Helping rural economies

CAMPERS and caravanners increase their contribution to rural economies, according to the UK Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Despite the continuing cost of living crisis, Caravan and Motorhome Club members are still intending to make the most of their holidays and spend in local economies in 2023.

Over 80 per cent of respondents in a recent survey said they intend to eat and drink out whilst on their UK touring holiday this year and over 90 per cent said they will buy food shopping locally.

A further 60 per cent said they would be purchasing takeaways and food from local restaurants whilst on their holiday.

According to the recent Centre of Economics and Business Research (CEBR) report commissioned by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, owners of leisure vehicles feel more in control of the cost of their holiday and whilst they are saving on accommodation, they are likely to spend money on shopping, eating out, visitor attractions, etc.

Owners of leisure vehicles also tend to stay away for slightly longer, increasing local spending. The CEBR report shows that motorhome owners’ average holiday length is nearly a whole day extra at 8.5 nights.

CAMPERS are planning longer holidays this summer, spending more nights under the stars for breaks booked between June and September.

Since 2019 the Camping and Caravanning Club has reported an increase in the average length of stay for summer stays on its nearly 100 Club Sites across the UK, as campers look to switch off and reconnect.

It appears the trend is set to continue in 2023.

The open door