Camping and caravanning: Is the #Vanlife era here to stay?

The global camping and caravanning sector is expected to grow primarily due to the rapid advancements in technology for recreational vehicles

The global camping and caravanning market is expected to register a revenue of $87,653.5 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period 2022-2031, according to a new report by Research Dive.

One sub-segment that is expected to flourish immensely is age, while one of the most promising regions appears to be North America which is predicted to grow at a high CAGR by 2031

The study divided the camping and caravanning market into the following segments:

• Destination Type: state or national park campgrounds, privately owned campgrounds, public or privately owned land other than a campground, backcountry, national forest or wilderness areas, parking lots, and others

• Type of Camper: car camping, RV camping, backpacking, and others
  • RV Camping – Highest market share in 2021
    Recreational vehicles are gaining traction due to their user-friendly features and the introduction of sophisticated technologies built into such vehicles. This is expected to raise the growth rate of this sub-segment in the 2022–2031 timeframe.

• Consumer Orientation: Adult male, adult female, and kids
  • Adult Male – Most profitable in 2021
    The growth of this sub-segment is mainly because adult males are more likely to travel to places that are adventurous and have wildlife.
• Age: 6-12 yrs, 13-17 yrs, 18-24 yrs, 25-44 yrs, and 45 + yrs
  • 18-24 yrs – Most lucrative in 2021
    The growth of this sub-segment is mainly because 18–24-year-olds are more likely to camp and caravan in developed and developing remote regions.
• Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA
  • North America – Significant market share in 2021
    The increasing acceptance of camping and caravanning technology in the RV camping segment, as well as enormous investments by tourism authorities in this region to boost the travel sector, are predicted to propel the market in the forecast period.

Dynamics of the Global Camping and Caravanning Market

Rising disposable income and significant funding from tourism alliances to enhance the tourism sector are expected to make the camping and caravanning market a highly profitable one in the forecast period.

Additionally, sales of recreational vehicles are rising globally, primarily due to the need for road trips as a method to avoid quarantine and offer a reliable and personalised mode of transportation, which is predicted to propel the market forward.

However, the tourism authorities have implemented strict regulations and standards for sustainable and environmentally responsible camping activities, which might become a restraint in the growth of the market.

The introduction of extremely advanced technologies incorporated into leisure vehicles is predicted to offer numerous growth opportunities to the market in the forecast period.

Moreover, the introduction of advanced technology and energy efficiency, mostly geometric, in camping pods, sea lander caravans, two-story caravans, and other types are expected to propel the camping and caravanning market forward in the coming period.

Covid-19 Impact

The pandemic disrupted the routine lifestyle of people across the globe, and the subsequent lockdowns adversely impacted industrial processes across all sectors. The camping and caravanning market, too, was negatively impacted due to the pandemic. Manufacturing and supply of recreational vehicles were considerably hampered due to supply chain complexity, shortage in the availability of essential vehicle components and parts, currency volatility, and other concerns. In addition, the market’s growth has been impeded by the postponement or cancellation of tourism construction projects as a result of stringent lockdowns and travel restrictions. These factors significantly hindered the market growth amidst the pandemic.

Key Players of the Camping and Caravanning Market

• European Camping Group
• Discovery Parks Private Limited
• Parkdean Holidays Limited
• Kampgrounds of America Inc.
• Equity Lifestyle Properties
• Sun Communities
• The Camping and Caravanning Club
• Bourne Leisure
• Drayton Manor
• Altmark.de
• La Bella Vista

These players are working on developing strategies such as product development, merger and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations to sustain the market growth.

For example, in July 2022, outdoor product retailer REI Co-op, in collaboration with American travel trailer manufacturer Airstream, announced the launch of its “Basecamp” brand of RVs and trailers which have modern amenities and a streamlined look. This brand is being launched with an aim to curb carbon emissions and provide sustainable options to customers.