Rural campsites are emerging as a response to the demands of travelers who want to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle, immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature and discovering the riches of local heritage. According to Summer Statistics 2023, 29% of French people preferred the serenity of the countryside, while 14% opted for theoutdoor experience. This is an opportunity not only for nature lovers, but also for farmers and campground managers who see the hospitality business as a way to diversify income while ensuring farm sustainability.
26% of sales are related to camping and country hospitality activities
Affiliates of “ Bienvenue à la ferme ” who operate campgrounds register on average a good 26 percent of their turnover related to camping and country hospitality activities. However, the situation of campsites, particularly small ones in rural areas, is changing. The National Federation of Campgrounds (FNHPA) has noticed a gradual disappearance of facilities in areas where the supply of tourist accommodation is already limited. A radical transformation is essential to reverse this trend, with a focus on quality, hotel services, attractive landscapes, and thematic positioning in line with rural tourists’ expectations, such as wellness, unusual, and local heritage.
How to help rural campsites?
The challenges not only involve tourism aspectsbut also involve zoning permits for the change of use of farm buildings in existing campgrounds. The conversion of old farm buildings for tourism purposes not only makes it easier to obtain permits, but also helps to preserve and enhance the agricultural building stock , raising the quality of hospitality offerings.
Fnhpa has entered into an agreement with the Chambers of Agriculture
Squeezed into a new partnership, the Chambers of Agriculture and FNHPA have joined together to promote the reflection and revitalization of camping supply in rural areas. The goal is to provide farmers and campground operators with operational support to improve their offerings by providing tourists with more accommodation options. This initiative is crucial as small rural hotel establishments disappear, because it aims to preserve and develop local rural offerings, contributing to the economic and social dynamism specific to French rurality.
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