Bookings made by Spanish travelers for domestic camping and outdoor accommodation stays have risen sharply in 2026, according to new data released by Pitchup, reflecting changing travel behaviors amid ongoing economic pressures and concerns surrounding energy supply in Europe.
The online booking platform reported that reservations made by Spanish tourists for stays within Spain increased by 96% during the first part of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The company attributed the growth to a combination of economic uncertainty, higher travel costs, and recent tensions affecting energy supply across parts of Europe.
The findings suggest that domestic tourism continues to benefit as travelers seek vacation options closer to home and look for ways to manage travel expenses.
Camping, caravan parks, holiday parks, and other outdoor accommodation providers may be among the sectors seeing increased interest from consumers seeking more affordable and flexible travel experiences.
Pitchup also reported a significant increase in demand for transportation-related conveniences. Use of the platform’s “public transport pick-up” filter has risen by 164% compared with the previous year, reflecting growing interest in destinations that can be reached without relying solely on private vehicles. The company noted that this trend is consistent with broader global travel patterns.
At the same time, travelers appear to be making plans closer to their departure dates. According to the platform, 40% of bookings made in Spain are completed during the week before travel.
Last-minute reservations have increased by 13% compared with 2025, indicating that consumers may be delaying travel decisions until closer to their intended departure dates.
While booking activity has increased, the average length of stay has declined slightly. Pitchup reported that the average stay in Spain during 2026 stands at 3.1 nights, representing a 4% decrease from 2025 levels. The data suggests that travelers may be opting for shorter breaks while maintaining overall travel frequency.
Mobile devices continue to play a dominant role in travel purchasing decisions. According to the company, 66% of all bookings made in Spain through the platform are completed using mobile phones, reinforcing the importance of mobile-friendly booking systems and digital customer experiences.
“Although it is still too early to know if the current tensions related to energy supply could have a direct impact on travel in Europe, there are already signs that many travelers are adapting their planning methods,” highlighted the platform’s founder, Dan Yates, in an article by Democrata.
For campground operators, glamping businesses, caravan parks, holiday parks, and RV resort owners, the data highlights several emerging opportunities.
The increase in domestic travel demand, growth in last-minute bookings, and rising interest in public transportation access may influence marketing strategies, pricing models, and guest services.
Operators that maintain real-time availability, optimize mobile booking experiences, and clearly communicate transportation options may be better positioned to capture demand from travelers making spontaneous and budget-conscious travel decisions throughout 2026.