Almost 30,000 people visited The Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show during the four day event at the SECC, Glasgow (4 – 7 February).  Over 150 companies showcased the latest caravans, motor caravans and holiday homes as well as outdoor leisure accessories, camping equipment and small boats. Many exhibitors reported record sales, including Kirkcaldy Caravans with sales up 100% on 2009 figures.

Kirkcaldy Caravan's Managing Director Malcolm Sempey commented "We have had a very successful show. This is our third year at the SECC and sales have increased steadily each year which is very promising for the business going forward". He added " This show give a clear indication that many people are ditching the euro based holidays and returning to lifestyle holidays at home. With new touring caravan demand increasing we are now seeing product availability pushing out on many models past the Easter holidays."

Steve Blakeley, Director of Sales and Marketing of The Penine Group said: "Following a great deal of deliberation, we decided to exhibit at the show.  The show exceeded all of our expectations in terms of sales figures, attendance and public reaction to our new range of acrylic Convertible Caravans.  Our best selling models on the stand were the Crusader and Countryman acrylic models and we look forward to meeting our customers at the show again next year."

Microlodge who offer camping shelters for glamping – glamorous camping -  made their show debut and were delighted with orders which will keep them busy for the foreseeable future.

Jamie Taylor, Show Organiser said "The show was a great success and busy throughout the four days.  Every exhibitor I have spoken to has expressed delight at the results.  We are already starting work on the 2011 show which will run from 3 – 6 February - information available at www.caravanshowscotland.com

The Caravan Club is delighted to announce that TV favourite Neil Oliver will officially open The Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show on February 4, 2010, and he will become the latest celebrity to join the Caravan Club.

The show, Scotland's only dedicated event for caravanners and those who love the outdoor life, will take place at the SECC, Glasgow from 4 -7 February 2010. This year's show is a one stop shop providing products and services from over 150 companies. Visitors will be able to get up close and personal to the latest 2010 models from all the major caravan and motorhome manufacturers. There will be holidays parks and the largest collection of holiday homes in the UK, as well as outdoor leisure accessories, camping equipment, small boats, marine products, industry clubs and associations.

Commenting show organiser, Jamie Taylor said "With many people choosing a holiday or short-break in the UK, we are expecting more visitors than ever."

Nick Lomas, The Caravan Club's Director of Marketing comments, "We are looking forward to Neil Oliver being with us at the show.  The Caravan Club offers some 180 locations across Scotland and Club members spend over £17m in local communities when caravanning in Scotland."

The show will also feature

· Free towing lessons & motor caravan manoeuvring lessons with The Caravan Club

· Go Green  - hints and tips to help you keep your carbon footprint to a minimum. To encourage car-sharing visitors leaving the show with 4 or more people in one vehicle will not be charged for parking.

· Cookery and wine tasting demonstrations

· Free expert advice

· Exclusive money saving offers

Entry prices have been held at 2009 levels…making it the ideal crunch-beating day out.  For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.caravanshowscotland.com or call the ticket hotline 0844 395 4000:     Advance tickets are £7 or £6 for seniors and on-the-door tickets are £9 each or £8 for seniors. Kids go free.  All tickets include brochure RRP £4.50. The show is open from 10am to 6pm daily.

Jim Hibbs, managing director of east Hull firm Coachman Caravans, said despite last year's near collapse, the sector had experience a "massive turnaround" in recent months.  He said the recovery was being driven by young families choosing to buy caravans instead of holidaying abroad.  The weak pound is also making caravans built in East Yorkshire attractive to foreign holiday park owners, which is bolstering export sales.

Mr Hibbs was speaking after local firms reported record sales at the annual International Caravan and Motorhome Show, held in Birmingham last week.

Beverley manufacturer Swift Group achieved total sales of £28m at the show – £10m more than last year.  It sold about 600 caravans.  Coachman, based in Amsterdam Road, sold 410 caravans, beating its 2007 record of 354.  The firm almost doubled its sales on last year, from £3.5m to £6.8m.

Mr Hibbs said: "It is a massive turnaround.  "More people are taking British holidays because they can't afford to go abroad. Its having a huge effect on the market.

Swift commercial director Nick Page added the company's performance in Birmingham had "exceeded our wildest expectations".

He said: "The mixture of existing owners coming back into the market and a large number of younger couples and families spending their holiday money on our products for the first time is really positive news going forward."

Over 31,000 people poured through the doors of THE SCOTTISH CARAVAN & OUTDOOR LEISURE SHOW during the four day show at the SECC, Glasgow.

150 companies showcased the latest caravans, motor caravans and holiday homes as well as outdoor leisure accessories, camping equipment and small boats.

Jamie Taylor, Show Organiser said “The show was a total success and busy throughout the four days. Every exhibitor I have spoken to has expressed delight at the results.  We are already starting work on the 2009 show which will take place on 5 – 8 February.”

TV favourite Lorraine Kelly opened the show and attractions included: 

• New product launches – the latest caravans, motor caravans, tents and accessories.
• Exclusive money saving offers and competitions including the chance to win an Xplore Caravan worth £9,995
• Farmers Market
• Kids Fun Zone
• Accessory Heaven
• Holiday Home Extravaganza
• Sail Away in the latest  boats  and accessories including jet skis, dinghies, canoes
• Tented Village

Rugby World Cup Hero and Caravan Club member, Jason Robinson OBE, will be appearing at The Caravan & Motorhome Show 2008, Manchester Central, on the 17 January.

Jason is yet another member of the squad of celebrity 'cara-fans' who have chosen caravanning as a way of unwinding and getting away from the pressures of everyday life.

He comments: "Caravanning is a great way to enjoy and see the countryside, I can recommend it - especially for families."

At a whopping 30% bigger than last year, the 47th National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show is set to be bigger and better than ever. From the 19th – 24th February 2008 the NEC Birmingham will play host to the largest outdoor leisure show spanning the equivalent of 24 football pitches.

Six halls house 600 exhibitors and showcase 2008 models with exclusive spring launches. This is the show to equip you and your family for everything that Mother Nature could throw at you; from caravans to 4×4s and from motorboats to camping equipment and much, much more.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to this great show, read our full article here

At 30% bigger than last year’s show and measuring the equivalent of 12 football pitches, the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show promises something for everyone when its doors open from the 19^th-24^th February 2008. The UK’s biggest outdoor leisure show is now in its 47^th year and keeps on growing.  With a fresh new layout, it will span six halls at the Birmingham NEC over six days featuring the largest ever display of caravans, motorhomes, boats, tents and holiday homes. Visitors will also be able to take a look at a wide selection of holiday destinations and plan their next trip.

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