Spanish campsites are witnessing an extraordinary summer, with the latest data from the Spanish Federation of Campsites (FEEC) indicating a season of almost full occupancy across the country’s facilities.
Regardless of the region, coastal campsites, as well as those in the interior and north of the country, are nearly fully booked.
According to FEEC, the average occupancy rate is expected to hover around 90% nationwide, with hundreds of facilities reaching full capacity during the period from July 15 to August 20.
This exceptional result is anticipated to surpass the record-breaking 2022 season, which saw 25 million overnight stays and 5 million travelers. FEEC’s forecasts suggest that the season will extend until mid-September.
The camping sector in Spain has seen significant growth and consolidation over the last decade. FEEC cites data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), which indicates that during the period from 2013 to 2022, in the summer season, which is from June 15 to September 15t, the number of travelers increased by 40.7%, and overnight stays by 30.7%.
In 2013, there were approximately 3.6 million travelers, while in the summer of 2022, there were nearly 5.1 million, and overnight stays reached almost 25 million, compared to just over 19 million in 2013.
The increasing inflation, which has led to a 10% increase in electricity and gas costs, as well as in trade and catering services, has also impacted campsite rates, which have increased by 5% compared to 2022.
This increase is influencing the consumption choices of campsite guests who, in order to avoid reducing the length of their stay, choose to allocate a smaller portion of their budget to catering and ancillary services such as sports activities, wellness centers, and saunas.
“Unlike other vacation offerings, campers maintain the expected number of vacation days, around 7, but reduce their internal spending at our facilities by 20%,” said Ana Beriain, president of FEEC.
This trend highlights the resilience of the camping sector and its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions.
The current trend towards planning vacations well in advance is a reversal of the past trend of last-minute reservations or bookings made a couple of months in advance. According to the collected data, 40% of bookings were made in the first quarter of the year, and 60% immediately after Easter.
With bungalows fully booked at 100%, pitches at 80%, and glamping experiencing a significant rise in popularity among families seeking new experiences, it will be challenging to find accommodation for those who haven’t planned their vacations well in advance.
The record-breaking summer season is a testament to the robustness of Spain’s camping sector, which has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of changing market conditions and consumer behaviors.
The sector’s growth and consolidation over the past decade underscore its importance to Spain’s tourism industry and its contribution to the country’s economy.
The summer of 2023 is shaping up to be a record-breaking season for Spanish campsites, with near-full occupancy rates and robust growth in the sector. This trend is a positive sign for the Spanish economy and the camping sector, which continues to attract millions of travelers each year.
Amazing, it’s no surprise that Spanish campsites are anticipating a groundbreaking summer in 2023! With such incredible demand, campers should book in advance for an unforgettable summer adventure in Spain, don’t you believe?