According to CompanyData.com, the Netherlands has 2.360 registered camping establishments. That is 240 more than in 2019. Notably, according to the data source, almost the entire growth consists of small-scale sites. For the overnight recreation sector, this shows that growth comes not only from larger holiday parks and campsites, but specifically also from mini-campsites and small-scale providers.
The number of registered campsites in the Netherlands is at a record level, according to CompanyData.com.
The business data specialist counts 2.360 establishments with SBI code 5530, campsites. According to the organization, that is 65 more than in the previous measurement, an increase of 2,8 percent.
The development is striking because in 2019 the Chamber of Commerce still pointed to a years-long decline in the number of campsites.
Since 2019, 240 camping locations have been added.
According to CompanyData, the number has increased by 240 branches since 2019.
The growth is primarily on the small-scale side of the market. According to the analysis, 220 of those 240 additional campsites have a site area of up to 5.000 square meters. CompanyData cites farm campsites and mini-campsites as examples.
In addition, 20 large campsites were added with grounds of more than 15.000 square meters.
For entrepreneurs, this distribution is interesting. The growth in the number of businesses therefore does not automatically mean that the total market consists primarily of increasingly large campsites. New entrants actually often seem to offer a relatively small-scale product.
South Holland is growing the fastest in percentage terms
According to CompanyData, the strongest percentage growth since 2019 is being measured in South Holland. There, the number of campsites increased from 110 to 145, a rise of 32 percent.
- South Holland: from 110 to 145 campsites (+32 percent)
- Zealand: 275 campsites (+20 percent)
- North Brabant: 315 campsites (+19 percent)
- Gelderland: 465 campsites, the largest camping province in absolute numbers
- North Holland: remained the same at 170 campsites
North Holland thereby deviates from the growth trend.
More providers also mean more local competition
For existing campsite entrepreneurs, geographical and small-scale growth is particularly relevant.
A mini-campsite or farm campsite does not always compete directly with a large holiday park, but it can appeal to the same guest who is looking for nature, peace, personal contact, or a lower price.
This makes it important for entrepreneurs not only to follow large regional players. New, small-scale providers can also influence the offerings in a municipality or tourist region.
At the same time, additional supply can also help strengthen a destination as a camping region. More businesses can collectively ensure greater visibility, facilities, and cooperation.
Look closely at exactly what is being counted.
An important methodological caveat accompanies the figures.
CompanyData bases the count on establishments with SBI code 5530, campsites, from CBS StatLine and the Chamber of Commerce. CBS rounds numbers to multiples of five. The data regarding site and location come from the CompanyData database.
The count therefore concerns registered establishments and not directly the number of camping pitches, capacity, or the number of tourist overnight stays. Consequently, an increase in the number of businesses does not automatically imply an equally large growth in total camping capacity.
The phrasing that 65 campsites were added 'this year' also deserves some nuance. The source mentions a reference date of January 1st as the methodology. For a proper comparison, it is therefore particularly advisable to look at the differences between the annual reference dates.
Small scale is becoming more visible in the offerings.
The most important development from the figures is therefore not only that the Netherlands has more campsites, but above all which type of offering is growing.
When 220 of the 240 additional locations since 2019 are situated on sites of up to 5.000 square meters, the small-scale segment becomes clearly more visible.
For larger campsites, this may be a reason to take a closer look at their own distinctive value. For agricultural entrepreneurs and other new entrants, however, it shows that small-scale recreational accommodation is a growing part of the Dutch offering.
More information: More campsites than ever: small-scale campsites in particular are gaining ground (on companydata.nl)