Trends in camping and outdoor hospitality—An international review

The outdoor hospitality sector, which includes campgrounds, caravan parks, recreation vehicle parks, and glamping has emerged from a low-cost tourism niche to a mainstream, versatile recreation experience, valued at different levels by different segments. Sparked by personal and interpersonal needs for escape, socialization, freedom, and discovery, and pulled by product and service improvements, the sector has repositioned itself as an alternative form of accommodation or lifestyle. The paper offers contemporary insights into a sector overlooked by researchers in recent times. It examines key international trends including changes in nomenclature and products, while describing the various patrons that frequent this sector.