Luxury camping, meanwhile, although it shares the essence of improving the traditional camping experience, differs in its approach, which is closer to a resort or large-scale holiday complex. In these spaces, travelers have access to spacious plots equipped with premium caravans, high-end bungalows, or modern cabins, accompanied by common facilities such as heated swimming pools, kids’ clubs, gourmet restaurants, gyms, entertainment, and organized sports activities. Luxury camping leans toward a family vacation style, with a strong social and community component, where visitors enjoy both contact with nature and the wide variety of services available on site.
The success of these formulas lies in their ability to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse traveler profile. Families with children, young couples, groups of friends, and even senior travelers find in glamping and luxury camping an option that combines adventure, relaxation, and comfort. The pandemic of 2020 acted as a catalyst for this trend, as it encouraged the search for less crowded destinations in natural environments, something that still influences the choice of millions of tourists today. What began as an alternative has become a consolidated segment of European tourism, with figures this summer exceeding forecasts and generating a notable economic impact in rural and coastal areas.
Another decisive factor in this growth is sustainability. Many glamping projects have been designed with ecological criteria, using renewable energy, recycled materials, and conservation programs for the environment. This has allowed natural destinations of great value, such as national parks or reserves, to welcome tourism without compromising their preservation. At the same time, luxury camping has successfully reinvented itself with more efficient infrastructure, water management systems, and clean energy, giving it a competitive advantage in a market that is increasingly demanding in terms of environmental responsibility.
The gastronomic experience has also played a fundamental role in the popularity of these proposals. Whereas in traditional camping it was common to cook on small stoves, now luxury camping and glamping complexes include fine-dining restaurants, healthy local menus, and activities such as wine tastings, local cooking workshops, or gourmet breakfasts served directly in the tent or cabin. This evolution adds cultural value that integrates with the traditions of the destination and turns the stay into a more complete experience.
On the economic front, glamping and luxury camping have brought new dynamism to rural, coastal, and mountain areas, attracting a type of higher-spending tourism that benefits local shops, guides, artisans, and producers. According to estimates from European tourism associations, the revenue of these accommodations grew by more than 20% compared to the summer of 2024, consolidating a sector that is no longer seen as a passing trend but as a stable part of the tourism offer.
Looking ahead, investment in this segment is expected to continue expanding, with projects that focus on thematic experiences, greater technological integration, and an even more personalized approach to the customer. The distinction between glamping and luxury camping will remain a key element, but both will continue to share the same objective: offering travelers the opportunity to experience nature in an exclusive, comfortable, and memorable way. The summer of 2025 has shown that Europe has found in these formulas an innovative path to redefine outdoor holidays, combining modernity, tradition, and sustainability in a single concept.
