Campers undiminished in popularity, caravan revival
On the eve of the59th “ Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs ” in Utrecht, it appears that in the first three quarters of this year, 7 percent more new caravans and nearly 12.5 percent more new motorhomes were sold than in the same period in 2023. According to industry organizations Kampeer en Caravan Industrie (KCI) and BOVAG, sales of motorhomes also increased in the rest of Europe, but the Netherlands is the only country where sales of new caravans are also rising significantly.
"Although campers are becoming increasingly popular and we will soon be registering the 200,000th example of this in the Netherlands, we have traditionally been a caravan country par excellence," said KCI President Leo Diepemaat. "For years, however, the number of caravans gradually declined, but during the corona period that decline came to a halt. Since then we have actually seen the total number of caravans rise again, to over 420,000 units now. The caravan is undergoing a revival in the Netherlands."
More and more youngsters
Through September, 6,106 new caravans were delivered this year, up from 5,707 in the first 3 quarters of 2023. Registrations of new motorhomes rose from 1,949 a year ago to 2,191 in the January to September 2024 period. The European figures for the first six months show -in line with the Dutch market- an increase of 9.4 percent in sales of motorhomes, but a decrease of 5.8 percent in terms of new caravans. On balance, 4.9 percent more new camping vehicles were registered in Europe through June. Rolf Reinders, president of BOVAG Caravan and Motorhome Companies, says: "Before corona, older caravans were by definition discarded and exported. Meanwhile, the interest in camping is so great that caravans of all shapes and sizes meet the needs of a variety of target groups. For example, we are seeing more and more young couples and families heading out in caravans."
Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs
Sustainability, technology, and innovation are top priorities at the59th Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs, running from Wednesday, October 2, through Sunday, October 6. A wide range of new products and innovations will be showcased on the exhibition floor, including those related to the rise of electric vehicles. A prime example is the unveiling of the compact, lightweight, and streamlined “GetAway,” with which Easy Caravanning is establishing itself in Utrecht as the second Dutch caravan manufacturer. On the first day of the fair, the Sustainability Conference will also take place, during which the Sustainable Camping Awards will be presented in three categories, among other things. During this conference, the ANWB will also present the results of a study on campers’ sustainability choices.
About Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs
From Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 October 2024, the 59th Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs is the largest camping event in the Netherlands. With a focus on sustainable camping, workshops from exhibitors, stories and presentations from experts by experience and campsites and vacation regions presenting themselves on site. The exhibition floor is like a huge campsite where visitors can try everything out and take a closer look. There are also plenty of activities and entertainment for young and old.
About Royal Jaarbeurs
Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs is an exhibition of Royal Jaarbeurs. Jaarbeurs organizes and facilitates national and international exhibitions, conferences and events. Live and online. Jaarbeurs is the place to attend and organize special meetings. The Utrecht event location is suitable for a variety of activities. From meetings, workshops and trainings to conferences, business events, award ceremonies, shows and large-scale events and exhibitions.
About BOVAG
BOVAG is the trade association of passenger car and truck dealers, general car, car body repair, two-wheeler, caravan, trailer, motorcycle overhaul, car rental and car wash companies, traffic training, car restorers, car wholesalers and service stations. BOVAG represents the interests of some 8,000 entrepreneurs who have a combined turnover of some 43 billion euros and employ over 75,000 people.
About Camping and Caravan Industry (KCI)
KCI is the Dutch trade association of manufacturers and importers of caravans, motorhomes, trailer tents, (front) tents, accessories and accessories. The association is the initiator of the annual Camping & Caravan Jaarbeurs, which is organized by Royal Jaarbeurs in the complex of the same name in Utrecht. Through its own platform Camp-to-Go, the KCI also informs and advises consumers about camping in the broadest sense of the word.
