The Netherlands is going to the caravan or camper en masse, but there is no place for that anymore on the campsite
We are going camping en masse. Sales of new caravans reach the highest level in the last 10 years in the first quarter of 2022. But decrease the number of places on campsites. So whether you can go anywhere is still the question.
The Netherlands is a camping country. In total we have about 425,000 caravans, the most in the whole world according to Hans Louwers of the Kampeer en Caravan Industrie. “We are a camping country. This year we are all going out en masse.”
Two big advantages
According to Louwers, camping has only become more popular since corona. According to him, having a caravan, camper or folding trailer has two major advantages: “You have your own safe bubble with your own bed, your own mess and also your own toilet.”
Secondly, according to Louwers, the feeling of freedom also plays a major role. “You decide very much where you go, and if you don’t like it, you’ll be gone in no time.”
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Highest level in 10 years
The popularity of the motorhome, caravan or folding trailer is reflected in the sales figures. The sale of caravans even rose to the highest level in 10 years.
“In total, 1,634 new caravans and 3,411 used units were sold in the first quarter of this year. That is 6 and 8 percent more than a year earlier,” says Louwer.
big crowds
“The increase already started during the corona crisis and has now continued.” According to Louwers, travel in Europe and the Netherlands is much more popular.
He is even concerned that the caravans will be sold out at some point and predicts great crowds at the campsites at home and abroad.
Concerns about ‘touring pitches’
Director Ramon van Teine of camping specialist ASCI also sees this crowds. “The bookings are going fantastic. We are even above the level of 2019 and that looks good.” But Van Reine is also concerned about another trend, namely the decrease in the number of ‘touring pitches’. These are camping pitches intended for tents, campers and caravans.
This development has been running since 2013 and, according to Van Reine, will only continue. “Especially on campsites in Germany, France and the Netherlands, you can already see that it is very busy and that there may be a shortage of camping pitches. With name in the future holidays, therefore, we will be very busy.”
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Cottage Parks
According to Van Reine, the Netherlands is almost at the top of the list of European countries with the most at the bottom of the list. “This is due to the takeover of large chains that are turning campsites into resorts. So you no longer get campsites, but a cottage park.”
But board member Andries Bruil of Europarcs sees many advantages for visitors to a holiday park. “People nowadays need much more luxury without having to carry all the stuff with them. We respond to that need.” In addition, holidaymakers at these large parks are not bound by seasons of good weather, he says.
Fast booking
Van Reine does not necessarily see a large holiday park as something good for the camping atmosphere. It also thinks an increase in motorhomes and caravans, and the decrease in the number of available places, will create friction. “We can already see that the campsites are starting to fill up and that problem will only increase in the high season.”
“An alternative is that you can camp with the farmer, because luckily there are a few more places.” As a camper it is therefore best to book quickly with your new motorhome or caravan, says Van Reine. “If the weather is good, it is always a weekend, the campsite is nice to get away for a while.”
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