Latest news on the camping industry - direct from Elmia

To FREEDOMtravel

Advertisement

Want to hear the latest news about the camping industry? The fair "Elmia Husvagn Husbil 2022" is currently taking place in Jönköping and started with a press conference. We report from the conference - and give some reflections from the fair!

Tweet

Share

Share

Pin

Share

Share

Elmia Caravan Motorhome 2022

Elmia Husvagn Husbil, the Nordic region's largest trade fair for mobile leisure, is finally back after a two-year pandemic break. Yesterday, at the first day of the fair, lots of exhibitors and visitors gathered on the premises.

We thought it was a really fun first day, with exciting exhibitors and great meetings with friends, acquaintances, colleagues, readers and others from the motorhome and camping world. Perhaps it didn't feel as crowded in the premises as it could have been, but on the other hand, it was only Wednesday yet. Thursday and the weekend are ahead of us!

Press conference at Elmia - industry news

On the first day of the Elmia fair, journalists and writers were invited to a press conference. At the conference, the results of Elmia's industry survey were presented, and the current situation in the camping industry was discussed by moderator Bengt Spjuth and a panel consisting of Klas Brandt (Exhibition Manager at Elmia), Lars-Erik Hörmander (Chairman of HRF), Peter Jansson (acting CEO of SCR) and Michael Carlsson (owner of Kust Camp).

Challenges, records and confidence

The presentation described challenges in the industry, including component shortages, but also records and confidence in the future. The pandemic caused problems for some, while others in the industry were rather "saved" when interest in camping increased dramatically.

The industry still faces significant problems in getting vehicles to market quickly enough. According to Elmia's industry survey, 2022 looks set to be another peak year for the caravan and motorhome industry, but that sales could have been 20% higher if dealers had enough new cars and trailers delivered. However, the panel expressed cautious hope that the delivery situation will improve.

SCR also reported that the number of guest nights at Sweden's campsites in July increased by 9 per cent to just over 6 million compared to 2021.

What are the trends for the future of camping?

The panel was asked about trends and the future of camping. They then talked about ...

• Investments are made in campsites. Gone are the days when it was enough to have clean toilets. Now it's all about a wide range of activities.
• Glamping is not so big in numbers, but hot in terms of searches. This form of accommodation is attracting a new audience in the form of hotel guests.
• Energy has and will have a strong focus. These include solar energy, fuel, energy saving, electric cars and the possibility of charging electric cars at campsites.
• Digitalisation is an important issue. There is development potential when it comes to, for example, checking out via mobile phone and how to use digitalisation in the low season.
• Pitches needs to be increased.

Questions from the audience

The panel received some interesting questions from the audience.

The delivery time for caravans is currently long, but how How long can I expect the delivery time to be? The panel did not give a timeframe, but simply said that it varies. However, Kabe's CEO replied that there is a big difference between Fiat chassis (which is currently taking longer) and Mercedes chassis. According to the same manager, some of Kabe's models can be delivered in April if ordered now.

Many campsites and manufacturers lack social media, such as Instagram. Is this something you are thinking of developing? Here the panel responded that "we are a traditional industry" and "we are raising the issue so that we can come back with an answer in 2023".

Rooftop tents have become popular. How do I pay at the campsite - as for a caravan or motorhome, or as for a tent? The answer to the question was that there is no "general answer", but that you often have to pay for the space you get on the campsite, which can be a space for a motorhome.

Elmia Husvagn Husbil 2022 continues

Now Elmia Husvagn Husbil continues with another four intensive days, from Thursday to Sunday. You will find us at our stand in Lobby South. If you want to hear us lecture, you are also welcome to Café Syd in the Congress Centre, Thursday-Saturday at 13:30.

Here at freedomtravel.se we will continue to report on the fair. When we have time, we run around the halls and look for news and other interesting things. You will find reports here every morning at 06:00. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram:

• Facebook: @freedomtravelnews
• Instagram: @freedomtravelnews

You might also like:

Motorhome fridge not running on LPG? - this is how we solved the problem BestPark premieres "BestPoint" - unique service point for motorhomes Soon ready for new motorhome adventures - workshop and inspection

Compare car insurance - 10 things to consider Destination Europe 2023 - here is the winner!