Shunned by some and loved by others, is an increasingly important part of the UK economy.According to The Caravan Club, more than £400 million is spent by eager caravanners on their sites every year.
This boost to domestic tourism is now seen as of vital importance.
Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan Club, said: “Domestic tourism is becoming recognised as being of vital economic importance to the country.
“It provides employment that can never be moved offshore and has huge potential for growth, even in these times of economic austerity.
“It is the most popular ‘paid-for’ holiday accommodation choice in the country.”
Caravan-users are also visiting areas outwith their sites, generating income in shops, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Mr Lomas recently sent a personal letter to every MP showing the Caravan Club’s contribution to the economy.
It was part of a campaign designed to raise the profile of The Caravan Club, but also to promote the UK as a holiday destination.
Earlier this year Margaret Hodge, shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport thanked The Caravan Club at a tourism Parliamentary reception, asking the audience to “celebrate the success of tourism” and to remember that 80% of all money generated through British tourism is domestic.
Newly appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics and Sport, Jeremy Hunt, also agreed that caravanning plays a major role in British tourism. He said: “Every £1 spent in British tourism is £1 that cannot be outsourced” and praised caravanning as a very “green” activity.
We took to Glasgow’s Buchanan Street to hear your memories of caravan holidays.
Holidays at home are boosting UK economy to tune of £400m
PAUL HAMILTON, 49, lecturer, Glasgow: “I go with my brother to a camper van site sometimes. It’s good to get away with your family and the caravans are really good quality nowadays.”
CHRIS McEWAN, 32, customer associate, East End: “My mum’s got a caravan in Stranraer, so I stay there sometimes. There are beautiful beaches around – and it’s great for a cheap break.”
ANTHONY GRAHAM, 40, support worker, Easterhouse: “I go caravanning in Cornwall sometimes with my family, it’s great. What with the recession, more people should go caravanning in Britain.”
EILISH TAYLOR, 45, nurse, Glasgow: “I own a static caravan on Walney Island in Cumbria and I really enjoy going there. It’s pretty as a picture and has a swimming pool on site. I’d definitely recommend caravanning in Britain.”
JADE HARRISON, 20, waitress, Carntyne: “I used to go on family holidays to a caravan in Sculcoates, which was really good. It’s nice to get away for a bit, so I’d recommend it.”
STEVEN ROONEY, 29, JCB operator, Dennistoun: “I’ve been on a Haven caravan holiday recently, it’s really good value. We had a swimming pool and things on the site, so it’s not bad for a few days’ break.”
SOPHIE LAMONT, 18, student, Gartcosh: “I’ve been to the caravan site in St Andrews a few times with my family. I’d definitely recommend staying in a caravan – it’s a good base for exploring.”
KRIS DAILY, 19, event manager, Helensburgh: “I’ve not been in a caravan since I was little, but I remember enjoying it. I’d go again with mates – it’s a good weekend away and cheaper compared with flights abroad.”
