Even though the weather during the first few months of 2014 has been far from ideal for motorhome holidays, enthusiasts across the country have braved the wind and the cold to attend some of the first motorhome shows of the year. In fact, there was a record amount of visitors at the Caravan and Motorhome Show hosted at Event City in Manchester between the 23rd and 26th of January, with attendance up thirteen per cent compared to the year before.
Organisers of the event have claimed that it is the increasing popularity of motorhome and campervan holidays which has led to more visitors attending the show, as well as the fact that the recession has led to most people having less disposable income. Sam North, director of the Caravan and Motorhome Show, said that as some people now struggle to afford traditional holidays, they instead choose to go on motorhome and caravan trips as they are both economical and flexible.
He added: “We’re seeing lots more interest coming from newcomers for this year which bodes really well. Last year also saw current caravanners take more holidays than the year before so things are really looking up. As consumers look to leave holiday decisions later, having the freedom to hit the road at a moment’s notice is even more appealing. Sales of caravans and motorhomes are looking at growth of around five per cent this year – which represents more than £35 million – and goes a long way to support our economy as it leads to follow on spend at campsites, local pubs, seaside resorts and other tourist attractions.”
North also added that as to the popularity of motorhome holidays are increasing, manufacturers are starting to offer more luxurious and technologically advanced models. He said: “The products themselves are getting better and better. Freeview TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, central heating are amongst the amazing finishing details being turned out.”
Naturally, it isn’t just the organisers of the event that are pleased with the visitor turnout, as hundreds of exhibitors including motorhome manufacturers, accessory suppliers and motorhome insurance providers would all have seen an influx of business during the weekend. The managing director of Event City, Andy Orr, was also pleased with how the show went, and said: “The Caravan and Motorhome Show is one of the most popular shows in the events calendar and we are delighted to have helped them to increase their footfall by 13 per cent.”
Next week, one of the biggest shows of the year for camping and motorhome enthusiasts – the Caravan and Camping Show 2014 – will open its doors at the NEC in Birmingham, and many are expecting it to be a huge success. The show not only boasts displays of some of the newest motorhome and caravan models on the market, but also hundreds of exhibitors, activities for all the family and a whole host of celebrities. Lisa Faulkner, Julia Bradbury, Helen Skelton and Andy Torbet are all attending the show between the 18th and 23rd of February, as well as World Land Speed Record Breaker and Caravan Club member Wing Commander Andy Green OBE who will be opening the show.
It is expected for up to eighty three thousand visitors to head to the NEC for the show, each of which will be able to purchase or find out more information on caravans, motorhomes, campervans, tents, accessories, holiday destinations and more. There is also an opportunity for them to take part in activities such as rock climbing, an assault course, campsite cooking, mountain biking and motorhome manoeuvring lessons, enabling visitors to learn skills that can improve their next motorhome or caravan holidays.
Here at Comfort Insurance we are extremely happy to see that so many people throughout the UK are embracing the motorhome lifestyle, and are looking for new ways to make the most out of their next motorhome holidays by attending these fantastic shows. This is one of the reasons why we recently decided to sponsor Camperfest which is being held between the 17th and the 21st of April at Chester Racecourse. Over the next few months we will be providing our readers with more information on what to expect at the festival, so make sure you check back or book your tickets and meet us there!
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