In 2023, CampingCard ACSI celebrated its 20th anniversary. This was paired with the announcement of a few important changes within the popular discount system. The two most notable changes were the introduction of the digital version of CampingCard ACSI and the addition of a QR code on both the digital and paper versions. Checking in at the campsite reception is a lot quicker this way.
Solution for the low season
CampingCard ACSI was introduced in 2003 in order to offer a powerful solution for the low season. “ACSI noticed that campsites were struggling with the occupancy rate in the early and late seasons,” recalls ACSI’s CEO Ramon Van Reine. “Although those periods are attractive for going on holiday for many campsite visitors, the occupancy rate often remained low. CampingCard ACSI turned out to be a game changer. The system not only gives campsite visitors many benefits in the low season but also provides clarity as to the overnight price. In 2024, this is always one of the eight fixed, low-cost rates of 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 or 27 euros per night”.
Extension of the camping season
The impact of CampingCard ACSI on the low season is clearly visible. “Participating campsites welcome huge numbers of campsite visitors during the early and late seasons, which in turn extends the camping season. Over the years, we noticed that the neighbours of participating campsites wanted to participate the following year. They wanted to improve their occupancy rate as well. Most campsites are very satisfied with the additional value that CampingCard ACSI offers,” says Van Reine.
The wish of campsite visitors
Since its introduction, millions of campsite visitors and thousands of campsites have discovered the benefits of CampingCard ACSI. However, some camping habits have changed over the past 20 years. Searching for and booking a pitch at the campsite is being done online more often. “Campsite visitors have been asking for a digital version of CampingCard ACSI for some time now,” states van Reine.
“On the one hand, because it fits with the time of sustainability, but also from a practical point of view. A mobile phone is essential for almost all campsite visitors. And since the digital discount card is available in the convenient CampingCard ACSI app, they always have it with them”. There is yet another benefit. “By having everything in a digital version, there is less chance of losing or damaging the discount card. Furthermore, the card always provides the required personal data”.
Easy, fast, and safe
Campsites notice that checking in especially is easier and quicker. “The digital CampingCard ACSI has a QR code. This can be scanned by reception with the camera of a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC. This means that all customer data can be consulted immediately and transferred to the campsite’s system. This works much faster than copying hand-written information. In addition, the QR code is refreshed every 5 minutes, and there is a built-in movement element, making it almost impossible to copy”. What if reception has no camera available? “Campsites can enter the unique code on the card manually. This provides the campsite with all of the data as well,” reassures Van Reine.
The guide remains
Up until now, CampingCard ACSI was only available in combination with one of ACSI’s campsite guides. This will still be possible in the future. But changes will be made here as well. “We leave it up to the campsite visitor to choose between a guide plus a paper card or the app plus a digital card. Everyone has their own preference,” Van Reine states. “But by adding a QR code and unique number code to the paper CampingCard ACSI as well, checking-in will be much easier”.
Especially for motorhome owners
Nowadays, more and more campsite visitors travel with a motorhome. This is a trend that ACSI had observed quite some time ago. “This is why, specifically for motorhome owners, we have the ACSI CampingCard & Motorhome Pitchesguide. This is CampingCard ACSI as well as more than 9,000 motorhome pitches. This allows motorhome owners to choose whether they wish to stay overnight at a participating campsite or in a motorhome pitch at a very favourable rate with CampingCard ACSI. And, as of this year, this product is also available in a completely digital version,” explains Van Reine.
Registration of the card
Campsite visitors travelling with CampingCard ACSI are asked to register their product online first. Once they have done so, all details are available immediately. Digital cards can only be used if the campsite visitor has registered it. In the case of a paper version of CampingCard ACSI, this is not necessary. Campsite visitors can also choose to fill in their details on the back of the card manually.
Participation is easy
Participating in CampingCard ACSI is easy and, in many cases, is profitable fairly quickly. Research has shown that, on average, campsites earn back their participation in CampingCard ACSI in 64 nights. “Campsites that want to participate can contact ACSI. Together they look at which period or periods the campsite would want to accept CampingCard ACSI and at which nightly rate campsite visitors could stay. There are conditions and calculation methods connected to this that level the playing field for everyone,” Van Reine states.
ACSI also thinks along with the campsites as well. “We have adjusted the nightly rates for 2024 to the current market situation and added two higher rates to meet campsites with high rates. We are also flexible with regard to the energy issue. By default, electricity up to 6 amperes or 4 kWh per day is included in the rate, but a campsite can charge a fee for any additional energy consumption. This can be done by, for example, installing energy meters”.
For more information about CampingCard ACSI, participation in CampingCard ACSI or the new working method for scanning the QR code, read the information at www.acsi.eu/digital-cca.
Scanning and transferring details: how does that work
Campsite visitors need to have a valid CampingCard ACSI discount card in order to take advantage of the very affordable CampingCard ACSI nightly rates. When making a reservation, the campsite visitor must state that they are using the discount system, and the valid discount card must be presented at check-in.
As from 2024, campsite visitors can present either the digital or the paper CampingCard ACSI. The paper discount card is sold together with one of the ACSI campsite guides. The digital card is offered in combination with the CampingCard ACSI app. Whichever version the campsite visitor chooses, checking in is just as quick both ways.
