The economy may be in tatters but the UK’s campsites are reporting increases of up to 40 per-cent on their bookings for 2009, and with many of the leading supermarkets clearing their shelves to make way for camping chic- it seems that the media's predictions of a camping revival may just be right.
With a reduction on gas prices, campground costs rivalling any package holiday and the cost of camping equipment, able to fit well within any families’ budget, the predications for 2009, look very sunny indeed.
Jon Dray, owner of Rosebud farm Touring Park based in Bodmin Cornwall, believes that media hype is helping to drive this marked increase, he said, “Visitors to our website are up 30 per-cent on last year, and this goes to show that it is not worth going abroad due to the weakness of the pound against the Euro.
“Some campsites are trying to take advantage of this increase with rising pitch charges and this in my opinion is down to greed. We started off offering pitches at just £10 all inclusive, but you can get people who take advantage of this and try to sleep ten people in one tent! We have now revised our prices, but they still remain two thirds cheaper than many other sites in the area, and we are keeping it that way, mainly to help those who can’t afford expensive holidays abroad.”
Mr Dray, who believes that the major challenge facing campsites in North Cornwall, is the district council added, “One of our major challenges is our local council, who are telling us all that there are to be no more campsites opened in the area. The market really isn’t saturated and it can be a bit of a struggle for some businesses wanting to expand.”
Dominic Ryder, Managing Director of Camperlands, the Manchester based firm who offer airbeds, ground sheets, tents, Motorhome equipment and caravan accessories, said, “The outlook really is bright for campsites throughout the UK this summer, and we have experienced increases on camping equipment of up to 40 per-cent.
“The credit crunch seems to be affecting everyone, job security is diminishing and general morale has taken a tumble. The saver savvy are certainly opting for the traditional camping holiday this year, especially those with young children. Many of our customers are keen to give their children some of the fond camping memories that they hold so dear and this is one reason why campsites are set to do well this year. I am sure everyone will agree that this is great news for firms like ours and for the British economy more generally.”
About Camperlands
Camperlands Ltd was founded by the late and much missed Mike and Peggy Ryder in 1968. The original concept was to hire frame tents out in the summer season to generate some extra income for their growing family. Today there are quite literally thousands of caravan, camping and motorhome accessories in stock, with several covered display areas dedicated to trailer tents, tents and folding campers.
Editor’s Note: Camperlands is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) team at Top Position, the online advertising consultancy. Please direct all press queries to Tina Clough. Email: tina@topposition.co.uk or call: 01623 726233.
