As the European camping industry prepares for another demanding season, Croatian tourism officials and industry leaders underscored the importance of sustainable growth, all-season operations, and clear regulatory frameworks during a roundtable at the 19th Congress of Croatian Camping in Šibenik.
The roundtable brought together Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia; Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board; and Veljko Ostojić, President of the Executive Board of the Croatian Camping Association.
Together, they outlined the sector’s priorities for the coming years—emphasizing sustainable growth, maintaining Croatia’s competitive edge in Europe, and preparing regulatory frameworks to support continued investment and year-round operations.
Sustainable Growth Over Expansion
The discussion reflected a collective effort to strengthen Croatia’s leadership in the European market while aligning the sector with new economic and environmental expectations for 2026.
Speakers at the session emphasized that the era of growth for growth’s sake must give way to a model that prioritizes stability and added value. One industry representative said the sector must “not think as we perhaps thought before—only growth, growth, growth.”
The focus, they added, should be on preserving what is good and building added value each year. This approach, they argued, will help Croatian tourism maintain resilience and ensure that tourism development continues to enhance the quality of life for residents in key destinations.
The conversation highlighted that the seasonal concentration of tourism remains a challenge.
Leaders encouraged strategies to extend the tourism calendar through product diversification and investment in quality facilities. “Now we must grow within ourselves,” one participant said, referring to improvements in quality, project control, and year-round tourism.
Maintaining Market Leadership
Panelists agreed that Croatia’s camping and tourism sector remains on a strong path within the European market.
One speaker noted that the tourism sector’s private nature—composed of skilled managers and entrepreneurs—has been a major factor behind its success. “If everyone in Croatian society were like the Croatian tourism sector,” the participant said, “we would be an even much better and more successful country.”
The discussion pointed to Croatia’s continued competitiveness: high service standards, strong pricing justified by quality, and an established reputation across Europe. The optimism was tempered by recognition of future hurdles.
“On that path, some obstacle always appears, bigger or smaller,” a speaker said, calling for adaptability amid changing trends and regulations.
Preparing for 2026 Frameworks
Regulatory preparedness emerged as a unifying theme, with participants voicing support for more precise, transparent rules to guide camping operations and investments.
“Precise regulation will help us all to know in which direction we should go in the future,” one representative said. This alignment, they suggested, is essential to sustaining investor confidence and ensuring that Croatia’s growth continues responsibly.
Despite challenges, the tone remained positive. “I am very optimistic regarding Croatian camping in the international context,” said one participant, noting that Croatia ranks among the top European destinations for regulatory compliance and service quality.
The sector, they concluded, has the potential “to be a leader in the European camping industry” once key issues are addressed.
The discussion took place during the 19th Congress of Croatian Camping, held October 27–29, 2025, at Amadria Park Hotel Ivan in Šibenik. Organized by the Croatian Camping Association, the event continues this week with sessions on digitalization, sustainable glamping, and new market opportunities.
Modern Campground is on-site to share insights and key takeaways for outdoor hospitality operators across Europe.