The outdoor hospitality industry has undergone profound changes over the past ten years. Holidaymakers are hailing from different source countries. A new clientele has emerged, with new uses, resulting in the development of new products that are better equipped and more sophisticated. A look at these major changes in the sector's demand.
The outdoor hospitality business was born out of a demand that emerged towards the end of the 19th century. Jacques Bousquet recounts the beginnings of this original form of accommodation in "Le camping évasion vers la nature" (1945). He explains that it was introduced by our British neighbors in their quest for contact with nature who founded the Association of Cycle Campers in 1875, which is regarded as the first outdoor hospitality association:
English cyclists are becoming more like "Robin Hood" highwaymen. The hostel is no longer enough for them because these people, who are thirsty for fresh air, cannot stay in hotel rooms when they leave their homes. Generally, they want to camp, in the middle of nature, and not wall themselves in where they tend to feel asphyxiated. An association of cycle campers, or in other words cyclists in love with camping, has existed in London for some time now. This association already has more than 250 members.
Receiving and supply markets
France's outdoor hospitality industry realized 125 million nights in 2018. The clientele are essentially domestic (68%), although one third of nights (32%) are foreign.
This foreign clientele come from countries nearby. Most of the nights are Dutch (35% of foreign guests), followed by German (23%), and British (17%). There are also Belgians (13%), Swiss (5%), Spanish (4%) and Italian guests (3%).
Dutch and Italian customers have decreased over the past eight years. Between 2010 and 2018, overnight stays by Dutch nationals fell by -1.9% and those of Italians by -2.6%. The Netherlands, the leading source of customers for our outdoor facilities, is currently experiencing economic difficulties, with the announcement of Brexit on the one hand and a slowdown in trade with Germany on the other. As a result, holidaymakers from this country have steadily reduced their spending in France over...
This content is for subscribers only. You have 80% left to discover.
Every week, the HON team brings you an expert look at the world of hospitality.
By becoming a member, you will have access to a complete ecosystem: exclusive content, jobs, etc.
BECOME A MEMBERAlready a member ? Login
