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EU Camping Trends Surge As Outdoor Accommodations Outpace Hotel Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 7, 2026

Camping and caravan accommodation in the European Union recorded 413 million overnight stays in 2025, accounting for 13.4% of total tourist nights, according to Eurostat data released on April 6, 2026. The segment has grown by 28.5% since 2015, compared with a 23.4% increase in hotel stays.

Robust Growth In Outdoor Travel

Camping, recreational vehicle parks and trailer sites continue to gain share within the tourism sector. Growth in this segment reflects changing travel preferences toward outdoor and flexible accommodation. The increase outpaces traditional hotel growth, indicating a shift in demand patterns across the EU tourism market.

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Seasonal Dynamics And Geographic Highlights

Camping activity remains highly seasonal, with 67% of nights, or 277 million, recorded between June and August. August alone accounted for 118 million overnight stays. France led the EU market with 154 million nights, representing 37.2% of total camping activity, followed by Spain with 49.8 million, Italy with 49.1 million and Germany with 45 million. Other countries showed lower volumes, including Portugal with 7.1 million nights.

Environmental Regulations And The Cyprus Response

Cyprus authorities are increasing controls on illegal camping and environmental damage ahead of the Easter period. The Forestry Department said permits are required for any tree cutting and confirmed that no approvals will be issued for bonfire-related use. Officials also called on the public to report illegal logging to local authorities. The measures aim to limit environmental impact during peak outdoor activity periods.

Mitigation Strategies And The Push For Regulated Alternatives

Authorities have banned fires within state forests and within two kilometres of forest boundaries, with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines of €25,000. Enforcement is being strengthened ahead of the fire season. A new €1 million glamping project has been approved near Peristerona in Paphos, consisting of 20 dome-style units near the Natura 2000 Sarama Valley. The project is designed to provide controlled accommodation with reduced environmental impact.

Conclusion

Growth in camping across the EU reflects increased demand for outdoor travel. Expansion of the sector is occurring alongside stricter environmental controls in areas exposed to tourism pressure. Future development will depend on balancing demand with environmental protection measures.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.