Tourism Tax Bashed On BBC Show

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By William Coleman

A short while ago it was announced that a tourism tax was being considered for the Outer Hebrides. As you can imagine this proposal was met with a fair amount of backlash. It seems the backlash is being heard all across the land with a shared disdain for ideas regarding additional taxation on tourists.

In Wales, amongst the tourism community, there are very negative feelings regarding the tourism tax proposal. The owner of a major holiday park group, Thomas Scarrott, feels that this tax idea would be devastating for the Welsh tourism industry.

Mr. Scarrott spoke on the BBC’s Sunday Politics Wales show and explained that the proposal would undo a lot of the hard work done by the Welsh Government to drive an encourage tourism. The statement came during the interview at the Grondre Holiday Park near Narberth in Pembrokeshire, one of the seven holiday parks owned by his family’s Vale Holiday Parks.

This new tax idea is one of four possible new taxes that is being considered by ministers and would lead to tourist who choose Wales as their holiday destination paying more for each night that they at their chosen location.

Mr. Scarrott went on to tell the Sunday Politics Wales reports Carl Roberts that a levy on visitors to Wales would not just affect accommodation providers such as his parks. There would be a damaging knock on effect to many local business such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

A large amount of the business that would suffer are local family run operations. These smaller business do not have the money and customer base that other juggernaut brands in the UK have. One bad season can sometimes be enough to put the future of these businesses in doubt.

With around £5 billion being funneled into the Welsh economy from overnight stays it really does pose a big financial threat should the population choose to avoid locations with this new taxation.

We are seeing large momentum behind the UK tourism industry at the moment. As I have reported before we are now in a golden age of tourism, these new tax proposals seem like they could certainly hinder the massive progress we are making. This tax law would also affect the tourism numbers from abroad visitors. With the UK being visited more and more by foreign holiday makers, Wales in particular, this could possible make them think twice about using our country as their holiday destination.

Glamping Is Good For Your Health And Here’s Why

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By William Coleman

I will find any excuse to go on a last minute excursion and get out and about. Come wind, rain or shine I’m searching for my next staycation getaway. Now I get to use the health benefits glamping provides as the perfect reason to get more time outdoors.

The rise of glamping is far from slowing. The explosion of the new trend which started a few years ago seems to be growing as each year goes by. In 2016 4 in 10 people went glamping or camping. By 2020 it is expected that there will be 21 million trips of this nature taken in the UK. These UK based holidays will boost the economy by a staggering £2.3 billion.

Being out in the great outdoors has a lot of benefits for your mental and physical health. It seems that a lot of people are actually put off by the idea of camping. With camping comes an element of “doing it yourself”, some people get away to not have to erect a tent or build a fire. A lot of holiday makers like the idea of hot water and electric. Maybe camping just does not have much of a glamorous appeal to many.

Well if you are one of these people then glamping is tailor made for you. All the freedom and outdoor exposure of camping but with a huge dose of luxury and comfort. Staying out in the wilds of nature with running water, electric and a good heating system. What’s not to love?

Cleveland Container, who are converting storage units into creative dwellings, are now getting fully involved in the glamping world. Due to the shape and size of storage containers they are the perfect stencil for clamping accommodation.

The best thing about glamping is the fact that is makes nature so much more accessible to people. It has been medically proven that exposure to the great outdoors will improve your health. With fresh clean air and the added exercise of getting out and about it will get your blood pumping and help you de-stress. Glamping is closing the gap between people and the wild. Without the added fears of no creature comforts.

As the amount of locations for glamping grows as does the idea and designs of the accommodation. You can live is total luxury deep in the wilds of Britain. They span from shipping containers, tree house, teepees log cabins and even the high end lodges. Some even have their own private hot tub. No matter what your tastes are you will be certain to find a glamping site that will exceed all expectations.

