Study on Caravaning Tourism in Germany

The German Economic Institute for Tourism at the University of Munich (dwif) has conducted a scientific study on the economic significance of camping and caravanning tourism. The result: Holidaymakers travelling to Germany in a motorhome, caravan or tent brought the German economy a turnover of 14 billion euros through their consumption during the 2018 holidays. This is a significant increase of 11.5 percent compared to 2016.

Caravaning tourists spend around 50 euros per holiday day

Over 1.2 million leisure vehicles were registered in Germany last year. A further 250,000 vehicles were in continuous use at campsites. Each caravan and motorhome owner spends around 50 euros per holiday day. For permanent campers, daily consumption is over 20 euros. In addition there are visitors like relatives and friends, who spend further scarcely 20 euro. Last year, there were 50.5 million overnight stays on German campsites and a further 15.5 million on motorhome sites. In addition, motorhome owners made 16.5 million day trips and 57.5 million days’ stay by permanent campers in Germany were counted.

If the expenses of these holidaymakers in the destinations are added together, this results in a turnover of 5.3 billion euros. In addition to overnight accommodation costs, these were distributed primarily among retail, gastronomy and all forms of leisure and cultural activities. Another important factor is the 4.4 billion euros spent by caravanning tourists on equipment. The travel costs of caravans and motor home owners, which totalled 4.3 billion euros, are often forgotten.

From the Caravaning tourism many branches of industry profit

This made a total turnover of 14 billion euros. Money, which remains in the economic cycle, because the operators of camping and rice mobile sites not only pay their employees, but also goods suppliers such as energy suppliers or bakeries and service providers such as crafts enterprises, which maintain and repair the facilities, advertising agencies, which produce brochures, as well as tax consultants, insurance companies and the credit industry. Caravaning tourism is an important economic engine and job guarantor, especially for rural areas and structurally weak regions.

In order to make even greater use of the great potential of this form of holiday, the CIVD calls for an improvement in the framework conditions, such as a simplification of the Federal Registration Act and greater support for the construction and expansion of motorhome parking spaces. As an industry representative, the CIVD is in constructive dialogue with politicians in order to reduce the obstacles identified. The Federal Government recently adopted a national tourism strategy. This is a first important step, others must now follow.