The Catalan Federation of Campsites (FCC) held its 2nd Congress of Campsites of Catalonia from April 15 to 17, 2026, at Castell de Ciutat in La Seu d’Urgell, bringing together more than 300 industry professionals, institutional representatives, and national and international experts.
The event focused on safety, prevention, and innovation under the theme “Nature to enjoy, safety to inspire confidence,” with discussions centered on how operators can adapt to evolving risks, including those linked to climate change and regulatory changes.
A key development presented during the congress was a pilot training project aimed at strengthening risk management capabilities across Catalan campsites. Supported by the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security, the initiative combines regulatory education with practical, field-based training.
The program is structured in phases, beginning with technical instruction for campsite operators and municipal officials, followed by simulations and coordinated exercises with emergency services. The pilot will be launched in the province of Girona, with the intention of scaling it across the region, according to L’Officiel des terrains de camping.
FCC Chairman Miquel Gotanegra emphasized the broader shift in operational priorities, stating that this initiative represents “a paradigm shift,” and adding that “safety is not just about meeting a standard, but about knowledge, preparedness and the ability to act.”
In addition to training initiatives, the congress included the Gala of Catalan Campsites, where several companies and professionals were recognized for their contributions to the sector. The event, chaired by Minister of Enterprise and Labour Miquel Sàmper, highlighted international collaboration, including recognition of Roger Pla of Yelloh! Village Le Brasilia.
The award was accepted by Philippe Robert, president of the Federation of Outdoor Hospitality of Occitanie, who also participated in a panel discussion on safety management alongside experts from Germany and Austria. The session focused on sharing best practices and operational insights from across European markets.
Other recipients included the Sènia Group, Tomàs Sentenach of the Sol i Neu campsite, Sangulí Camping & Resort, Vall de Camprodon campsite, ACSI, and journalist Agustí Valls Berdún. The congress also hosted the ACSI Awards Spain 2026 for the first time in Catalonia, further reinforcing the region’s international standing within the camping sector.
The event concluded with remarks from Minister of the Interior and Public Security Núria Parlon, who described the camping sector as “a fundamental driver of the country’s economy” and emphasized the importance of continued support and development.
For industry professionals, the congress underscored the increasing importance of structured risk management frameworks, particularly as environmental and regulatory pressures evolve.
The pilot project introduced by the FCC may serve as a replicable model for operators in other regions seeking to standardize safety practices, improve emergency preparedness, and align with public-sector coordination efforts.
Catalonia remains a significant market within the European outdoor hospitality sector, with 352 campsites and 267,545 pitches. The region recorded more than 21 million overnight stays in 2025, accounting for over 30% of Spain’s tourism activity, and continues to play a role in extending tourism beyond peak seasons while supporting regional economic development.