Travel news
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
WILL WE BECOME A NATION OF HAPPY CAMPERS POST-LOCKDOWN?
CORONAVIRUS could turn Britain into a nation of happy campers after health officials said campsites or caravan parks could prove to be lower risk than a hotel for a holiday.
Deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-tam said it is a “biological truism” that being outdoors is safer than being in an enclosed space with people potentially carrying the virus.
At a recent Downing Street press briefing, Prof Van-tam and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps were asked if campsites might be allowed to reopen sooner than other forms of holiday accommodation.
Prof Van-tam promised to give “careful thought” to what steps would be needed to allow campsites and caravan parks to reopen.
Outdoor accommodation booking platform Pitchup.com has seen a surge in bookings.
Its founder Dan Yates, said they had increased by 135%.
He said: “Pitchup.com now has over 10,830 bookings for 2020 from July 4 onwards. As of 13
May Pitchup.com already has 271 bookings for 2021, versus 12 for the same time last year which represents a 23x year on year increase.
“Although the total number of holidays is likely to be significantly down, there is the potential for an 81% increase in domestic trips if holidaying fully shifts to domestic.
“Many campsites and holiday parks are spread over tens or hundreds of acres in remote, rural locations. Pitches are often generously sized, for example, 10m x 10m which is unsurprisingly appealing at the moment.”