The Croatian glamping sector is emerging as the most profitable and rewarding segment in the country’s tourism industry, according to a report by Total Croatia News. This burgeoning sector has shown remarkable resilience, even amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
New laws on maritime property and tourist land pose the promise of further fueling the sector’s growth, per the report.
The Camping Association of Croatia (KUH) provides data that supports the sector’s robust performance. Total Croatia News cited KUH’s claim that Croatia currently has 338 legally registered camps and 495 household-registered camps, offering a total accommodation capacity of 255,181 beds. This substantial capacity accounts for about 24 percent of the national tourist accommodation.
Istria County is a significant player in this sector, holding 48 percent of the total camping capacity. This is followed by Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and Zadar County. Total Croatia News confirms these statistics, adding that the continental counties contribute a mere two percent to the national camping accommodation capacities.
Quality is not compromised in this rush for quantity. eVisitor data reveals that nearly half of these camping capacities are in the 4-star and 5-star categories.
“Seven camps in Croatia have 5 stars, 80 have 4 stars and with 121,000 beds, this is also the largest segment in the sector, 88 have three stars, and 96 camps operate under the categorization of up to 2 stars,” Total Croatia noted in the report. This focus on quality has positioned Croatia as a leader in the European camping landscape.
Financial performance further attests to the sector’s success. Arena Grand Kažela, part of the Arena Hospitality Group, has reported record revenues and EBITDA, showing an increase of over 60 percent compared to 2019. Similarly, revenues of the Arena One 99 Glamping camp have surged by 30 percent compared to 2019.
Investments in the sector are also on the rise. One notable example is Aminess’s Avalona Camping Resort on the island of Pag. This campsite is set to be the first 5-star facility on the island and the first in Croatia to offer campsites with private swimming pools, according to Total Croatia News.
In 2019, the University of Rijeka published a research paper indicating that the transformation from traditional camping to glamping is the future of camping in Croatia. This transformation is driven by innovative forms of accommodation, making the sector more competitive and appealing to a diverse range of tourists.
This sentiment is echoed by various stakeholders, including campsite managers, equipment producers, and guests. The research paper from the University of Rijeka gathers these perspectives, concluding that the sector is not only profitable but also sustainable and poised for long-term growth.
The Croatian glamping sector is a shining example of how innovation and quality can drive profitability in the tourism industry. Its resilience, adaptability, and focus on quality make it a model for sustainable tourism development. With continued investments and collaboration among stakeholders, the sector is well-positioned for a bright and prosperous future.
