Every new mandate marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for F.I.C.C. Following the elections held during the 96th F.I.C.C. International Rally in Germany, the federation welcomes the executive team that will guide the federation over the next three years.
The newly elected Council combines the experience of continuing members with the perspective of four newly elected representatives. Bringing together members from across the world, with backgrounds in diplomacy, marketing, tourism and international business, they all share the same passion and dedication to advancing the camping movement worldwide.
Meet the Council members who will guide F.I.C.C. throughout the 2026–2029 mandate:
President & Executive Vice-Presidents
João Alves Pereira (President)
Portugal 🇵🇹
Holding a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and expertise in marketing, his engagement with camping began in 1987 at an F.I.C.C. youth rally. He served on FCMP’s Youth Section, as FCMP Vice-President, led the F.I.C.C. Youth Commission, and joined the Council in 1996. President of F.I.C.C. since 2005, he has been recognised with national and international honours, including Personality of the Year 2008 by Portugal’s Sports Confederation and awards from SF-Caravan and Deutscher Camping-Club.
To continue developing F.I.C.C. as the premier global organisation representing all forms of camping, caravanning and motor caravanning. To establish the federation as a trusted partner in outdoor tourism, expand the benefits of the Camping Card International (CCI), and unite diverse cultures in protecting nature.
Gérard Coute (Vice-President)
France 🇫🇷
Honorary President of the FFCC with nearly 60 years of active camping experience (progressing from tent to caravan and motor caravanning), he is the co-founder of Touring Camping-Cariste Caravaning France (TCCF). He has organised landmark international events, including the F.I.C.C. 75th Anniversary Rally, the FFCC 70th Anniversary, and the 88th International Rally in Châteaubriant, in addition to leading five overland motor caravanning expeditions from Paris to Beijing.
To strengthen the presence and value of the CCI card and build on F.I.C.C.’s position as a welcoming, reliable home for open-air travellers.
Dieter Albert (Vice-President)
Germany 🇩🇪
With half a century of commitment to the DCC (serving as President since 2021), he brings extensive operational leadership: eight years as a military instructor in the Bundeswehr, fourteen years as a wholesale and retail business owner, and fourteen years managing campsite operations.
To support domestic and international camping communities, champion environmental care alongside outdoor recreation, and keep the federation vibrant and responsive to modern campers.
Council Members
Emanuele Paolicelli
Italy 🇮🇹
A former public official and practicing legal consultant holding degrees in Political Science and Economics & Commerce. An avid motorhoming enthusiast, he has travelled across more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, and currently serves as President of the Italian federation.
To make outdoor life more welcoming and accessible to younger families while bringing national associations and international travellers closer together.
Marcin Zaradkiewicz
Poland 🇵🇱
An economist boasting over 35 years of professional and administrative experience in camping and motor caravanning. He served multiple terms on the F.I.C.C. Council (2005–2014 and 2017–2026) and held leadership roles on the Youth Commission. He was decorated in 2012 by the Polish Ministry of Tourism and awarded the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal of P.Z.M.’s Caravanning Section in 2025.
To nurture sustainable community growth alongside member clubs, ensuring the CCI card remains a trusted companion for campers everywhere.
Dave Isbell
Great Britain 🇬🇧
A National Councillor in the UK and former corporate executive with extensive senior management experience. A lifelong camper since childhood, he has experienced every form of the discipline: from tents and trailer tents to caravans and motor caravannings.
To strengthen connections between member federations, raise awareness of the CCI card, and share the real health and well-being benefits of outdoor life with broader audiences.
New Council Members
Tomas Mehlmauer
Austria 🇦🇹
President of the ÖCC and Chairman of the F.I.C.C. Motor Caravanning Commission for 15 years. Holding a commercial background, a Master’s degree in Marketing & Sales, and certifications in Project Management, he combines technical rigor with a lifelong dedication to camping as a lifestyle.
To keep F.I.C.C. modern, responsive and useful for members, honouring our tradition while finding fresh ways to improve the Camping Card International (CCI).
Marko Ketvel
Finland 🇫🇮
Board Member at SF-Caravan ry and Head of its Sustainability Working Group, he brings decades of executive management expertise from the demanding international aviation sector at Finnair.
To foster open teamwork across borders, working together on practical ideas that bring real value to active camping communities.
H. Avni Aksoy
Turkey 🇹🇷
A career diplomat of over 40 years (1984–2025), having served as Ambassador of Turkey to Kenya and Mozambique. He is currently an executive director in a medical software and AI technology firm, maintaining an active passion for camping since 1996.
To promote camping as a gentle, responsible way to explore nature, helping public authorities build thoughtful and sustainable outdoor policies.
Johnny Cheng
Taiwan 🇹🇼
Holding a Master’s degree in International Trade from National Chengchi University (1977), he attended his first F.I.C.C. international rally in 1987 in Denmark. He served on the F.I.C.C. Council from 2020 to 2023 and currently chairs the Asia-Pacific Commission (APC).
To welcome more clubs from the Asia-Pacific region into F.I.C.C. and build lasting friendships across cultures through the shared joy of camping.
Looking to the Future, Together
A new mandate is always far more than an organisational milestone: it is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitments. In the years ahead, outdoor tourism will continue to evolve, bringing new opportunities and new responsibilities. Together, the Council will work to strengthen our community, protect nature and ensure that F.I.C.C. continues to grow for future generations.
Behind every decision taken by the Council lies a common purpose: ensuring that future generations continue to discover the freedom, friendship and respect for nature that camping has always represented. Together, the journey continues.