One you have had a great night’s sleep you can jump up fresh faced and take a nice stroll through the woods to take in all the natural beauty our lands have to offer, some of which really does have to be seen to be believed. Some sites provide entertainment and activities. It doesn’t get much better than doing exercise without realising you’re actually doing it. If you like yoga, mountain biking or water sports like rafting or kayaking you will have more fun than you realise was even possible. Being spoilt for choice is always nice.

Aside from the benefits being active has it also has a huge positive impact on your mood and happiness. When you are more active and your blood starts pumping your body releases a chemical called dopamine. Once your brain lets this out your body experiences a feeling a happiness. You really cannot go wrong with a good glamping site with some outdoor activities, oh and the hot tub, cannot forget the hot tub.

If you are already quite an active person then you may not feel that this additional outdoor time with added exercise is not really going to benefit you that much. Well that may not quite be the case. An hours cardio with a weight workout is very good but it doesn’t have the fresh air the the countryside provides. Along with the endorphins and dopamine pumping through your body it is also proven that breathing fresh air is also extremely good for your health.

So if you are thinking out getting out and about, even if winter is almost upon us, then choose clamping. If it’s very cold outside then being in the wild in a nicely heated luxury glamping lodge sounds like the best way to spend your winter.

To find out more about Cleveland Containers Click here

Motorhome & Caravan Show Special: Buying Local With Auto-Sleeper

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By William Coleman

Buying at the show can be overwhelming due to the gargantuan variety to choose from and all the offers that are available. Always remember that sometimes there are factors that can be overlooked due to thrill and excitement of the show.

Auto-Sleeper are fantastic manufacturer with a country wide dealer network. With over 54 years of industry experience they are at the forefront of trusted advice and strive to provide the best customer journey possible.

We were fortunate enough to get some facetime with the sales director of the Auto-Sleeper dealer network David Williams. He gave us his expert advice on the benefits and advantages of buying your new home from your local dealer.

Motorhome & Caravan Show Special: Best Of Campervans With Autohaus

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By William Coleman

The VW Campervan, known around the world and is an icon of the touring world. Now the camper convert is now one of the go to touring vehicles due to its versatility and compact convenience.

Autohaus are producing unique and bespoke VW camper vans. Each van they were displaying was totally unique from the previous. All different colours, textures, interiors and fabrics. This company will design any interior that you can think, and you would be amazed at some of the requests. If you want your own unique touring VW camper than Autohaus are the guys for you.

We got to speak to the creators about what makes them a cut above the rest. Don’t just take my word for it, watch our full interview.

Motorhome & Caravan Show Special: Luxury With Travel World

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By William Coleman

When it comes luxury motorhomes there are four words that everyone should know Niesman, Bischoff, travel and world. So if you have wondered what Niesmann & Bischoff, the world’s most luxurious motorhomes, look like pop round to see Travel World telford or visit them at the motorhome and caravan show 2017 or watch the video opposite.

Thats right there is a dishwasher in this motorhome as standard but that is just the start of the specification and luxury level. These motorhomes are more frequently seen on F1 paddocks or A-list celebrity driveway than in Birmingham so get in and see them while you can.

If you’re in the market for one – lucky you – the show is a great opportunity to see a large selection of these majestic beasts together so it is well worth a visit.

Win A Brand New 6 Berth Bailey Pursuit And A Years Free Caravan And Motorhome Club Membership

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By Daniel Cartwright

If you’re a family what more could you want than a brand new Bailey Pursuit 6 berth with a years free Caravan and motorhome club membership? Maybe some discounts on insurance, towing courses and cheap fuel?

OK, get it all with the joint initiative between Bailey and the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Enter the competition! If you are caravanner already or new to it then this is everything you need to have some amazing families holidays.

The Pursuit is the perfect family van, light, functional and super modern inside. The club offers so much to caravaners including help and advice and opportunities to meet like minded people.

Enter the competition now at the show or online here Bailey Pursuit Competition

CAMC Expand Their Towing Course And Motorhome Manoeuvring Courses For 2018

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Having recently attended both a caravan and motorhome train course with CAMC we can highly recommend these for beginners and old hands alike. There is now a one and two day towing course and a two day motorhome manoeuvring course.

