Holiday Park Sector proves its worth to the Scottish Economy

Holiday Park Search Results

Research into the value of holiday parks to the Scottish economy has established that it is worth over £700 million. A major survey has been carried out by the Scottish Caravan and Camping Forum (SCCF*), to establish expenditure by holiday-makers and by park-owners over the twelve SSCF Highlands of Scoland months to October 2014. The research has identified the significant contribution which holiday parks make to the Scottish economy, as a result of visitors’ spend and expenditure by park-owners in operating their parks. The figures are given below.

This sector is of particular importance to the often-fragile rural economy. Caravan parks bring visitors to the countryside and they spend money in the local area, on visiting attractions, on shopping and eating, and on entertainment. Caravan parks vary in size from small camping sites to large holiday parks run by major groups; one such group employs 285 people across six parks at peak season. Parks have pitches for tourers, and/or lodges and caravan holiday homes for rent and for sale; they attract visitors from the UK and from overseas – families with children, older couples, and those who enjoy outdoor activities.

David Key, a representative of the National Caravan Council and chair of the SCCF said “The Committee is delighted with the results, because we have, for the first time, established the value of this sector to the economy. £700 million is a significant contribution, as are the 5,688 FTE jobs. Caravan parks are important to the rural economy because of the jobs they provide and the money spent by their visitors. This report enables the SCCF and the sector as a whole to present robust data to the Scottish Government, to local authorities and to tourism organisations.”

The figures: The research found that, in the twelve months to October 2014, Scotland’s holiday park seector generated an estimated:

– gross direct, indirect and induced visitor expenditure impact of £700.8m

– gross direct visitor expenditure impact of £491.1m; this figure is higher than the £396m recorded for the self-catering sector and the £86m for the guest house and b&b sector.

– net visitor expenditure impact of £307.1m, which equates to a gross value added impact of £156.1m and to 5,688 full-time equivalent jobs.

Forty-five of the parks surveyed provided information on their capital and operating expenditure, and on wages; this totaled £25.4m.

Holiday Park Sector proves its worth to the Scottish Economy

Holiday Park Search Results

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