Improve Framework and Unlock Potential: Caravanning Industry Drafts Claim to MPs

Leisure-vehicle tourism generates billions in revenues for German economy

A lot of leisure-vehicle travellers chose national destinations for their holidays. This results in an annual revenue of 12.6 billion euros for the domestic economy. Branches like the catering and hospitality industry, the retail industry, leisure and cultural facilities and even gas stations are the main beneficiaries. Camping and caravanning tourism has, thus, become a substantial factor for tourism in Germany. Around 180,000 jobs depend on it. Since camping sites and motor caravan pitches are usually placed in the countryside, rural and economically underdeveloped areas profit from this kind of tourism in particular.

Infrastructural expansion is required and welcomed by MPs

At the moment, there are 3,000 campsites and 3,600 motor caravan pitches. Even though the number especially of pitches has increased in the past twenty years, the huge popularity of leisure-vehicle tourism leads to a lack of capacities during high-season. The CIVD calls for a funding and promoting to support expansions and new constructions of pitches. Political representatives for tourism stayed open minded towards this demand.

Meet challenges and unlock potential — successful dialogue will continue

The unique thing about this type of holiday is the closeness to the countryside, the conscious decision to slow down and the possibility of having a self-determined holiday. The driving license regulations and the long approval time for new constructions of motor caravan pitches become increasing obstacles. The constructive exchange between representatives of both the industry and politics resulted in the mutual aim to meet the presented challenges and improve overall conditions and the political framework for camping and leisure-vehicle tourism. “Our discussion was very beneficial, which is why we will continue the dialogue in the coming months,” summarizes CIVD-president Hermann Pfaff pleased after the gathering. The industries’ expectations are clear: “Leisure-vehicle tourism is an economic driving force securing many jobs, especially those in structurally weak and rural areas. Today’s successful dialogue should motivate political decision-makers to unlock the full potential of caravanning tourism,” says Hermann Pfaff in conclusion.

About Caravaning Industrie Verband e. V.

Caravaning Industrie Verband (CIVD) is the trade association for the industrial arm of the German leisure vehicle sector. Our members include German and European leisure vehicle manufacturers, numerous leisure-vehicle supply vendors and service providers, as well as public institutions and associations. Founded in 1962, CIVD represents the interests of the German leisure vehicle industry for all matters of concern to its members, through lobbying and other communication measures directed at German and European political institutions and government authorities. The CIVD is also the ideal sponsor for Caravan Salon, the world’s largest vehicle leisure industry trade show. In this capacity CIVD plays a pivotal role in promoting the progress and development of the European leisure vehicle industry.