| 1/5 | The Fédération Internationale de Camping, Caravanning et de Autocaravaning (F.I.C.C.) was established in 1933 to represent, protect and promote federations and camping clubs in 40 countries. Today, it represents more than eight million families that go camping and caravanning. It is constantly developing, listening to the needs and problems of campers and tourist facilities, and monitoring future developments.
Camping Business: How has the world of camping and the campers changed in the last 10 years?
There have been a lot of changes in the last 10 to 15 years. People used to prefer to go camping and do activities as a group, such as going to weekend rallies, meeting friends or other families and doing activities together. They also felt it was safer and easier to travel together as there were more borders between countries then.Today, we have noticed that many campers prefer to be more independent and travel alone or with other friends they’ve met through the internet and blogs; a club or organisation is no longer the key point of reference for them. However, there are lots of people who do still like clubs, especially for the advantages that being a member offers, but not as much for travelling together or meeting other people.There is a trend for motorhome users who think they can go wild camping wherever they want. The F.I.C.C. does not support wild camping. Campsites are still the best place to stay overnight for many reasons: environmental protection, good facilities and safety. It's easier for everybody if people go camping in the correct place.In the last 10 years there has been an increasing number of people who prefer to be more spontaneous and do things when they want: if it's good weather they go camping for the weekend with the family, if it's not they stay at home, or just decide at the last minute without planning things in advance. We still have many people that need or prefer to organise everything in advance: they know where and when they're going and what they’re going to do. This is especially important in the high season, otherwise there may not be pitches available at the campsite you want.
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