To make life easier CAMC have increased to 14 locations with more dates than ever before. Nick Lomas from club explains the basic of courses in the video.

So if you are re-entering the caravan or motorhome world, or you have always a bigger rig but are worried about getting on site or you simply want to share the driving more to go further afield then check out the dates and give it try.

Haunting Halloween Holiday Happenings With The Caravan and Motorhome Club Inspire members with Halloween ideas

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In the video opposite Harvey Alexander from the Caravan and Motorhome Club shares some spooky family ideas for getaways over Halloween.

From gastly ghost walks in York to an energetic Halloween 5K pumpkin run in Edinburgh. The Club are looking to give members ideas of how families can get out and about over Halloween.

This Halloween could be your time to embrace an ancient scottish festival, dress up to ward off bad spirits and test your nerve as well as your caravan or motorhome heating!

Caravan and Motorhome Club Announce New line-up Of 2018 European World Wide Tours

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Since the introduction of European and world wide tours the Club have introduced more tours to different and far flung destinations around the globe.

These tours are designed to be the tour of a lifetime style adventure. The Club organise everything to help you enjoy all the time away with none of stress or organising them. We have met people who have been on them and the feedback is always incredible.

Next year they have introduced the Canadian Rockies and the iconic route 66. In the video opposite Nick Lomas announces the destinations and explains which he is hoping to go on when he retires.

Caravan And Motorhome Club Announce Over £13 Million Spend On Site Investments in 2017

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By Daniel Cartwright

The Caravan and Motorhome Club have spent over £13 million investing in sites in 2017. This is not only slightly higher than the average of roughly £10 million PA but in our video Harvey Alexendar (CAMC Director of Marketing) explains the process and why 2017 is a step change.

As a membership organisation Harvey highlights how member feedback has led to some new types of site updates.

Watch the video to find out what for yourself.

Caravan and Motorhome Club announce the 2017 Caravan Design and Light Weight Leisure awards 2017

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By Daniel Cartwright

Caravan and Motorhome Club announce the 2017 caravan design awards and light weight leisure awards 2017

This is the 23rd Caravan Design Awards and 16th Light weight leisure awards from the Caravan and Motorhome Club. These awards are the most prestigious in the industry with the club representing over one million members. The awards are strictly judged and coveted by manufacturers and dealers. The video below gives an overview of the event, the winners and some of the industry reaction.

The work that goes in to judging all the entires is huge. There are 5 industry expert judges working tirelessly for 5 days at the NEC to get around andsee every model entered. Each judge focus’s on one area and all results are collated, added and reviewed by the panel. A design award for a model can increase sales and we have heard can even effect resale prices, so the club have a huge job making sure everything fully assessed.

For a full list of the winners and runners up along with a judges comment on each you can find these on the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s website

Lastly a note for anyone in the industry who does not enter, perhaps you are a smaller manufacture or even new – it doesn’t matter, the club they encourage manufacturers of all sizes from all over the world so enter your caravan or trailer next year.

Motorhome & Caravan Show Special: TV Solution With Maxview

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By William Coleman

If you are anything like me and then you too love catching up on your favourite TV shows. Those stormy nights away when you don’t fancy braving the elements so you just curl up in your motorhome or caravan and you just want to be lazy and watch TV. But how do we get a good service? How much does it cost, and how do we attach our dish without seriously damaging our pride and joy?

We all know how daunting connecting a satellite to a house, let alone your leisure vehicle. Drilling does not mix very well with motorhomes. We have been speaking to Maxview about the various options available for satellite and digital services for you touring homes.

Speaking with the their Sales Director, Phil Newbury, he gave us some great insight into what is needed for a good digital TV service and cleared up a lot of fears that tourers have regarding attaching dishes to homes and then running cables to the inside.

To check out the full range of products visit their website www.maxview.co.uk