The UK Market for Camping

"While camping and caravanning operators are always at the mercy of the ‘Great British Weather', such holidays have proved particularly popular throughout the recessionary period. This has boosted positive perception and leaves the sector in a strong position compared to more expensive options as both consumer confidence and consumer spending struggle into 2011". ——Tom Rees, Senior Travel and Tourism Analyst

With more consumers switching to holidays in the UK, there was a significant boost to the volume of camping and caravanning holidays taken as a result of the recession. In 2009 such trips grew one fifth including stays at owned static caravans. And while total overseas holiday volume fell most sharply that year, camping and caravanning holidays abroad improved slightly. From this 2009 peak, volume slipped somewhat in 2010 as the number of all domestic holidays (and, indeed, all overseas holidays) fell. However, it remained higher than at any point in the previous five years. Forest Holidays, Haven, Parkdean, Park Resorts and the Camping and Caravanning Club have all seen increased sales year on year. By volume, the largest segment of the market is camping, a position it has consistently held over the last five years. Average expenditure on such holidays is, however, lowest across the segments.

Across accommodation used for all purposes of travel in the UK, holiday camp/village/caravan use was approximately three times less likely than self-catering in rented accommodation, and two times less likely than hotel/motel/guesthouse use.

One in three people report having been on a camping or caravanning holiday in the last three years, a significant increase from the result of Mintel's equivalent report in 2009. In the three years to January 2011, 18% of adults report having camped in a tent while 14% have stayed in a static caravan/‘holiday home'. More niche choices include (but are not limited to) using a towed caravan (4%), a motor home (3%) and ‘glamping' (1%).

By age, 15-24-year-olds are by far the most likely to have taken such a holiday in the last three years, at between five and six in ten having done so. By lifestages, pre-/no family adults and those in families are the key camping and caravanning holidaymakers. The three most popular attitudinal responses according to Mintel's equivalent research are – "They are ideal for families", "They are good value for money" and "They are a good way to explore the ‘great outdoors'.


【About the Exhibition】
Jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., and YASN International Exhibition Co., Ltd., the first ATC SHOW- All in CARAVANING 2012 and All in TUNING 2012 will be held on August 10-12, 2012 at National Agriculture Exhibition Center, Beijing. All in CARAVANING is tailored to meet the specific needs in China/Asia region, and dedicated to introducing expertise, experience and insights from the world's premier trade platform to China to empower the exhibitors and visitors to explore business opportunities. The scope of exhibits covers a wide spectrum of caravanning products, including caravans and mobile homes, accessories, extension components and campsites from international renowned brands. Under the strong support of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, organizer of CARAVAN SALON DÜSSELDORF, the world No.1 international touring car and caravan industry event, All in CARAVANING 2012 is bound to become the perfect international stage for the exhibitors' latest products showcase, and also the most effective trade platform for China's caravan vehicle industry.

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