Camping Trend Goes Wild, with Room to Grow
-
Loading... - Amina Bakar
- 28 Oct 2024
- 44 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
The camping industry in China has experienced rapid growth in recent years, capturing the interest of outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. However, experts caution that despite this surge, the industry remains in its infancy and faces several challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable development.
One of the primary issues plaguing the camping sector is the low average transaction value and low repurchase rate among consumers. These factors indicate that while people may be trying camping, they are not returning for repeat experiences at the same rate as seen in more established leisure industries. Li Yangjun, a senior official with the China Sporting Goods Federation's camping industry committee, emphasized the need for effective solutions to these challenges.
Li stated, "The camping industry has a long way to go. However, we believe that with the gradual maturation of the market and support from all levels of government, along with standardized management, China's camping industry will continue to develop in a healthy and sustainable direction."
In November 2022, a coalition of 14 government agencies, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Development and Reform Commission, issued guidelines aimed at promoting the healthy and orderly development of camping tourism and leisure activities. These guidelines set an ambitious goal of achieving a 3 trillion yuan outdoor sports industry by 2025.
Further support came in July 2023 when the National Development and Reform Commission released measures to restore and expand consumption. These measures highlighted the importance of promoting rural homestay service certification and supporting businesses in developing new formats such as camping, outdoor sports, and study tours. This policy framework aims to expand rural ecological and leisure tourism, providing a conducive environment for camping activities.
Experts, including Liu from the Beijing RV Camping and Self-Drive Tourism Association, stress the importance of standardizing camping operations. Many camping destinations currently lack professional management, leading to mismatched prices and services, as well as limited service options for campers. Liu advocates for better cooperation among various organizations involved in campsite operation and planning.
He believes that such collaboration will enhance the camping experience for consumers while also providing service providers with more opportunities for growth. "In the long run, campers should be able to enjoy what nature has to offer, and camp service providers should have the space to develop their offerings," Liu noted.
While the camping trend in China is gaining momentum, the industry must address its foundational challenges to ensure sustainable growth. With government support and a focus on standardization and professional management, there is significant potential for the camping sector to flourish. As the market matures, it could become a vital component of the broader outdoor sports and tourism industry, contributing to both economic growth and the promotion of outdoor lifestyles among the Chinese population.
