Murcia’s campsites have reported record-breaking occupancy rates, with international visitors driving a surge in overnight stays.
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), 8,838 travelers stayed at the region’s campsites in January 2025, with foreign tourists accounting for 73% of total visitors.
This marks a slight increase from the same period last year but sets a new benchmark for the month.
According to a report by Murcia Today, overnight stays totaled 159,609, reflecting a 21% increase from January 2024. International guests were responsible for 89% of these stays, reinforcing Murcia’s position as a prime destination for long-term visitors.
The region now leads Spain in average length of stay at 18.06 days, significantly surpassing the national average. In comparison, the Valencian Community, another popular camping destination, reported an average stay of 12.87 days.
Murcia currently has 19 open campsites, offering a total capacity of 16,360 places. Weekend occupancy reached 54.09%, well above the national average of 45.06%. The industry remains an important contributor to local employment, with 217 workers employed across these establishments.
These figures underscore the growing appeal of Murcia’s outdoor hospitality sector, particularly among European travelers from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
This international interest has been a driving force behind the region’s steady growth. In 2024, Murcia’s campsites recorded a 6.1% increase in total visitors compared to 2023, with overnight stays surpassing 1.38 million for the year.
“The international market continues to be a key factor in the success of Murcia’s camping industry,” according to the latest report.
Long-term stays by foreign visitors provide stability and sustained revenue for businesses operating in the sector.
The data also suggests that Murcia’s reputation as an extended-stay destination remains strong, positioning it as a leading choice for campers seeking winter sun and affordable accommodation.
While the camping sector is experiencing significant gains, other segments of Murcia’s tourism market face a more varied landscape.
Rural accommodations reported an occupancy rate of 9.12% in January, slightly below the national average, while tourist apartments faced challenges with lower-than-average stays and occupancy rates.
Weekend occupancy for tourist apartments stood at just 20.59%, well below the Spanish average of 57.04%.
As Murcia’s tourism sector moves forward in 2025, the strength of its camping industry presents opportunities for business owners to capitalize on the growing demand for extended-stay accommodations.
With foreign visitors playing a crucial role in the market’s growth, operators may consider strategies to enhance services tailored to this audience, such as winter-focused amenities and long-term stay incentives.
