Camping in a post-Coronavirus world

Respondents thought that camping was relatively easy to do with social distancing and that there would be a lower risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors. Some mentioned that being outside is proven to be good for mental health, while others were conscious of overwhelming local healthcare capacity in tourism hotspots.

The majority thought it was still too early to allow holidays yet and comments were generally in support of re-opening tourism only when responsible to do so. A good number suggested opening earlier for self sufficient touring guests with their own onboard toilet and shower facilities, while other suggestions included zoning to separate vulnerable guests.

Men were 40% more keen to open up tourism immediately than women.

Almost a third of people (29.17%) are waiting to see how the outbreak evolves before making any holiday decisions, while 1 in 20 no longer has any plans to go on holiday in 2020.

The number who had originally planned a touring caravan (-17.65%) or motorhome holiday (-19.10%) held up more robustly than tent camping (-26.01%) and glamping (-33.62%), while fewer than 1 in 6 people are still expecting to book a package holiday.

A larger drop in the number of people planning a glamping break is perhaps surprising, but glamping bookings are a higher cost commitment to make before travel restrictions have been lifted.

Almost a third of people would like to go away immediately after travel restrictions are expected to be lifted, while nearly 6 in 10 would be happy to travel before the end of July.

There is widespread acceptance that campsites are suffering financially and also having to carry higher costs this summer. Most respondents would accept paying extra (particularly to support small businesses) if the increase was reasonable and being spent on keeping guests safe, but some were concerned that money was tight and prices could "rocket" and become unaffordable.

Several responses suggested that a 10% increase in prices might be reasonable (preferably not visible as a surcharge!), but others thought it wouldn't be fair to pass any costs on.

Many respondents sought simply a change of scenery, even within 30 minutes to an hour from home rather than travelling to tourism hotspots. A number mentioned camping in their back garden.

Almost two thirds of people are more likely to book a staycation now, rather than holiday abroad or risk flying and getting stuck abroad. A good number commented that travel restrictions had reminded them how much the UK has to offer.

A number of responses mentioned taking a "common sense" approach to travel and acknowledged responsibility for their own wellbeing. Respondents typically already carried hand sanitiser, but would be more aware of common touch points and use it more often

Some people were conscious that campers shouldn't forget the environment and noted that increased use of wipes conflicted with the idea of taking a greener holiday - and that disinfectant sprays might be better.

Women were more likely to take hygiene precautions, including taking temperatures before travelling (+31%), carrying hand sanitiser (+9%), using disinfectant wipes (+14%) and washing hands (+7%). Attitudes to social distancing and wearing masks was similar for both sexes.

Most respondents are expecting campsites to educate guests, patrol to enforce considerate behaviour and encourage peer pressure to conform. People were keen to reduce face-to-face contact, conscious of avoiding crowded sites and looking to strike a balance to enjoy a relaxing break.

Surprisingly few (1 in 6) would expect campsites to take guest temperatures on arrival, despite it being one of the best ways to identify infection. A number raised the idea of using zoning to separate more vulnerable guests, couples and families.

Respondents sought increased regularity and higher standards of cleaning and some mentioned the idea of site inspections to help police standards.

Attitudes were generally similar between men and women, though women were more concerned about cleaning standards (+10%), hand sanitiser stations (+10%), opening doors and windows (+38%) and limiting guest numbers (+19%).

Unsurprisingly, most respondents wanted to understand and trust a campsite's approach to opening safely before booking. Others just wanted to check which onsite facilities (especially showers) were likely to be open or closed.

Respondents were generally supportive of non-essential onsite facilities remaining closed, but would like published guidance from Government to help them understand the risks.

Indoor facilities were seen as higher risk and respondents were generally happy to take a simpler holiday, with fewer activities and entertainment options. A number of people commented that expected to holiday "as normal" and would be happy to use all shared facilities with some "common sense".

Almost 70% of campers (having deducted the tourers who responded with "not applicable") would expect to use onsite showers. There is a clear mismatch in expectations here, as the majority of campsites we talk to are more concerned about showers than any other onsite facilities. The industry would welcome clearer Government guidance on this point.

Surprisingly, almost 30% (having deducted campers who responded with "not applicable") of touring guests with their own onboard facilities would still prefer to use onsite showers.

A lack of respect for social distancing and personal space was the major worry, with more than 9 in 10 respondents concerned about it and keen for campsites to promote considerate behaviour.

Responses suggest that smaller sites are likely to be more popular this summer, with campers being happy to enjoy a back-to-basics break and make their own fun.

Families with younger children mentioned the value of simpler pleasures, such as nature trails and hunts, or toasting marshmallows.

Respondents were conscious of the impact of tourism in hotspots, noting concern about overwhelming healthcare capacities in rural areas (both for themselves and locals).

More than two thirds (68.05%) are concerned about how welcoming locals, with women more likely to be concerned than men (+20%). Comments included worries about being "threatened" or "abused".

Many felt that attitudes would ease over time if tourists acted respectfully, but some thought that councils in tourism hotspots might need to consider quotas to help control the influx in peak season.

Depending on the length of stay, many respondents expected to take the bulk of their supplies with them. 19 in 20 would be happy using an onsite shop if open, while others would appreciate access to click + collect services.

Respondents were keen to support local businesses and more than two thirds would be happy to order takeaway food.