Camping holidays in Austria remain popular – weather and public holidays cause a spring slowdown

The shortfalls were particularly pronounced in April and June, according to the ÖCC. In those months, changeable weather and the unfavorable timing of the Easter and Whitsun holidays caused difficulties for providers, the association said. Many families postponed their vacations at short notice or opted for alternative destinations, according to industry sources.

Weather and public holidays as brakes

In contrast, the summer months developed satisfactorily overall for campsites in Austria. In the classic holiday regions of Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia, and Styria, the ÖCC recorded high occupancy. Upper Austria was also among the sought-after destinations, according to the association. Pitches near lakes and on alpine pastures were particularly in demand.

Tomas Mehlmauer, President of the Austrian Camping Club, assesses the season as fundamentally positive despite the fluctuations. "Camping in Austria remains a reliable vacation segment, even if individual months are weaker due to the weather," Mehlmauer explained. The association considers the industry to be well positioned overall and expects interest to continue growing in the coming years.

The ÖCC also emphasizes that its member businesses have increasingly invested in infrastructure in order to respond to changing weather conditions. According to the association, these measures include covered pitches, improved sanitary facilities, and an expansion of offerings for families and guests with motorhomes. The aim is to increase the attractiveness of the sites during the pre- and post-season as well.

Tyrol, Salzburg, and Carinthia lead

The broad regional spread of offerings is also reflected in the statistics. Tyrol, Salzburg, and Carinthia top the list of most frequently mentioned destinations in the reports available to the association, followed by Styria and Upper Austria. Smaller federal states such as Vorarlberg, Burgenland, and Vienna played a smaller but stable role in the assessment.

For the upcoming autumn season, the ÖCC expects continued solid demand, particularly in the warmer regions in southern Austria. Operators are preparing for guests who specifically use the post-season to avoid the peak travel period. These include hikers, cyclists, and families with school-age children who depend on the autumn holidays.

Outlook for autumn and the coming season

Overall, the association sees camping holidays in Austria as a growth market. The combination of nature experiences, comparatively affordable prices, and a broad range of offerings makes the segment resilient to crises, according to the ÖCC. If the trend continues, the number of overnight stays at campsites in Austria could reach a new medium-term high.

The Austrian Camping Club plans to conduct its own member survey in the coming months in order to gauge the mood in the industry more precisely. The focus will be on investment plans, price developments, and expectations for the next two seasons. Initial results are to be presented before the end of the year.

Industry observers see camping in Austria on an upward trajectory despite the spring slowdown. The association pointed out that the combination of domestic demand and guests from neighboring countries is stabilizing the segment. Camping therefore remains an important part of Austria's tourism offering.