Camping is one of the segments of Italian tourism with the most consistent growth over the past 10 years. The pandemic accelerated the outdoor trend, and camping benefits from a double advantage: more accessible costs than the hotel industry and flexibility that other segments do not offer.
Industry figures in 2024 (ISTAT/Federcamping data)
| Indicator | 2024 Value | Change vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Campsites in Italy | 2.680 | +0,8% |
| Total pitches | ~310.000 | +1,2% |
| Total overnight stays | 62,4 million | +4,1% |
| Total arrivals | 14,8 million | +3,8% |
| Average length of stay | 4,2 nights | Stable |
| Share of foreign overnight stays | 52% | +2 percentage points |
| Estimated sector revenue | € 4,2 billion | +7,3% |
The 5 trends transforming the sector
- Glamping growing strongly: guests are willing to pay 3–5x the standard rate for a premium outdoor experience. The segment is growing faster than traditional camping according to the main industry analyses.
- Electric motorhome travelers: +25% plug-in vehicles sold in 2024. Campsites without EV charging will lose market share.
- Mandatory self check-in: 60% of guests prefer self-check-in to check-in with staff.
- Sustainability as a marketing lever: 34% of guests choose a facility partly based on its green initiatives.
- Management digitalization: 45% of Italian campsites still use Excel sheets or paper. Those that go digital have a clear competitive advantage.
2025 forecasts: ISTAT estimates 3–5% growth in camping overnight stays in 2025, driven by demand from Germany, the Netherlands and Northern Europe. Campsites in Southern Italy and the islands have the greatest untapped potential.