At the 2025 SETT trade show, Nicolas Dayot, president of France’s National Federation of Outdoor Hospitality, discussed the pressing challenges facing the country’s outdoor hospitality sector, including annual campsite closures, evolving European regulations, and staffing shortages.
Speaking with Modern Campground via a translator, Dayot outlined how the federation works with both the French government and EU institutions to help campgrounds adapt and modernize.
Dayot said the federation focuses on regulatory advocacy, staff development, and supporting operators as the sector continues to evolve.
“Above all, it is about defending French campsites so they can continue to transform and progress,” he said, noting that this involves navigating national laws and European regulations that can sometimes hinder development.
The organization also shares insights from other countries and advises members on staff training and recruitment to help campgrounds improve services and remain competitive.
Diverse Camping Experiences Across France
According to Dayot, French camping is highly diverse, ranging from small family-run sites to large group-owned parks and niche offerings.
Themes include naturist parks—where France leads globally—as well as horseback riding, adventure activities, and campsites featuring unusual or themed accommodations.
This variety, combined with France’s long-standing camping culture, supports strong visitor numbers. Dayot said French campsites host around 28 million campers annually and are on track to exceed 30 million in the coming years.
SETT as a Hub for Industry Exchange
The French leader emphasized that SETT is more than a marketplace for mobile homes, waterparks, and outdoor equipment. Europe’s largest outdoor hospitality trade show brings together operators from across the continent—including Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Scandinavia, and Germany—to share knowledge and address shared challenges.
The event also hosts meetings with the European Federation of Campingsite Organisations and Holiday Park Associations, providing a venue to discuss safety, flooding risks, and climate change.
“It’s a meeting place that allows us to discuss the future of camping, the present challenges, and to collectively prepare for future challenges in the camping industry,” he said. Digitalization and artificial intelligence were major themes at this year’s event.
Addressing Closures and Digital Change
One of the federation’s top priorities is slowing the annual closure of French campsites, particularly smaller, public, or high-risk sites. Dayot described this as a concerning trend given France’s position as Europe’s leading camping destination.
The federation is also monitoring the impact of the EU Digital Markets Act and similar regulations, which could increase the influence of international online booking platforms.
Protecting direct reservations remains a key focus for operators. Staffing shortages and workforce development are additional long-term challenges.
Clarifying Accommodation Standards
In his conversation with Modern Campground, Dayot highlighted ongoing discussions with the French government about clearer definitions for chalets, cabins, canvas-roofed huts, tents on platforms, and mobile home conversions.
He noted that French operators often observe trends in North America, where innovation and creativity in the sector are particularly strong.
Investment Strengths and International Collaboration
France’s large number and variety of campsites make it attractive to investors, Dayot said. He noted the presence of multiple factories producing mobile homes, caravans, chalets, and tents, which support domestic innovation and supply chains.
Looking ahead, the federation is exploring closer ties with North American associations through study tours and exchange programs.
“It could be interesting to work more together,” Dayot said, emphasizing that such collaboration is unlikely to create competitive conflicts, as international travelers typically choose regional destinations.