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On Monday 4 November 2024, Caprilux, Luxembourg's organisation of campsite operators, released the results of a survey on the 2024 season; the results show that the estimated average occupancy rate was either the same or slightly below the 2023 rate.
When asked about the most important influences on this year's bookings, most campsite operators named the weather as the variable with the greatest impact. June and July were reported as being particularly wet, leading to reduced occupancy.
Occupancy rates were slightly higher for August and September than they were in 2023; however, fewer spontaneous and short-notice bookings were made.
Campsite operators have been feeling the effects of climate change for some time. Extreme weather events such as heavy rain, storms or floods have become more frequent, which can place a heavy strain on campsite infrastructure, for example paths, pitches and sanitary facilities. Overall, climate change is posing considerable challenges for campsite operators and requires business models and infrastructure to be adapted to keep pace with the changing environmental conditions.
An interesting observation from the survey was that sales in the gastronomy sector increased significantly. This could be attributed to the rainy weather, which makes cooking on a camping stove more difficult. Others attribute it to changing habits. Innovative ideas such as food trucks at campsites were met with a positive response in 2024.
Another trend emerging is the polarisation of accommodation options: while some prefer the traditional camping tent, others opt for more luxurious options such as rental accommodation or glamping. The mid-price range remained in demand, which included both modern tents and classic caravans.
The survey also reported that the integration of modern technologies is essential, not only to meet the increasing demands of guests, but to make operations more efficient. Digital booking systems and online payment services enable easy and convenient reservations, and contactless check-in offers guests greater flexibility.
Hiking was reported as the most popular leisure activity among guests, closely followed by cycling, mountain biking and gravel biking (off-road cycling). The investments made in recent years in tourism and accommodation are now paying off. Hiking trails such as the Mullerthal Trail, the Eislek Pied, the Lee Trail and the Escapardenne are attracting walkers, including an increased number of solo travellers.
Reservations for 2025 are already being received and the campsite operators are said to be optimistic about the future, despite rising energy, water and waste costs and a shortage of skilled workers.
