By Emma Dodd
Caravan dealers and site operators in Wales have seen a huge increase in demand since the easing of lockdown.
Wales has permitted holidays in self-contained accommodation since July 13th and in sites with shared facilities from two weeks later.
A combination of factors, including quarantine restrictions being placed on many popular tourism destinations in Europe, has seen more bookings and purchases than in previous years.
Speaking to the BBC, many dealers in Wales reported the uptick in caravan sales mainly coming from first-time buyers.
Shaun Ennis, of Ennis Caravans in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, said: “Sales have trebled in the short time we’ve been open since the end of June.
“We’ve made back the lost four months that we had, and the majority of that is from newcomers into the industry, which is lovely to see. It’s been terrific, but also hard work and quite stressful.”
He added that by this time in the season he would usually have around 100 unsold caravans, but currently has just 20 vehicles in stock.
Hywel Davies, who runs Llwynifan Farm South Wales Touring Park in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, is experiencing a busier September than usual.
He is seeing a lot of people renting caravans and motorhomes to try them out with the view they might buy one in the future.
Lots of those who have pitched up for a staycation across the UK this summer had originally booked to travel abroad, but have been forced to change their plans in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
A survey carried out by the National Caravan Council found that caravan registrations in July were 20 per cent higher than they were a year ago in the UK.
Mr Davies summarised: “Staycations are certainly on the up from what I can see.”
