Teresa Dragovits and Elisabeth Els examined camping tourism in Salzburg in their Bachelor's thesis at the FH Salzburg, course of studies Innovation and Management in Tourism. The bachelor thesis was supervised by Werner Taurer.
Today and in the future, the camping industry is concerned with the following trends and developments:
- Digitalisation: Simplification of work processes through technical support, online sales via camping platforms, generally an improved online presence as well as online bookability are topics that campsites have to deal with. In addition, the survey shows a need for action for more dynamic pricing, which in turn can be supported digitally.
- Sustainability: Camping tourism has just experienced a huge boom due to the pandemic. Camping guests who opt for this nature-oriented form of holiday are particularly sensitive to ecological issues and e-mobility, for example. The first fully electric camping vehicles will be coming onto the market in the next few years.
- Quality and more luxurious forms of camping: The online survey of campsites in the province of Salzburg showed that most campsites are very well positioned in terms of facilities and equipment. Nevertheless, the customers' expectations in terms of cleanliness and quality remain high. Here, it is important to align oneself with international standards. In addition, interest in "glamping" (glamorous camping) facilities is increasing.
The industry is also confronted with legal requirements and regulations that are very challenging. In every Austrian province there is a different camping law, and also in the districts of Salzburg, requirements and basics are interpreted and enforced differently. Another challenge in Austria is that camping is still seen as a "cheap" form of holiday. These factors significantly inhibit growth and innovation in this industry. The fact that camping tourism is not perceived as economically worthy within the tourism industry also prevents greater public support for this segment.
The authors of the study recommend redefining the status of the entire camping segment within the tourism industry in Salzburg. In addition, each camping company should create a professional business concept for itself that is oriented towards the current trends in camping tourism and international quality criteria and that includes clear strategic goals and a clear profile with unique selling points.