tourism
The rush to camping sites is decreasing – at a high level
The campsites in their own country remain an alternative for vacationing for many German citizens in the Corona crisis. Photo: Frank Molter / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
With a tent or caravan into nature – camping holidays have become more popular in recent years. However, this tourism segment will not be completely unscathed by the pandemic.
The campsites in their own country remain an alternative for vacationing for many German citizens in the Corona crisis.
With an extrapolated around 33 million overnight stays, the rush this year was lower than in the previous year, but still comparatively strong, according to the Federal Association of the Camping Industry in Germany. 2021 will be the fourth strongest camping year to date.
“Compared to what we expected, that’s okay,” said managing director Christian Günther of the German press agency. “But it could have been better.” Choppy weather, the flood disaster in summer and a sharp decline in the number of foreign guests during the Corona crisis would have prevented further growth.
Fewer foreign visitors
Last year there were 34 million overnight stays. In 2021, the Federal Statistical Office registered 29.4 million overnight stays on campsites by the end of September. That was 5.5 percent less than in the previous year. Foreign visitors in particular stayed away. They ensured a good 29 percent fewer overnight stays.
Most foreign guests usually come from the Netherlands. There were no restrictions on vacationing with a tent or caravan. However, many German operators had to wait until Pentecost for the start of the season. Then again and again changeable weather clouded the balance; however, August was a record month.
“This confirms our view: the corona effects are temporary,” said Günther. “Camping is still in vogue.” In 2022, however, more planning security will be necessary. “We need a fixed start to the season at Easter.” In order to contain Corona, it is not necessary to close camping sites.