Šibenik will become the epicenter of the Croatian camping sector at the end of October: from Monday, October 27, to Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the 19th edition of the national congress dedicated to camping and outdoor stays will be held at the conference center of Hotel Ivan within the Amadria Park complex. The event brings together key industry players – campsite owners and managers, investors, representatives of state institutions and tourist boards, equipment suppliers, sustainability experts, architects, designers, IT companies, and educational and research institutions – with the aim of jointly defining development priorities and exchanging concrete solutions for the new season.

For all participants and visitors looking for accommodation in Šibenik during the congress, the organizational location provides good transport connections with the coast and the interior, and a wide range of hotel and private capacities in the city and its surroundings makes planning a stay easier. Below is an overview of the content, highlights, and practical information that will help participants plan their arrival and make the most of the three days of an intensive program in the city of Šibenik and its surroundings – an overview of accommodation.

Why the 19th Croatian Camping Congress is important for the sector

Camping in Croatia is one of the strongest links in the overall tourist offer. At the national level, almost a quarter of formal tourist beds are located in campsites, and high-category facilities – with four or five stars – particularly stand out, having set the quality bar in the Mediterranean for years. Continuous investments in infrastructure, pitch landscaping, sanitary facilities, pool and wellness zones, sports fields, children's zones, and the catering and animation offer have resulted in increased guest satisfaction, longer stays, and a stronger pre-season and post-season. That is why the autumn professional meeting is the ideal moment to consolidate the experiences from the 2025 season and chart the course for further development.

At the opening, addresses are expected from representatives of the state and professional level: Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić, and Veljko Ostojić, Director of the Croatian Tourism Association and President of the Executive Board of the professional association, will announce the main topics and expectations from the gathering. From the organizers' perspective, the camping association emphasizes that competitiveness, sustainability, and the development of innovative content and services form the triangle on which the sector must build its next phase of growth, while an open dialogue among all stakeholders is necessary to speed up procedures and remove practical obstacles.

Program backbone: between regulation, investment, and innovation

The congress program combines plenary lectures, panel discussions, and thematic workshops. The focus is on three groups of topics: the legislative framework and planned changes, the investment cycle with an emphasis on financing and designing new-generation campsites, and business innovations – from the digitalization of sales and capacity management, through the integration of artificial intelligence into operational processes, to creating experiences that differentiate high-category campsites.

Within the regulatory framework, the emphasis is on spatial planning, categorization conditions, and safety standards, as well as on the operating rules for mobile homes, glamping units, and accompanying facilities. The investment block deals with the preparation of documentation, the relationship with the environment and the community, construction phases, and partnership models. The innovation part is focused on technologies that optimize costs and improve the guest experience: smart energy systems, e-mobility, new-generation wireless networks, waste and water management, communication personalization, and tools for collecting and analyzing feedback.

Exhibition space: equipment, mobile homes, glamping, and technology

In addition to the conference program, visitors will be able to tour an extensive exhibition area with a range of equipment for campsites and glamping, mobile homes, and related solutions from renowned domestic and international manufacturers. From modular sanitary facilities and pool systems, through weather-resistant furniture and landscaping, to advanced software solutions for reservations and revenue management – the exhibition segment provides a cross-section of the market and announces trends that will develop in 2026.

Awards that shape standards: Croatia’s Best Campsites, OK Mini Camps, and Naj Kamp Adria

As part of the congress, awards that the camping community recognizes as a benchmark of quality will traditionally be presented. The Croatia’s Best Campsites selection brings together the best medium and large campsites in the country, while OK Mini Camps values more intimate, smaller facilities with an emphasis on a personal approach. The Slovenian award Naj Kamp Adria 2025 further highlights the best campsites and glamping destinations according to the votes of campers from the region. These awards are the result of many years of collecting data on guest satisfaction, service standards, and innovations, and they serve as a criterion for tourist agencies and portals when creating recommendations.

Messages from the 2025 season: demand, guest structure, and expectations

The 2025 season confirmed several pronounced habits: travelers are more often choosing flexible booking conditions, paying increasing attention to sustainability and selecting locations with natural amenities, and families and couples are focusing on higher-category campsites that offer a rich range of pools, wellness, gastronomy, and outdoor activities. Mobile homes and glamping tents continue to gain popularity as they combine the comfort of an apartment with the atmosphere of staying in nature. In the context of revenue management, it is crucial to react in a timely manner to short-term changes in demand, use dynamic pricing, and rely on real-time data to balance occupancy throughout the pre-season and post-season.

Sustainability and green business: from declaration to measurable effects

The camping sector is approaching the green transition with increasing seriousness. In addition to energy renovations and systems for producing energy from renewable sources, more and more campsites are introducing advanced solutions for rational irrigation, recycling and waste reduction, and biodiversity preservation. Through panel discussions and workshops, practical tools will be emphasized: how to design a climate plan for a campsite, how to communicate sustainability to guests without "greenwashing," how to include local suppliers and food producers, and what financial lines and incentives are available.

Digitalization and guest experience: data, AI, and seamless services

Digital solutions are becoming indispensable at all points of a stay: from searching and booking, through arrival and check-in, to the stay and departure. Data management enables personalized recommendations, and task automation shortens processing times and reduces the possibility of errors. The use of artificial intelligence in communication with guests helps with quick responses, activity recommendations, and resolving inquiries in multiple languages, while real-time satisfaction analytics provide signals on where to intervene. The emphasis is also on cybersecurity – protecting guest data, compliance with regulations, and system resilience.

