The aim of this dissertation is to examine the principles of management capable of creating a camping product which would contribute to the competitiveness of camping tourism in relation to its competitors and to other forms of tourist accommodation. Such a camping product would also contribute to the development of a competitive tourist destination. Both primary and secondary research on Croatian and European camping tourism shows the important role this form of tourism plays in the overall competitiveness of the destination tourism. In this dissertation, a model of camping destination competitiveness is developed, which determines the elements of camping quality that contribute to the camping destination competitiveness. The analysis of the theoretical framework for camping management highlights the need to implement the so called „5 pillars“ of management of camping competitiveness. According to this theory, the key elements of a successful and competitive management are: marketing management, quality management, management of sustainable growth in the camping tourism, management of safety and security, and management of knowledge and education in camping tourism. The valauable impact of management on the development of competitiveness in camping tourism is considered and referred to as „campetitiveness“. Author’s primary research among campers with privately owned camping gear and author’s field research on features of camping demand of mobile home guests, unprecedented in Croatia, have resulted in some invaluable marketing knowledge. The first sub-hypothesis proposing that camping tourism demand has been significantly altered thanks to the demand from mobile home guests has been confirmed. This new development requires a decisive alteration of the management in camping tourism. Due to the lack of relevant statistical information and sources on the economic impact of camping tourism, for the first time in Croatia, the overnights and revenues made by the camping industry on the national level are calculated. The results show that the proportion of camping revenues in the overall Croatian tourism revenue is 15,6%. Moreover, employment in the camping industry amounts to 8,3% of overall tourism employment in Croatia. 304 305 Competitiveness of camping tourism in Croatia is measured against chosen competitiveness indicators. The research shows that, according to some key market performance indicators, hotels are more competitive than campsites. Croatian campsites therefore need to define competitive strategies aimed at increasing the annual occupancy rate and revenues. On the other hand, further research involving eight chosen indicators of productivity shows that campsites have a higher productivity rate. Furthermore, the test of eleven indicators of competitive sustainability shows that competitive sustainability in campsites is much higher than in hotels. Indicators of financial competitiveness show that campsites in Croatia are again significantly more competitive than hotels. The second sub-hypothesis is herewith proven, namely that campsites are more competitive than hotels in Croatia. The dissertation also proves the third sub-hypothesis: „Quality of camping service is linked to the financial success of campsites“ via a mathematical correlation of 36 chosen camping business indicators with the gross profit and the quality of campsites. The calculations have validated the economic importance of camping tourism and confirmed that there is a strong link between quality and competitiveness of camping tourism. This study attempted to identify the best way of following new trends and creating a new and innovative competitive camping product in a changing and instable environment. An overview of the trends of remodelling the camping service is delivered through the author’s model of „7 re-trends“. The following strategies are subsequently reccomended: for the development of the naturist camping product in Croatia, the development of small campsites, the transformation of campsites into holiday villages, and the increase in competitiveness with the development of new specialised campsites. The conclusion drawn is that management in camping tourism ought to implement strategies of differentiation by developing new and innovative business models of competitive camping service. The results of a SWOT analysis of Croatian camping lead to the proposal of a package of measures for the increase in competitiveness of camping tourism. Herewith, the fourth sub-hypothesis is proven, which suggests that the implementation of change management and strategic decisions enhances competitiveness of camping tourism in Croatia. By taking into account the results of the conducted empirical studies and the available scientific methods, the overall hypothesis is proven: „Management of competitiveness contributes to a successful development of camping tourism in the constantly changing environment.“ The results from numerous studies in this work provide an answer to the question of how to manage camping tourism with the purpose of achieving competitiveness and sustainability and creating conditions for a successful social and economic growth. From a broader perspective, suggestions are made on how camping tourism can fuel development of a destination and how camping tourism, as in the case of Croatia, can contribute to the creation of a competitive European tourist product. On the basis of conducted studies, it can be claimed that the five pillars of competitiveness make the management of competitiveness a creative force of camping tourism which influences growth and sustainability of camping tourism on the level of the destination. Future research is recommended in the area of economic indicators of business in camping tourism. Specifically, further research is needed on the impact of camping development on the development of the destination, as well as a continuation of the scientific approach to the management of competitiveness in camping tourism.