The camping sector in Spain is experiencing a period of particular vitality, with statistics certifying a steady influx of tourists even during the low, fall and winter seasons. According to Ana Beriaín, president of the Spanish Federation of Campgrounds (FEEC) , forecasts indicate a 2023 closure by about 10 million travelers and an impressive 47 million overnight camping nights. A tangible sign of the robustness of the industry.
Half a million more campers in summer
The summer has already demonstrated the strength of the Spanish camping scene, with more than 5.2 million registered tourists, marking a half-million increase over the pre-pandemic summer of 2019. These data, based on INE information and reported by the FECC, confirm a positive trend and a gradual return of tourist flows.
Spanish low season driven by retirees
A crucial element in maintaining this dynamism during the off-season months is the change in visitor profile. While the end of the summer vacations sees a decrease in families with children from different parts of Spain, a new audience takes over in the fall and winter: foreign reti rees and early retirees, mainly from the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. These travelers, men and women between the ages of 60 and 75, flee the winter rigors of their home countries in search of mild climates, finding refuge in Spanish campgrounds. Using caravans and RVs, they stay in the country from October to March, moving between different establishments for extended periods. Their above-average economic capacity enables them to support the tourism sector, spending 30 percent of their budget on staying at campsites and the remaining 70 percent in the immediate area . This financial flow supports leisure activities, restaurants, fuel and sightseeing, contributing significantly to the local economy.
750,000 foreign campers expected
According to FEEC, about 750,000 foreign campers are expected during the off-season, a 44 percent increase from the pandemic era and nearly triple the number a decade ago. These tourists are vital during the off-season, allowing many establishments to continue operations and covering maintenance and personnel costs. Many of these foreign visitors prefer campsites on the Mediterranean coast or in the north of the peninsula, while others prefer inland facilities, eager to explore the various cultural and culinary facets of Spain from north to south and east to west.
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