Press Release, 17th May 2021
Lack of campsite availability and national shortage of tents caused by surge in demand, plus Brexit and ‘Spread-Booking’ cause problems for UK summer staycations.
The heightened demand for UK holidays is causing some concerning headaches for would be holiday makers this summer. From so-called ‘spread-booking’ to Brexit, as well as the surge in demand for UK breaks, there are many phenomena affecting this summer’s staycations. According to Bristol-based The Motorhome Holiday Company, these are resulting in a perceived lack of campsite availability, as well as an actual national shortage of essential camping equipment, both of which may mean that UK families might be put off booking a UK holiday this summer.
Matt Sims, Managing Director of The Motorhome Holiday Company, says, “We’ve noticed reports of a significant amount of people ‘spread-booking’, where they are booking different holiday options, for example a campsite and a foreign holiday, for the same week with the intention of cancelling one nearer the time. This is having the effect of skewing the true nature of UK campsite availability and may mean that some families wrongly assume they can’t book a UK staycation this summer. “
‘Spread-booking’ is where customers book multiple holiday options for the same week, with the intention of cancelling one closer to the date.
Matt continues, “In fact, we are expecting 10% of our motorhome rental bookings to be cancelled and want to reassure customers who are yet to book that there will still be some availability this summer.
We are also observing how the new customs regulation following Brexit has affected the import of essential camping equipment, meaning that many large retailers are now out of stock as their bulk buying power has been impacted. However, these goods can still be purchased by smaller independent camping equipment retailers as they are less affected.”
According to The Motorhome Holiday Company, the top five pieces of essential camping equipment in short supply in the UK for this summer is as follows:
- Tents
- Gas barbecues
- Electric bicycles
- Calor Gas Bottles
- Camping tables and chairs
Looking for campsite availability
The Motorhome Holiday Company has also been researching on a weekly basis the availability of UK campsites over the summer 2021 season and estimates that over 50% of campsites will still have availability in these following five regions:
- Ceredigion, Wales
- Powys, Wales
- Isle of Wight
- Leyland, Lancashire
- St Columb, Cornwall
The Motorhome Holiday Company is expecting a 700% increase in demand for its motorhome rentals this summer, compared to two years ago, yet is keeping its prices frozen at 2019 levels, in an effort to support families who have yet to book a summer holiday.
PRICES START FROM…
A three night motorhome holiday rental with The Motorhome Holiday Company starts from £400 and includes rental, Camping and Caravanning Club membership for the duration of the hire, fully comprehensive insurance for the first driver, unlimited mileage, breakdown cover, complimentary essentials and telephone support.
A week in the school summer holidays is priced from £1,260. Shorter breaks are also available in the summer, priced from £180 per day.
To sign up to The Motorhome Holiday Company’s free campsite availability service go to: www.motorhomeholidaycompany.com/ealert
Booking a motorhome for your next holiday?
Check your dates or find out more about how we can give you a great motorhome experience by sending us an enquiry.
+44 (0)117 290 9000
team@motorhomeholidaycompany.com
A370, Hewish, Bristol, BS24 6RT
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