According to the latest stats from the Caravan Industry Association of Germany (CIVD), figures back up the idea that caravanning holidays are ‘on trend’ in Europe with more and more people trying the hobby.

For five years running, caravan sales have grown in Germany; with 24,327 caravans and 48,859 motorhomes sold across Germany in 2018. Sales were up across leisure vehicles, accessories and used models, and overall, the industry managed to generate an impressive €11 billion.

Figures also revealed that sales/registrations of motorhomes in Germany increased by 15.5 per cent, following the trend of motorhome popularity across the country. In fact, in the last 10 years alone, sales of motorhomes have more than doubled, and the total number of motorhomes sold is now doubles that of caravans.

Caravan sales have also been increasing however, with an increase of 7.2 per cent. They have been steadily growing over the past 5 years, and in 2018 achieved the best sales results since 2001.

What's especially interesting here is that despite the marginal difference in population with Germany, 83 million, and the UK, 66.8 million, sales appear vastly more popular in Germany. It's a strong indication that the outdoor leisure industry is growing far more rapidly across Europe than in the UK, spurring questions as to why we are less open to the outdoors than our European cousins. 

Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of the CIVD, said, "With the new record for new registrations of recreational vehicles, we have exceeded our optimistic forecasts for 2018.

“Caravanning holidays are very much in vogue all over Europe, so demand for German motorhomes and caravans is steadily increasing. With more than 55,000 exported recreational vehicles, the German manufacturers are market leaders in Europe. Given the expected high demand in the future, manufacturers are continuing to expand their production capacities and are optimistic about the year 2019."