At the 2025 Salon SETT conference in Montpellier, France, held from November 4 to 6, Modern Campground Founder and CEO Brian Searl sat down with Philippe De Rémur, general manager for the Campsite Institute at Septeo, to discuss the company’s ongoing transformation, new technology suite, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the camping and outdoor hospitality sector.
Septeo Hospitality, part of the larger Septeo Group, has a long history in the European hospitality technology market. During the interview, De Rémur explained that the company’s origins date back four decades. “Started 40 years ago by building Unix data. It was very specific… computers to run the business of the campsite,” he said.
De Rémur himself joined the organization two years ago after working in IT solutions, adding newer technological perspectives to the company’s established foundation.
From On-Premise to SaaS: The Ulysses Suite Transformation
One of the major changes Septeo is bringing to the market is the transition from on-premise systems to a cloud-based platform through its Ulysses Suite. According to De Rémur, this shift aims to reduce the operational burden on operators and streamline daily management.
“What is very important for our customers is to be able to […] spend time and energy in running their business and not in […] making the IT solution,” he said.
He explained that many campsites previously relied on on-site servers, but the new SaaS model offers modular services that operators can use while no longer needing to manage local IT infrastructure. The goal, he said, is to help operators focus on “doing more revenue and making more customers and loyal customers.”
For outdoor hospitality businesses, this reflects a broader industry trend: cloud-based systems require fewer technical resources, reduce downtime risk, and allow multi-site access, all of which improve operational resilience during peak season.
Full-Service Technology and Modular Flexibility
When asked what differentiates Septeo from competitors, De Rémur emphasized the company’s wide-ranging and customizable technology ecosystem.
“What is making us very different is that we can offer a full option solution to our customers,” he said.
He noted that the system includes staff apps, HR tools for seasonal hiring, website solutions, and AI-enabled chatbot and call bot tools. Importantly, he clarified that while the platform can deliver an end-to-end solution, customers are not required to buy every module.
“You can choose whatever you want. This is not an issue for us,” he said. “You will have everything you need, but we don’t oblige you to buy everything.”
This flexibility is particularly relevant for campground and holiday park owners who often phase improvements over multiple seasons or tailor tools to specific operational needs.
Faster Development and 24/7 Guest Support
De Rémur explained that AI is reshaping both internal operations and customer-facing tools.
For Septeo’s development team, AI dramatically accelerates production timelines: “We know that when someone, a customer, is asking us a specificity, we can produce it in [a] very short time,” he explained, contrasting today’s speed with previous cycles that took “six months, one year.”
For operators, AI-powered tools are enabling around-the-clock service without additional staffing. De Rémur pointed to a key challenge for campsites: “When you run a campsite, all the bookings are made after 7:00 PM… And you know that you don’t have people there.”
Through multilingual chatbots and call bots, Septeo helps properties handle inquiries and reservations during off-hours. “You can answer every time, every day, 24 hours, seven days,” he said. He described this approach as “adding humanity with the digital,” highlighting how automation can support service rather than replace it.
For operators in competitive markets, these tools address labor shortages, enhance guest convenience, and capture bookings that might otherwise be lost overnight.
AI-Driven Travel Planning and Integrated Payments
Looking ahead, De Rémur said the company expects AI to increasingly manage end-to-end travel planning and reservation tasks. Septeo recently launched a full payment solution in October 2025, which he sees as a precursor to more automated guest journeys.
While the full implications for intermediaries are still developing, De Rémur believes the shift is inevitable and that operators should prepare for AI-driven booking flows that may bypass traditional search-based discovery.
De Rémur concluded the interview by affirming that the discussion covered the core developments and direction of Septeo.
For operators evaluating technology investments, Septeo’s transition to cloud-based tools, emphasis on modular systems, and growing reliance on AI reflect broader changes reshaping campground, caravan park, and glamping operations across Europe.
As automation and digital guest journeys accelerate, businesses that adapt early may benefit from increased efficiency, improved service coverage, and stronger revenue opportunities.
Featured image by Brian Searl/Modern Campground