With the peak holiday season in full swing, Britain’s leisure vehicle owners are providing a significant boost to local economies while supporting the wider UK economy.
New research conducted by NCC Events Ltd based on responses from 1,687 UK campervan, motorhome, caravan and tent owners shows each household contributes at least £2,000 a year to the local areas they visit, and as much as £7000 a year through site fees, fuel and food.
According to the latest Great British Getaway Survey 2026, on any single day away, a touring party spends around £90-per-day in the local area with the money directly benefiting local businesses, employment and economies. More than 8 in 10 owners spend in a local pub or restaurant on every trip, and visit local attractions. Similarly, more than half buy from local farm shops and markets.
With over 50% spending a month or more away each year their spending adds up, inevitably being well-received by the many local businesses and tourism stakeholders that rely on visitors. On a regional level, over 50% of those surveyed said they were heading for the South West, with Wales, Yorkshire and Scotland hot on its heels as the most popular areas to tour around.
Karen Dodd, Marketing Director, NCC Events Ltd – the organiser of the Motorhome & Caravan Show - said: “We know from the 100,000 or so visitors who attend the show each year just how popular touring and camping is. You can't beat the freedom and flexibility that holidaying in a campervan, motorhome or touring caravan provides, and experiencing local culture, food and drink is a big part of the leisure vehicle adventure. Our research found that campervan, motorhome and caravan owners spend around £2000 a year in local UK economies — a huge boost for the pubs, farm shops, attractions and high streets in the areas they visit. It's a reminder of just how much value these holidayers bring to the communities they explore."
The Great British Getaway Survey indicates that this summer is a busy one for UK campsites. Rather than queuing at British airports and experiencing flight delays, more than 50% of those owners surveyed will be hitting the roads when they want, with the freedom to tour different sites as and when they wish. 77% are building trips around more than one place and the average owner plans to visit three regions this year, with 64% saying they will take more than six trips this year.
It is positive news for the leisure vehicle industry too. Nearly two thirds of owners expect to change their vehicle or kit in the near future, and more than a third say show-only deals are among the biggest reasons they visit the Motorhome & Caravan Show, held annually in the autumn.
The Motorhome & Caravan Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 13 to 18 October 2026. The event is the national showcase for the UK's leisure vehicle industry presenting the new 2027 season models, products and innovations from the leading UK and European manufacturers and brands. With free expert advice on all aspects of ownership, destinations and campsites, free talks and celebrity appearances, the show is a one-stop-shop for enthusiasts and those looking to start their campervan, motorhome or touring caravan adventures.
Tickets are on sale now for the Early Bird price of just £14.95* (including parking) at mcshow.co.uk. Children under 16 years go free* with a paying adult (2 per adult)). *See terms & conditions on the website.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Online survey results based on 1,687 respondents in the UK who are caravan, motorhome, campervan or tent owners - drawn from the NCC Events database between 26 June and 3 July 2026. The survey was conducted by We Are Nameless for NCC Events, the organiser of the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham. The sample is not nationally representative of all UK adults. Figures are reported as medians unless stated. Images available on request.
Media enquiries: please contact:
Rachel Chuck - We Are Nameless | Email: nccevents@wearenameless.co.uk| M: 07831 645632
