Sales of caravans and camping kit reached an all time high last year, probably due to the tightening of belts and families looking for more affordable forms of holidaying. Through these sales, and the money spent by holidaymakers whilst travelling it is believed that almost two billion pounds was poured into the UK economy. As the popularity of camping and caravan holidays increases it is probable that this contribution will grow.



When this gargantuan figure is broken down, it is believed that every caravan owner and camper spends an average of thirty pounds a day whilst on holiday. This sum includes spending on items such as food, drink and petrol, it is only when the figure is combined with the seventeen million holidaymakers annually that it is possible to understand the large contribution to the economy. This figure however does not include campsite fees, if these were included, the daily expenditure would be closer to fifty pounds. When it is considered where this money goes, into local amenities and employment, the contribution to rural economies is considerable.

A recent survey into the spending habits of caravan owners and campers has made some amazing discoveries. Local pubs benefit from over fifty percent of holiday spending in food and drink sales, additionally a large percentage also spent money in restaurants. As well as amenities, attractions such as stately homes, zoos and theme parks also benefit from a large cash injection in terms of ticket sales. The survey also found that caravan owners and campers are some of the most environmentally responsible, most choosing to walk or cycle to their destinations rather than using the car.

Most campers and caravanners holiday for around four days on average. This is because this type of holiday can be taken as part of a long weekend, meaning that it is accessible to families who do not want to take too much time off of work or school. Additionally, this gives holidaymakers the chance to take frequent breaks throughout the year. Outdoor pursuits are also popular with caravan owners and campers, especially swimming, cycling and walking; this once again adds to their contribution to the economy in terms of equipment sales.

It is because of this higher increase in outdoor pursuits that a supposed link between this type of holiday and a healthier lifestyle is found. Because of the frequent holidaying most caravan owners and campers do in fact have a healthier lifestyle. Spending time in the outdoors, eating well and enjoying healthy activities is only part of this. Families also benefit heavily from this type of holiday, breaking up school terms and vacations with trips to a wealth of beautiful areas within the UK.

It is thanks to these holidaymakers that many rural economies are being kept afloat. This is through food and drink sales as well as gifts. Because of this contribution many local jobs are maintained and shops and services that were going to shut have been kept open. One adjunct to the survey was that it found caravanners and campers loved to travel to new destinations, getting a grasp of all the regions they visit.

Obviously this type of holiday is about exploring and enjoying the wondrous British countryside. Due to this the health benefits are almost certain, as is the benefit to relaxation as this type of holiday can be taken frequently. However, it is the contribution to the economy, especially those in rural areas where these holidaymakers are most important; as popularity increases, this financial contribution will grow.