The chairman of leading Shewsbury caravan dealership Salop Leisure believes the boom in ‘staycationing’ is set to continue in 2013 as caravan holiday parks across Mid Wales and the Heart of England prepare to reopen on March 1.
Tony Bywater, who heads the successful business, which has sales centres in Shrewsbury, Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Severn, has been encouraged by customer research during the winter months, which points to more people holidaying in the UK this year.
“Research at our sales centre indicates that the demand for holidays in the UK is stronger than ever this year,” he said.
“More families and couples want to have the freedom to get away for short breaks and holidays whenever they wish. Touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes provide that freedom.
“In the challenging economic climate, customers are being put off foreign holidays by the rising cost of travelling, the hassle associated with airports and the weakness of the pound against the Euro and other currencies.
"The loss of the UK’s highest credit rating is going to make foreign holidays even more expensive. There has also been a series of negative stories about cruise liners which is making people think twice before booking their holidays.”
With quality family time highly valued by parents, there has been a surge in interest in caravanning. Families are keen to spend time together enjoying breaks in the countryside or at the seaside and Salop Leisure is finding that grandparents, as well as parents, are increasingly taking advantage of caravan holiday homes.
“We are very fortunate that Mid Wales and the Heart of England has some of the finest caravan parks in the UK and the owners continue to invest in upgrading facilities for caravanners,” added Mr Bywater.
Salop Leisure promotes more than 200 caravan parks to customers who are seeking the ideal location for their caravan holiday homes.
Salop Leisure will be hosting the West Midlands Caravan and Motorhome Show in Shrewsbury from April 26 to May 6, which will this year include the added attraction of the new Love Plants specialist plant centre, which opens next month.
For more information visit call 01743 282400.
