UK Motorhome industry shows resilience post-pandemic and despite cost of living crisis

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. caravan / ˈkær əˌvæn / (n.) – a vehicle that is pulled by a car and is designed for people to live and sleep in, especially when they are on holiday
    Example:

    The newest caravan models are often designed with features similar to a house so users can be comfortable when camping.


  2. berth / bɜrθ / (n.) – a place to sleep on a ship, train, caravan, etc.
    Example:

    The train has a comfortable and private berth that allows four to six people to sleep during the journey.


  3. specification / ˌspɛs ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən / (n.) – a detailed description of how something is designed or made
    Example:

    When buying a computer, check the specifications to make sure it meets your needs.


  4. staycation / ˌsteɪˈkeɪ ʃən / (n.) – a holiday or vacation that someone spends near his/her home rather than traveling somewhere else
    Example:

    Staycations are great for families who want to spend time together without going far.


  5. anchor / ˈæŋ kər / (v.) – to avoid or prevent ships from moving by using an anchor
    Example:

    Before the storm, the captain decided to anchor the boat for safety.


Article

Read the text below.

If you are dreaming of a summer escape in the great outdoors, where everyday is an adventure on the open road, then the UK Caravan Camping and Motorhome Show is full of inspiration. This six-day event is where all of the latest camping equipment, caravans and motorhomes are launched to the public.


One of the motorhomes launched at the show is Bailey’s new Alora, a four-berth motorhome that weighs 3,500 kg—meaning it can be driven by anybody with a standard UK driving license. The Alora costs around £75,000 depending on the model specifications.


Since 1948, Bailey has made half a million leisure vehicles and is one of the most popular UK manufacturers in the sector.


Simon Howard, marketing director of Bailey of Bristol says: “I mean, as an industry, we fared very well after the pandemic because obviously a caravan, a motorhome, was a very safe, secure way to go on holiday. You’re in your own protective bubble, if you like. But also, there was a big sort of surge in staycations because you couldn’t travel abroad. And again, caravans and motorhomes are an ideal way to do that. But people who bought during that period are now finding that the vehicle is very, very flexible. And you needn’t just stay in the UK, if you want to go farther abroad, you can do.”


During the COVID pandemic, lockdowns and travel restrictions meant many people in the UK were forced to take domestic holidays.


Other sectors of the tourism industry suffered a serious decline during the pandemic – for example, the cruise ship sector, where international travel restrictions and guidelines promoting respectful distances saw large fleets anchored at port and unable to operate.


However, camping and caravanning could still be enjoyed domestically, and its outdoor nature meant it felt like a safer option for many people.


It’s a trend the Camping and Caravan Club witnessed, and is now reporting bookings and memberships for 2023 have exceeded figures from 2019.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you agree with Howard’s statement that a caravan or a motorhome is a safe and secure way to go on holiday? Why or why not? What do you think is the safest way of accommodation during vacations (ex. staycation, hotel)? Discuss.
  • Do you think motorhomes and caravans could also be popular in your country? Why or why not? Given the chance, where would you like to go on a holiday using a motorhome or a caravan? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you believe domestic holidays provided a suitable alternative to international travel during lockdowns and restrictions? Why or why not? How did you spend your vacations during the pandemic? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the pros and cons of domestic holidays during the pandemic (ex. pro: increased support for the local economy, con: overcrowding in popular spots)? Discuss.