Current Coronavirus position from The Camping and Caravanning Club | May 2020

Wednesday 13 May 2020

Sabina Voysey, Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said:

“Following the UK Government’s changes to the lockdown position and guidance given to other industries and sectors that are starting to return to work, the Club has been assessing what this means for our campsite network together with our members and staff.

“We believe there are a lot of members who will be keen to get out camping again, however that is also balanced by many who will be much more cautious. And as a membership organisation we have to consider all views.

“We are proud to be a responsible organisation. While we are liaising with representative industry bodies on the social distancing and safety measures needed to reopen our campsites, all our sites are currently closed and we will only re-open when the Government tells us it is safe and indeed we’re legally able to do so.

“Camping in all its forms puts us on the doorstep of the great outdoors and allows us to spend quality time together in the fresh air and be closer to nature – this will be so important in helping to heal the nation after such a long and unprecedented time of staying in our homes.

“We would urge the Government to provide greater clarity on how the sector can safely open and operate campsites with additional measures in place. We believe that we are well-placed to offer socially-distanced holidays and, provided the country recovers in line with the Government’s plans, we would be eager to work on trial pilot schemes for how campsites may be able to re-open with all necessary measures in place as part of the Phase Three measures.

“We have campsites all over the UK and believe that you don’t have to travel far for a break and a change of scene – by supporting local businesses and local economies in a sensible and phased approach we can start to help the rebuilding process when the time is right. Like so many businesses and sectors, the crisis has had a significant impact on our income. As it stands and being closed until at least the beginning of July we have not collected the £25 million we would normally see in this period. Re-opening our sites with social-distancing measures in place and in a controlled manner over the summer months will enable people to enjoy a break and help The Camping and Caravanning Club to work towards a long-term recovery.”

-Ends-

For more information or images contact:

Simon McGrath, simon.mcgrath@campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Andrew Robson, andrew.robson@campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Notes for Editors

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is 119-years-old and is the largest and oldest Club in the world for all forms of camping. It has 103 award-winning sites throughout the UK.
2. Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/thefriendlyclub, www.twitter.com/campandcaravan or check out our Instagram page www.instagram.com/campandcaravan.
3. To view the Club’s comprehensive video directory, visit www.youtube.com/thefriendlyclub.
4. To learn more about the benefits of joining the Club visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/membership