It seems British travellers are keener than ever to pitch up their tents and rig up their caravans for their annual getaways. (Featured image by Noam, Jemima & Lila)
Figures from the National Caravan Council have shown that bookings for caravan and camping holidays have surged by 15 per cent in the last year.
The rise has partly been attributed to the growing popularity of ‘glamping’ – camping with all the creature comforts and a few added luxuries– as UK holidaymakers elevate their ‘staycation’ to envy-worthy levels.
“Caravanning and camping holidays have shaken off the somewhat homespun image of yesteryear,” said Jenny Pritchard, chief executive of Caravan Industry Training (CITO).
“As a result, there are now many more holidaymakers who are discovering the delights they have on their own shores instead of opting to go abroad.”
The fact that the caravanning industry escaped the introduction of a levy on VAT on the sale of caravan holiday homes in 2012, which would have added almost £6,000 to the sale of a caravan, also contributed to the growing popularity of caravan holidays.
“The options for caravanning and camping have broadened significantly, giving a diverse range of luxury options and ‘glamping’ to accompany those that already exist in the marketplace,” added Ms Pritchard.
The findings of a study commissioned by Carhiremarket revealed that camping holidays have been a major hit with Brits since the swinging ‘60s, and continue to be a popular choice for family getaways today.
The research also highlighted that children of the 1990s were more likely to have spent their overseas holiday camping or caravanning, experiencing the joys of cooking marshmallows on an open fire or snuggling down for a night in a cosy sleeping bag.
“Over the years it seems that Brits have shown a consistent appeal for self-catering holidays,” said Andrew Shorrock, Product Marketing Manager at Carhiremarket.com.
“But we’ve seen a steady incline with each generation in moving these holidays to destinations abroad.”
