Credit: Camprilux ASBL

Camprilux, the association of Luxembourg’s campsite operators, has reported that it held its annual General Assembly at the beginning of the year “to review the past season and outline key priorities for the year ahead.”

The event took place for the first time at the leisure centre in Hosingen, bringing together members, industry representatives and partners, as well as Luxembourg’s Minister of Culture and Minister Delegate for Tourism, Eric Thill, and Gilles Thilgen, Parc-Hosingen Alderman representing Mayor Romain Wester. Camprilux President Florence Kirtz-Bertemes opened the assembly with a review of the past year, expressing “her gratitude to all partners for their invaluable collaboration.”

According to the press release, Ms Kirtz-Bertemes highlighted both her deep commitment and concern for the increasing challenges faced by campsite operators. The camping industry contributes significantly to Luxembourg’s tourism sector, with over one million overnight stays annually. This, in turn, benefits local businesses, leisure facilities, and cultural sites. Many visitors are loyal guests who have built personal connections with the local population over the years, noted the Camprilux President.

She added that the real challenge for the future of the sector is not a lack of visitors but rather the economic sustainability of campsite operations. Rising costs related to energy, water and waste management, along with climate-related infrastructure upgrades, regulatory complexities and administrative hurdles, pose significant threats to the financial viability of these businesses. As a result, fewer young entrepreneurs are willing to take on campsite management. Without subsidies and the voluntary support of family and friends, many businesses struggle to remain operational, despite their passion for the industry, she said.

Minister Eric Thill assured Camprilux of the Ministry of Culture’s support and emphasised that “its doors remain open for dialogue”.

Under the guidance of Camprilux Secretary-General Linda Gedink, the assembly also covered key administrative matters, including financial data, operational activities and votes on the 2025 membership fee, revised statutes and the annual budget. Elections for the Camprilux committee were also held, with Marc Bissen, Eline Buehre, Jean-Marc Speller, Gil Wies, Ian Vermeulen and Henri Brack all re-elected unanimously. Outgoing members Luis de Palacio and Liesbeth van Berkum were thanked for their dedicated service.

Ms Gedink also reflected on last year’s achievements and introduced key projects for 2025. One of the major updates concerned legal regulations, specifically amendments to the "Fiches d’hébergement" (accommodation forms) rules, which were passed in parliament on 13 February 2025. While several of Camprilux’s proposals were incorporated into the new legislation, the Secretary-General said concerns remain that visitors may feel discouraged by the increased personal data requirements, potentially opting for alternative holiday destinations.

As reported after the General Assembly, Camprilux continues to prioritise sustainable development, notably through its collaboration with Ecocamping to “promote environmentally friendly infrastructure and enhance campsite resilience to climate change.” The association said it is also advocating for the creation of a “zone verte récréative” (recreational green area) to further develop camping opportunities in natural areas.

Camprilux added that digital innovation remains a key focus. The camping.lu platform is currently undergoing a redesign in cooperation with Luxembourg for Tourism (LFT) “to improve online booking and enhance the digital presence of member campsites”.

According to statement, the association and its members remain optimistic about the future. Demand for nature-based camping holidays - particularly among motorhome travellers and those seeking alternative accommodation - remains strong. Camprilux assured that it is committed to close collaboration with both national and international partners, as well as governmental institutions, to strengthen Luxembourg’s position as a leading camping destination.

IK