Adventuring without limits: Another stellar Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show.
Thousands of visitors flocked to the NEC to check out the latest in the leisure vehicle and camping industry.
Against a backdrop of a difficult economic climate, 95,647 visitors headed to the 2024 Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham. It was held between 13-18 February.
The UK’s largest start of season display of Leisure Vehicles, tents, trailer tents, camping essentials, tech and gadgets’ was very well received by visitors. They attended from across the country. All eager to go adventuring and discover the latest models, products and innovations the industry has to offer.
Pitched-up across five halls
With the sector’s leading manufacturers, dealers, experts and brands all pitched-up across five halls covering almost 20 acres. Many exhibiting brands including Adria, Auto- Sleepers, Bailey of Bristol, Coachman, Kaktus Vans Ltd, Knaus, Project Yonder, Rolling Homes, Wildax Motorhomes, praised the success of the Show.
Visitors were able to compare new-for-2024 campervans, caravans, motorhomes, camping essentials and accessories for on-the-road-holidays. They were also greeted by a star-studded line-up of guest speakers at the Inspiration Theatre. Featuring adventuring talks from the UK’s biggest outdoor-loving personalities and advocates These included campervanner Annabel Croft, the TV presenter. And wilderness bushman Ray Mears, and television star and caravan enthusiast Will Mellor. Adventuring visitors were left with endless inspiration for their next holiday, as the stars reminisced. Mostly about their beloved camping memories across the UK and Europe’s most scenic destinations.
Karen Dodd, Marketing Director at NCC Events, said: “We are really pleased with the outcome of the Show. The economic environment is challenging at the moment. So it was great to welcome so many visitors to the event and in turn, sales for our exhibitors. The appetite for spending quality time touring and exploring the outdoors whether it be camping under canvas, in a caravan, campervan or motorhome, is as popular as ever. We’re looking forward to building on the success of the Show to deliver an even greater choice of products. And travel inspiration, advice and activities for visitors in 2025. Watch this space! “
Campers and novices alike
Seasoned campers and novices alike immersed themselves in the Show’s impressive catalogue of products. As well as researched campsites and destinations, and received advice from industry experts. Many exhibitors were impressed and delighted with the constant footfall heading to their stands. This resulted in over 80% of the Show’s footprint already signed-up to take part in 2025:
Cristina Dorador, Head of Marketing at Bailey of Bristol, said: “It’s been a really fantastic Show and great to see so many new as well as familiar faces. With it being half-term we’ve had a lot of families as well some of our most loyal customers coming here. They came to see our new campervan models, as well as our new Alora range. The Show is a great platform to launch new products and we’ve been getting a lot of good feedback and sales.”
Show has a great energy
Slavica Sterk, Managing Director at Adria, said: “The Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show is always a great start to the year for Adria. It generates the start of the Spring sales. The Show has a great energy. And is full of enthusiastic prospective buyers who share our passion for the great outdoors. The Show is the best opportunity for visitors to see all things camping under one roof. It is great for us as manufacturers to showcase all of our ranges to tens of thousands of people over just a few days. The Show generated strong sales figures and a strong customer demand for Adria vehicles. And we are all looking forward to the next show in October 2024.”
Spencer Davies, Sales Director at Auto-Sleepers said: “Auto-Sleepers have enjoyed a good week. We were showcasing our latest award-winning motorhomes and campervans to new and existing customers. Feedback on our products and new website has been great.”
Another award
Lee Morley, Sales Director at Marquis Leisure, said: “Our sales team have enjoyed demonstrating our unique product ranges from Benimar and Mobilvetta. It was great to win another award for our adventuring Mobilvetta Kyatch 59/2 model. And see customers old and new on our stand. We look forward to returning in October with brand new ranges.”
Mark Cooper, Managing Director at Rolling Homes, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the reception we’ve received at the Show this year! It’s always a bit of a gamble when you come up with a new model in a completely different design that no one else does. And it’s been so well received. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season!”
Ben Parking, Sales Director at Coachman, said: “The Show was very well attended and we’re really happy with what we sold. We’ll definitely be back in October with even more vehicles.”
Footfall far exceeded
Neil Boulton, Co-Founder of Beez Leisure (Knaus, Weinsberg, T@B), said: “We took a real chance with having our own stand at this Show. We have been blown away every single day by how brilliant it has been. We have had absolutely amazing sales every day, a huge amount of footfall. It far exceeded any target we could have set for ourselves.”
Richard Forman, Owner at PJ Camping, said: “We’ve had another great Show with all our brands seeing an increase in sales on last year. This is a great indicator that this 2024 season will see some good growth.”
Magdalena Adams, Managing Director at Kaktus Vans, said: “This is our first time at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show and it has been extraordinary. We’ve made lots of sales and we have been so proud to show adventuring visitors what we have to offer.”
For those who may have missed out this time, visitors have the opportunity to return to the NEC later this year to see the new for 2025 model launches from UK and European manufacturers and dealers at the Motorhome and Caravan Show, 15-20 October 2024. Billed as the UK’s biggest leisure vehicle showcase. Tickets are now on sale