- 101,583 visitors attended the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2017, the highest attendance figure since the show began
- The show, held from 17 to 22 October covered 11 halls of Birmingham’s NEC
- It was a huge success with many exhibitors reporting record sales

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2017, which is held by NCC Events, the exhibition arm of The NCC (National Caravan Council), showcased 750 leisure vehicles over 11 halls of Birmingham’s NEC throughout six days from 17 to 22 October.

Total attendance soared higher than ever before, with a record total of 101,583 guests visiting the show. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were record-breaking days, with 13,779 attending on Wednesday compared to last year’s figure of 13,390. 13,899 visited on Thursday, a 9.3% increase on last year and 14,934 on Friday, which is 930 visitors up on 2016.

The UK’s largest leisure vehicle event showcased new-for-2018 caravans, motorhomes, campervans, caravan holiday homes as well as all the latest leisure vehicle accessories. Leading manufacturers and dealers reported higher-than-expected sales and remarked that the general feel of the show was one of the most positive they’ve experienced. Below is what they had to report, along with comments from the two consumer clubs: Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

UK Sales Director, Lee Roberts of Lunar Caravans reiterated the success of the show and stated "This year we revealed our 8ft-wide Alaria caravan range and our new coachbuilt motorhome called Cassini. We were overwhelmed with their retail success.”

Coachman Caravans also reported higher-than-expected sales with Marketing Manager Jackie Shipley commenting: “We are delighted with the results from the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2017, with sales exceeding expectations.”

Operations Director of Raymond James Caravans, Bill Chilver stated: “We’ve had an excellent result. We targeted a marginal growth on last year and it’s been such a good show so we’re well within reach of achieving it for 2017. The general feel of the show has been fantastic all the way through.”

The show proved successful for exhibitors across all sections, with Steve Biggs, Director of Isabella Awnings reporting: “It’s been a great show, sales are up on all products including the launch of the new Ventura Air.”

“We had an excellent show with Morelo achieving sales from the entry level Home right up to the Palace Liner” said Mike Herzberg, Commercial Director of Premium Motorhomes.

Leigh Mcara, Marketing and Media Manager of Hillside Leisure commented “We had a fantastic show with record numbers on the stand showing interest especially in our new models the VW Crafter based Heatherton and the Birchover Startline on the VW T6. The LIVE Theatre product launch was well received and the live cooking demonstration with Dean Edwards provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the possibilities when it comes to cooking in a campervan.”

Industry clubs also reported show success with Andrew Robson of The Camping and Caravanning Club reporting an 11% increase in member recruits.

Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club commented: “The Club has had a great week at the Motorhome and Caravan Show. Club Day on Tuesday with Matt Allwright hosting forums for Club members and show visitors was a great success and there has been huge demand for our caravan and motorhome manoeuvring sessions. We also launched a series of ground-breaking member offers, including a fuel discount card. We want to inspire and enable people to have great adventures when they are on holiday and build lasting memories with friends and family.”

“It was wonderful to welcome new visitors to the show with initiatives such as Freedom To Go. We are now reaching those who haven’t yet explored the option of leisure vehicle holidays and are inspiring them to do so.” said Jenny Summers, Group Marketing Director of the NCC.

The show comes after the NCC released statistics confirming the growth of the UK leisure vehicle and staycation industry. Production of touring caravans was up 13.7% in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period last year, while motorhome registrations rose by 11.3%. Caravan holiday homes are also steadily increasing, with a 5.6% growth in deliveries to holiday park locations between year start and end of June 2017 compared to 2016.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2018 will run from 16 to 21 October 2018.