THE RISE AND RISE OF CARAVANNING IN THE UK – £183 MILLION BOOST FOR LOCAL ECONOMIES

Caravanning most popular paid for holiday option in UK…and growing

[UKPRwire, Tue Feb 10 2009] Caravanning is the most popular paid-for holiday option in the UK (19%), with even more Britons are planning to stay at home during 2009, instead of holidaying abroad. Last year one million took a ‘staycation’.

The Caravan Club has reported advanced bookings for 2009, which are up a substantial 40% on 2008, and with 1.5 million caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tenters in the UK, Caravan Club members alone generated £183million into rural tourism economies when shopping, eating out, buying local produce and visiting local attractions.

With value for money being a key criteria in the holiday decision-making process, caravanning can cost as little as £33.65 per person per weekend away (based on a two berth caravan costing £10,500 purchased at 0% finance).


Caravan Club Member Annual Spend by Region

Region Spend (£m)
South West England £ 39.00
Heart of England £ 26.00
East of England £ 22.10
Wales £ 19.00
Scotland £ 16.60
Yorkshire £ 15.00
South East England £ 14.90
Southern England £ 9.20
Cumbria £ 8.10
Northumbria £ 5.40
London £ 4.50
North West England £ 3.60
TOTAL £183.40


Nick Lomas, Director of Marketing for the Caravan Club said: “We confidently predict that 2009 will be the year of the great British, value for money holiday. At a time of considerable economic uncertainty, tourism regions across the UK will continue to benefit from stay at home Britons and with thousands of campsites and destinations to choose from, there is no better time to plan and book holiday breaks in the UK.”

The great outdoors, caravanning, camping and boating take centre stage at this year’s National Caravan Boat and Outdoor Show at NEC, Birmingham, Tuesday 17 – Sunday 22 February 2009. The show is open from 10.00 until 18.00 every day and parking is free.

Spread over five halls, visitors to the six day event will have the first opportunity to see the newest 2009 caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes, park homes and tent model ranges as well as a huge choice of tow cars, 4x4s, UK and European holiday destinations and outdoor leisure products.

For those yet to discover the freedom and adventure of independent holidaying – whether in a tent a caravan, folding camper, motorhome or boat – a visit to the show provides the perfect introduction and inspiration to start enjoying this wonderful lifestyle. Valuable help and advice will be given by the industry’s leading clubs and organisations.

Taking place during school’s spring half term, the event is packed with free activities for the whole family: from canoeing and kayaking lessons, scuba diving, climbing and mini-golf to caravan towing courses and motorhome manoeuvring lessons.

The Caravan Club will be celebrating with a fun filled line up of entertainers and celebrities on Caravan Club Day, Tuesday 17 February – the show’s opening day. Celebrity caravan club members at the event include Formula 1 pundit Mark Blundell, Extra’s and EastEnders star Shaun Williamson, Olympian athlete Sally Gunnell, Birds of a Feather’s Linda Robson, singer and TV presenter Cheryl Baker, ‘Allo ‘Allo’s Vicki Michelle and the nation’s favourite gardener, Tommy Walsh will all be making special appearances.

Also making an appearance will be siblings Alex (15) and Veronica Gilbert (12), junior powerboat racers. Alex is currently British Junior National Champion, while Charlotte has won both regional and national rounds.

Tickets can be bought via the Ticket Factory on 0844 581 3000, online at www.boatandcaravan.co.uk (a transaction fee of £1 will be charged for card payments) or on the day. Full details on all aspects of the event, from exhibitors and entertainment to free parking and travel information, log onto www.boatandcaravan.co.uk.

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