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Glamping, Camping & Caravanning
Growing the tourism economy
Staycations were trending even before the pandemic hit, so it’s no surprise that the popularity of holidaying somewhere in the UK has increased this year… with no signs of slowing down.
Camping, glamping and caravan holidays boomed in popularity when travel reopened in 2020, and it's set to be a similar story this year.
In Carmarthenshire, we have over 133 caravan & campsites that include static caravans, lodges, chalets, glamping sites along with traditional campsites. At full capacity this accommodates over 18,000 visitors a night.
This is a growth market, and key for driving up the local economy as these visitors invariably stay within the county for leisure and stop off on route to purchase groceries.
We want to encourage them to buy from local businesses, food producers, independent shops and galleries.
Through Discover Carmarthenshire’s 100% Sir Gâr campaign we will be promoting all that our county has to offer – places to visit, things to do, eating out and shopping locally. Our aim is to encourage visitors to spend within the local economy, enjoy the world class produce, unique arts and crafts and to share their experience of visiting Carmarthenshire.
Understanding visitor behaviour
We have commissioned research within this sector to better understand:
- visitor behaviour post pandemic
- visitor spend
- where they visit whilst they are on holiday
- out of season visits
- motives to visit
- intention to return
We will share this market research with businesses in this sector to help you better understand visitor needs, expectations and spending patterns whilst they are on holiday in the area. We will publish this report on our Research, trends and development page as soon as it is available, we anticipate that will be Autumn 2021.
Staycations were trending even before the pandemic hit, so it’s no surprise that the popularity of holidaying somewhere in the UK has increased this year… with no signs of slowing down.
Camping, glamping and caravan holidays boomed in popularity when travel reopened in 2020, and it's set to be a similar story this year.
In Carmarthenshire, we have over 133 caravan & campsites that include static caravans, lodges, chalets, glamping sites along with traditional campsites. At full capacity this accommodates over 18,000 visitors a night.
This is a growth market, and key for driving up the local economy as these visitors invariably stay within the county for leisure and stop off on route to purchase groceries.
We want to encourage them to buy from local businesses, food producers, independent shops and galleries.
Through Discover Carmarthenshire’s 100% Sir Gâr campaign we will be promoting all that our county has to offer – places to visit, things to do, eating out and shopping locally. Our aim is to encourage visitors to spend within the local economy, enjoy the world class produce, unique arts and crafts and to share their experience of visiting Carmarthenshire.
Understanding visitor behaviour
We have commissioned research within this sector to better understand:
- visitor behaviour post pandemic
- visitor spend
- where they visit whilst they are on holiday
- out of season visits
- motives to visit
- intention to return
We will share this market research with businesses in this sector to help you better understand visitor needs, expectations and spending patterns whilst they are on holiday in the area. We will publish this report on our Research, trends and development page as soon as it is available, we anticipate that will be Autumn 2021.
Key aims for future economic development
Over the next 18 months we will focus on the following key areas:
- Expanding the season - traditionally caravan and camping sites are open 8 - 10 months a year but new licensing, will offer a longer season.
- Visitor spread - encouraging visitors to explore the whole county. Highlighting undiscovered areas and not just the usual high footfall tourist areas.
- Visitor spend - promoting the right type of spend; quality local produce, independent businesses that can be found in our rural market towns.
- Quality - showcasing our quality accommodation and produce across our digital channels. Helping businesses attain a high standard of service through ambassador training.
Working with us
A co-ordinated approach is required for this to work. Therefore, we are asking our caravan and campsite owners what they need for their visitor and how we can help improve the visitor stay.
We want to create a working group to discuss how to maximise the visitor experience and assist in growing the sector. At the moment we plan to meet quarterly using Microsoft Teams.
If you would like to be a part of this working group or have any queries about what is involved, email Lowri on Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk.
Resources for your business
We have a selection of photographs and videos which you can use on any of your digital platforms to showcase what is on offer locally and further afield.
We are piloting a visitor guide which is specifically aimed at caravan & campsite guests. If you’d like copies of the guide, please contact Pear Distribution.
Be first to receive the latest information impacting tourism in Carmarthenshire. Sign up to receive our monthly Tourism newsletter.
Key aims for future economic development
Over the next 18 months we will focus on the following key areas:
- Expanding the season - traditionally caravan and camping sites are open 8 - 10 months a year but new licensing, will offer a longer season.
- Visitor spread - encouraging visitors to explore the whole county. Highlighting undiscovered areas and not just the usual high footfall tourist areas.
- Visitor spend - promoting the right type of spend; quality local produce, independent businesses that can be found in our rural market towns.
- Quality - showcasing our quality accommodation and produce across our digital channels. Helping businesses attain a high standard of service through ambassador training.
Working with us
A co-ordinated approach is required for this to work. Therefore, we are asking our caravan and campsite owners what they need for their visitor and how we can help improve the visitor stay.
We want to create a working group to discuss how to maximise the visitor experience and assist in growing the sector. At the moment we plan to meet quarterly using Microsoft Teams.
If you would like to be a part of this working group or have any queries about what is involved, email Lowri on Tourism@Carmarthenshire.gov.uk.
Resources for your business
We have a selection of photographs and videos which you can use on any of your digital platforms to showcase what is on offer locally and further afield.
We are piloting a visitor guide which is specifically aimed at caravan & campsite guests. If you’d like copies of the guide, please contact Pear Distribution.
Be first to receive the latest information impacting tourism in Carmarthenshire. Sign up to receive our monthly Tourism newsletter.