Location and logistics: how to get to the congress and where to stay

The conference part of the event will be held at Hotel Ivan within the Amadria Park complex, right by the sea and about a 10-minute drive from the historic city center. For participants who wish to extend their stay, accommodation in Šibenik offers a wide range of options: city hotels, boutique properties in stone palaces, private apartments in the old town, and campsites and mobile homes that operate outside the peak season. The proximity of the highway, rail and bus connections, as well as the airports in Zadar and Split, makes arrival from all directions easy. In addition, the surrounding natural attractions – national parks and the archipelago – make a stay in Šibenik attractive even outside the conference halls.

Deadlines and registration: stress-free planning

It is advisable to register for participation in time, especially if you plan to book hotel accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the congress. The organizer has announced that the deadline for online registration is just before the event begins, while for special hotel rates and congress packages, a reservation must be made before October 19, 2025. As interest in the professional gathering is traditionally high, timely registration ensures a place at workshops and panels that are known to fill up.

B2B meetings and networking: where business happens

The congress is an ideal stage for B2B meetings: campsite owners, representatives of chains, and destination management companies can talk directly with equipment suppliers, mobile home manufacturers, and providers of technological solutions. Particularly sought after are appointments for presentations of new mobile home models, modular sanitary solutions, and software innovations for reception operations. The informal part of the program – welcome receptions, themed evenings, and organized tours – provides additional opportunities for connecting and exchanging experiences among professionals.

Glamping and mobile homes: standards of premium comfort

Glamping and mobile homes have established themselves as a segment that attracts higher-spending guests who also desire proximity to nature. Premium models feature spacious terraces, private jacuzzis, designer furniture, separate sleeping zones, and year-round usability thanks to advanced insulation and heating. Campsites targeting a higher category are increasingly developing themed zones – family, adults-only, pet-friendly, or sports-oriented – to emphasize a specific experience and create a recognizable identity on the market.

Human resources and service standards: people make the difference

Alongside infrastructure, the quality of service is crucial. The educational module of the congress will deal with the selection and retention of staff, mentoring programs, performance management, rewarding, and creating a guest-centric culture. Special attention is paid to safety and crisis management – from first aid and fire protection to procedures for extreme weather events – as well as to the inclusive design of content, accessibility, and communication with guests with special needs.

Destination experience: cultural and natural heritage by the sea

A city with two UNESCO-listed cathedrals, fortresses overlooking the archipelago, and a long maritime tradition offers numerous reasons to visit beyond business. In the breaks between lectures, participants can stroll through Renaissance streets, visit modern interpretation centers, taste local wines, and sample Dalmatian specialties. If you are planning an extended weekend, it is worth booking accommodation in Šibenik early to secure your desired location and conditions.

Trends in the Mediterranean: competition, prices, and value for money

The Mediterranean camping market is increasingly dynamic: Italy and Spain are aggressively investing in premium facilities, while the south of France attracts regular guests with a successful "resort-style" campsite model. Croatia stands out for its safety, clean sea, and authentic experience, and in the high-category segment, it competes with the quality of its infrastructure, design, and service. In years of increased operating costs, the key is the balance between pricing policy and real added value: investments must be directed towards facilities that guests actually use, while communication must clearly explain why a particular campsite is worth its price.

Marketing and sales: direct channels, partnerships, and content

The growth of direct bookings is driven by a combination of high-quality campsite websites, integrated booking systems, and smart campaigns on search engines and social media. Content marketing – activity guides, themed routes, authentic stories about local producers – increases visibility and creates an emotional connection with the audience. Collaboration with travel agents, specialized portals, and equipment manufacturers creates additional touchpoints, and loyalty programs and personalized offers contribute to repeat visits.

Practical tips for participants

• Plan your trip: due to expected crowds, organize your arrival in the city with extra time, and check parking in advance.


• Book early: accommodation in Šibenik fills up quickly around major events; by booking early, you have a wider choice of locations and prices.


• Schedule: set your priorities – plenary topics, workshops, and exhibitors you don't want to miss – and leave room for unplanned B2B meetings.


• Networking: prepare a brief business presentation and contact materials; new partnerships often arise in the informal part of the program.


• Extend your stay: consider the weekend before or after the congress and explore the coast, islands, and hinterland; accommodation in Šibenik and the surrounding area offers a variety of options for all budgets.

Broader context: synergies with the outdoor and caravanning market

Camping is naturally linked to caravanning, cycle tourism, hiking, and nautical tourism. The strong growth in sales of camper vehicles and equipment in the region creates an additional base of guests inclined to more frequent and shorter trips throughout the year. Campsites that adapt their offer – from service points and camper stops to themed trails and outdoor events – more easily attract guests outside the peak season and stabilize their revenues.

Šibenik as a host: a blend of tradition and modern tourism

The host city has a reputation as a destination that successfully combines cultural heritage and modern tourism. Alongside restored fortresses, museums, and cultural programs, it has also developed modern hotel infrastructure, conference facilities, and a marina, making it a logical choice for a national-level event. For readers planning to visit or extend their stay, an overview of options for accommodation in Šibenik is a useful starting point: from seaside hotels to apartments in the old town and premium camping pitches with a view of the archipelago.

What to bring home: lessons for the 2026 season

After three days of work, participants will have at their disposal an overview of best practices and a checklist of concrete steps for the next season: from adjusting price lists and packages, through further investment in energy efficiency and digital tools, to designing new content that extends stays and increases guest satisfaction. A special value of the congress is the exchange of experiences – how individual campsites solved a specific challenge, what results they achieved, and what they would do differently today.

With a rich professional program, an exhibition space, and an awards ceremony, the 19th Croatian Camping Congress in the city of Šibenik offers a unique opportunity to see key trends in one place and make plans for the next season. Registrations are open, and organizers recommend that participants secure accommodation in Šibenik in a timely manner and confirm their participation in the workshops that interest them most.

Overview of accommodation in Šibenik – check availability