Motorhome surge as we opt to holiday in the UK
PANDEMIC SALES BOOM IN VEHICLES THAT ARE IDEAL FOR STAYCATIONS
A CARAVAN and motorhome firm company is bracing itself for a surge in custom as people opt for a staycation this year due to the pandemic.
Hilton-based Don Amott Caravans said it saw a big rise in orders last year as the pandemic led to far fewer people jetting off abroad for their holidays, and it is expecting the same again for 2021.
The firm, which has been operating since 1963, said last year was one of its best in a long time for sales as more families opted for UK caravan holidays.
John Broderick, managing director, said: “When we initially closed in March 2020, it felt like the world was ending, however, when we came back, our business went stratospheric. As soon as we were able to reopen later in the year, it was the busiest year we’ve had for 15 years.”
He said that it wasn’t just caravans that sold well last year and that more young people are turning to motorhome holidays as an alternative to going abroad.
“Everything went on sale, if you could go away in it, people bought it,” he said.
“The biggest growth we’ve seen is in younger people, who are finding these holidays more affordable. You get that sense of freedom, there’s a joy to the British holiday and you’ve just got to find what it is you want to do,” he added.
As a result of the Covid19 pandemic causing disruption to international travel plans, he says that more and more people are turning to caravan holidays and that there has been a renaissance in British holidays - the attitude that caravan holidays are uncool is a thing of the past. He said: “It’s going to go crazy this year. We’re already seeing the production lines of new caravans struggling to keep up with the demand. “For a long time, holidaying in a different way has been very uncool. However, partly due to a change in perception and party due to pandemic-related necessity, it’s the new cool. It’s all about the freedom to go when you want, where you want. When people think back to their own childhoods, people tend to remember the simple and quiet holidays, such as camping or days at the beach with the most joy.”
“Caravans and campervans don’t depreciate in value as much as cars do. You get that aspect of ‘reusability’ you don’t get with a trip to Disneyland for example.”
■ Will you be holidaying in the UK this year? Perhaps you’re going somewhere off the beaten track. Wherever you’re going, let us know by emailing george.bunn@reachplc. com.
Partly due to pandemic-related necessity, it’s the new cool.
John Broderick