Pitching the Value: The economic impact of holiday parks and campsites

Holiday parks and campsites around the UK generate GBP 9.3 billion (USD 12bn) in visitor expenditure and support 171,448 full-time employees, a report from UKCCA has revealed.

The report called ‘Pitching the Value’ focuses on the economic impact of the sector and was carried out by Frontline Consultants on behalf of the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA).

“A groundbreaking report”

Bob Hill, who led the UKCCA joint working group, said: “This is a groundbreaking report that clearly demonstrates the important benefits to the economy brought by the UK’s many holiday parks and campsites.

“Pitching the Value will help the industry attract more investment and ultimately improve opportunities for it to grow, develop and create new jobs. Our findings reinforce the importance of holiday parks and campsites to the country’s tourism economy. That will help us to improve holidaymakers’ on-site experiences and choice, which in turn will also attract more overseas visitors to these shores.”

Holiday park and campsite operators support local communities through capital and operating expenditure, as well as wages. Nearly half of those companies and organisations in the report cumulatively spend nearly GBP 303 million per year.

The research also found they engage with local communities through support for events such as fundraising activities, participate in recycling and environmental initiatives, and promote healthy active lifestyles in the great outdoors through pastimes such as walking and cycling.

“We want to use this compelling evidence”

Hill added: “We want to use this compelling evidence to ensure key influencers and decision-makers support the development and growth of our industry at a national, regional and individual business level for the benefit of our economy and for holidaymakers themselves.”

The four sponsoring organisations of the UKCCA are affiliated to 6,243 holiday parks and campsites across the UK with a combined total of 438,076 pitches. Those sites offer holidaymakers a range of accommodation such as touring pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, rented holiday homes, lodges, and chalets, plus glamping units with a wide selection of on-site facilities.