, and Spain.
The ethos of each LeadingCampings member campsite is to offer more than just pitch or rental accommodation, but to give customers the comfort, design, and service that they are increasingly demanding, creating an open-air tourism experience that is carefully crafted with visible quality.
Photo: LeadingCampings
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