The 19th Annual Croatian Camping Congress opens today, October 27, at the Amadria Park Hotel Ivan in Šibenik, bringing together professionals from Croatia’s and Europe’s camping and outdoor hospitality sectors for three days of education, exhibitions, and networking.
Organized by the Croatian Camping Association (CCA), locally known as Kamping udruženje Hrvatske (KUH), the event runs through October 29 and serves as the country’s leading annual forum for campground operators, suppliers, public institutions, and tourism experts.
Since its launch in 2007, the Congress has hosted more than 4,400 participants, cementing its role as a central meeting point for Croatia’s growing camping industry.
In a translated message sent to attendees ahead of the event, organizers noted: “We are looking forward to your arrival and the joint start of the Congress on Monday, October 27.”
The program features presentations and roundtables on topics shaping the sector’s near-term future, including sustainability, modernization, and shifting guest expectations.
CCA added that in addition to lectures and presentations, “this year the Congress also abounds in a rich exhibition program. Our exhibitors will present a wide range of products and services, with special congress benefits, discounts, and prize games.”
The expo portion will open today, where various outdoor hospitality industry suppliers will be exhibiting to showcase their products and services.
One of the exhibitors is Europool, a producer of swimming pools and spa systems. The vendor will showcase new products available for immediate post-event delivery, KUH said.
A regular assembly for CCA members and a welcome party by Tissa & Partners and Evoluta will also be held later today.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina, Croatian National Tourist Board Director Kristjan Staničić, and CCA Executive Board President Veljko Ostojić are set to deliver the opening remarks tomorrow morning, followed by a keynote from premium partner Crippaconcept, a manufacturer of mobile homes and glamping units.
Educational and business focus
Tuesday’s sessions include a sector-wide discussion, Camping Sector Updates – Tourism in 2025, Preparations for 2026, and the Applicable Legal Framework, featuring representatives from Croatia’s tourism ministry and national tourist board.
A subsequent panel, Camping 2025+: Are We Recognizing the Real Changes in the Market?, gathers experts from Croatia, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Italy to assess emerging trends and consumer behavior shifts.
Additional sessions will address the growth of camping in China, the integration of green business models through “Climate Friendly Camp,” and demographic change in European campsites.
Spotlight on technology and modernization
The closing day, Wednesday, will highlight digitalization and innovation, including a presentation by Infosit’s Goran Mrvoš on how artificial intelligence can address operational challenges in camping businesses.
Case studies from Aminess Style Camping Atea Resort and Zaton Holiday Resort will illustrate modernization efforts and amenity investments aimed at enhancing guest experience and long-term competitiveness.
The event will culminate with the Campsites of the Future roundtable. Brian Searl, the founder and CEO of Insider Perks will join international panelists Georg Giner from Ferienparadies Natterer See (Austria), Kristian Korunić from Evoluta (Croatia), Višen Slamar from Tissa (Croatia), and Gianfranco Vitali from Florenz Open Air Resort (Italy).
Closing ceremonies will include the presentation of the Naj Kamp Adria 2025 and Croatia’s Best Campsites & OK Mini Camps 2026 awards.
For Croatian and European campground owners, glamping operators, and suppliers, the Congress represents a key opportunity to exchange practical knowledge, explore innovations in accommodation and infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships within a market that continues to expand across the continent.
Modern Campground is on-site to cover the Croatian Camping Congress for the first time and will be sharing updates in future articles.