Camping news from France. With the aim of protecting the activity of small campsites and avoiding their closure, the National Federation of Outdoor Hotels (FNHPA) entrusted Cabinet Alliances with a prospective study to analyze development possibilities. The camping sector moves at two speeds, with excellent results in the long term and a less than positive trend in the short term.
25% of facilities recorded a decline in activity
If the volume of nights spent in campsites has continued to increase for twenty-five years, reaching a record of 169 million in 2023, more detailed analysis highlights that 25% of campsites have recorded a decline in activity in at least the last three years. This slowdown is worrying those responsible for the French camping sector, because it translates into the loss of tourist beds and has already led to the closure of 1,354 campsites since 1996, of which 150 between 2021 and 2022 alone.
Why small campsites in France are closing
The reasons for these closures can be traced back to several factors, including:
- Outdated equipment: Many campgrounds have limited, unattractive equipment that no longer meets customer expectations.
- Lack of visibility: Campsite promotion and marketing often suffer from limited tools and approaches.
- Unsustainable economic model: the reduced supply of rental modules limits the period of use, occupancy rates and rates per night.
- Lack of investments: the lack of investments is often due to a very low self-financing capacity.
- Difficulty in reselling or managing facilities: The management and subsequent resale of facilities is a challenge for many owners.
That’s why FNHPA established a commission to reverse the trend. The mission is to analyze the characteristics of small campsites, identify defects and find the tools to use to restart activities. The Federation also already has some elements in mind to leverage, such as slow tourism and a return to nature, glamping, greater attention to the opportunities offered by unusual accommodation. In the French camping sector they are also growing rapidly and offer a wide variety of unique experiences to visitors.
FNHPA also works on a national communication and promotion plan
To take full advantage of all the opportunities, the FNHPA is also working on a national communication and promotion plan. The federation is working with the Banques des Territoires to support campsite projects and is running awareness campaigns among managers during the 2023 fairs. Statistics in hand, the small campsite sector in France is facing difficult challenges, but opportunities also exist promising for their rebirth. The key to success will be the ability to adapt to new trends and invest in facilities and promotion.
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