The sector has quantified a 53% decrease in school trip reservations compared to April of the previous year. This situation is a direct consequence of the suspension of school outings and camps, a protest measure supported by 585 schools and institutes across the Catalan territory.
“"We are seeing economic and job losses comparable to COVID figures."
The protest initiative, which began in late February, driven by centers in Maresme and La Selva, has progressively gained support. Teachers are maintaining this pressure tactic, awaiting negotiations with the Department of Education for improvements beyond the agreement already reached with UGT and CCOO, which has been rejected by the majority unions.
The Catalan Association of Summer Camps and Hostels (ACCAC), while supporting the teachers' demands, regrets being used as a "bargaining chip" and warns about the economic viability of the 200 summer camps in Catalonia.
“"Warning, this is getting out of hand and no one sees it coming."
According to ACCAC data, school camps account for 85% of the annual turnover of summer camps and 60% of the total turnover of the educational leisure sector. Potential losses could reach 141 million euros. The sector fears that, if the situation is not resolved soon, many facilities, especially the smaller ones, will be forced to close, as happened during the pandemic.
The Pere Tarrés Foundation, the largest leisure entity in Catalonia, has also expressed its concern. A spokesperson for the entity emphasized the importance of camps for children's development and called for collaboration among families, teachers, and organizations to ensure their continuity.
The sector advocates for the educational value of these stays and the importance of recognizing summer camps within the educational system. Furthermore, they highlight that the educational leisure sector employs approximately 5,000 people, many of whom are young individuals entering the labor market through these activities.
