The importance of campsite inspections

Since ACSI was founded, campsite inspections have been an integral part of the company. Every year, more than 400 inspectors travel across Europe to assess 10,000 campsites. These annual inspections make ACSI unique, and the collected information is essential to the company’s operations.

Unique in Europe

Inspecting 10,000 European campsites each year is quite an undertaking. But this way of working makes ACSI truly unique in Europe. ACSI is the only organisation that visits every campsite in person each year. This ensures up-to-date and reliable information, which forms the basis for the camping guides, websites, and apps. It’s the foundation on which the company is built.

The team of over 400 inspectors – often couples – not only evaluate the general atmosphere and quality during their visits, but also go through a detailed checklist of more than 250 facilities and points of attention.

Annual visits of great importance

The information collected by the inspectors forms the cornerstone of ACSI’s operations. “That’s why these annual inspections are so important to us,” explains Florian Van Beem, who co-manages the inspection team. “Campers must be able to trust that the information provided by ACSI is accurate. After all, a lot can change in a year. You don’t want someone to choose a campsite because of a facility – for example, a tennis court or bike rental – only to find out upon arrival that the service hasn’t been available for years.”

New facilities might also be added that are worth mentioning, or there could be a new campsite owner who has made changes. “We want to be as up to date as possible, which is why that yearly visit is so crucial.”

No value judgement

A visit from an ACSI inspector does not guarantee a publication in ACSI guides, apps, or on the websites. Every year, some campsites are rejected because they no longer meet ACSI’s quality standards. “This usually doesn’t happen overnight. Often these are campsites that are being sold or closing down.” Unlike ADAC or ANWB, ACSI inspectors do not award star ratings to campsites. “The most important thing for us is to visit all campsites,” Van Beem explains.

“The value judgement is left to the campers themselves through the reviews they write. Every camper has different preferences and views quality differently. One person may prefer a quiet spot in the countryside, while another looks for a campsite with a water park for the kids.” During inspections, the inspectors also conduct short interviews with campers staying on-site. “These are usually brief conversations, but they help the inspectors get a clearer picture of what the campsite really offers.”

Inspected by ACSI

After completing an inspection, the inspector places the year number on the special ‘ACSI Inspected’ sticker. This lets every camper know that ACSI has visited the campsite and checked all information. And this makes an impact. “It shows that the campsite meets certain quality standards. For many campers, the sticker is a clear sign that the campsite is good to go.”

Quality of the inspection team

Although inspectors only travel during the summer months, ACSI’s work behind the scenes continues throughout the year. It starts in autumn with information sessions for prospective inspectors. After a thorough selection process, the new season’s inspection team is assembled. Matching inspectors to around 425 inspection regions across Europe is quite a logistical challenge, as ACSI takes into account factors such as language skills and the inspector’s type of camping equipment.

Once the puzzle is complete, the team is prepared for the inspection season. Training sessions and refresher courses are organised throughout the year, and in April, all inspectors visit ACSI’s office in Andelst to be fully briefed on the latest developments. The inspection season then begins, and the inspectors hit the road. In September, the season ends with a pleasant weekend where all inspectors and involved (sales) staff come together to evaluate the year. All of this is aimed at maintaining high quality standards and serving both campsites and campers as best as possible.