The Spanish Federation of Campsites met with Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, on Thursday to discuss the need for a more uniform regulatory framework for outdoor tourism, as the country’s camping sector continues to expand and diversify.
During the meeting, representatives from the Federation highlighted concerns over the current variation in urban planning and tourism regulations across Spain’s autonomous communities.
According to the organization, the differing rules are affecting investment decisions, modernization projects, and the long-term legal stability of camping businesses operating in multiple regions.
Ana Beriain, president of the Spanish Federation of Campsites, said during the meeting that it would be advisable to “move towards a more homogeneous regulatory framework” that improves legal certainty and supports the sector’s orderly and sustainable development.
The discussion also focused on how camping tourism has evolved in recent years, particularly in areas related to sustainability, innovation, and upgraded visitor services.
Federation representatives and ministry officials agreed on the importance of maintaining regular dialogue between public administrations and industry stakeholders to ensure that regulations adapt to changing market conditions in outdoor tourism.
Sergio Chocarro, manager of the Spanish Federation of Campsites, told Democrata that the camping sector is evolving rapidly and that, in many cases, regulation “does not advance at the same pace.” He added that stronger coordination between different levels of government and the industry itself is necessary to address those challenges.
The meeting comes as camping continues to gain market share within Spain’s broader tourism economy.
According to figures shared by the Federation, campground occupancy reached 100% during the recent Easter holiday period. The organization also reported that 2025 closed with approximately 50 million overnight stays, more than 10 million travelers, and an estimated €1.6 billion in turnover.
The sector currently supports around 40,000 direct and indirect jobs across Spain and remains an important contributor to rural tourism economies and regional destinations that rely on outdoor travel demand.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the discussion reflects a wider issue affecting campground and glamping businesses across Europe and other international markets: balancing regional oversight with regulatory consistency.
Industry professionals are increasingly seeking clearer frameworks for land use, sustainability compliance, infrastructure investment, and accommodation upgrades as outdoor tourism products continue to diversify. Greater regulatory alignment could help operators plan long-term capital investments more effectively while also supporting sustainable growth and modernization across the sector.