Attracting a visitor attendance of 83,364 (this figure excludes exhibitors and press and is subject to ABC audit) to the six-day event, leading manufacturers such as Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar and Coachman reported record sales.

“The tens of thousands of people we welcomed to the show proved that despite so much talk of doom and gloom, there is an increasing demand for the outdoor way of life and outdoor holidays in both the UK and Europe.”

For the full report please go to Busy Outdoors.com

The technology works through tyre pressure monitoring valves which can be fitted to both the tyres on the vehicle and the trailer. The valve pressures and temperature readings are displayed through a screen which is incorporated into a, newly-fitted, rear view mirror. The smart technology then triggers an alarm should the valves detect any decrease in pressure or increase in temperature.

The system also offers the driver an easier way of hitching by mounting a rear camera to the vehicle. This enables the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle more accurately by offering a view of the hitching equipment and trailer tow ball.

For more information visit  http://www.landrovertrailair.co.uk

The NCC believes that the short timescale for implementing this amendment will compromise the UK caravan manufacturing industry and that, at the very least, implementation should be delayed until 2011. Director General of the NCC John Lally says: “The UK manufacturing base is not in a position to respond immediately and develop products to the new width of up to 2.55m until next year. This would leave them suddenly commercially disadvantaged, as many European caravan manufacturers already have 2.5m wide caravans within their portfolio.”

However, the unease is not just over competition. Other concerns that the NCC has raised in their consultation response include:

· Access to rural touring parks, which is often via narrow country/residential roads

· Usually, wider = heavier, resulting in an increase in unsuitable towing combinations/overloading

· Problems for workshops, recovery vehicles, storage units and suppliers

· Driving dangers related to the visibility around a wider trailer.

“Whilst we acknowledge that the UK is currently operating contrary to European law in this area, the very short timescale for implementation won’t allow matters to be properly thought through,” Lally upholds. “For example, The Road Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations permit external mirrors to protrude by up to 250mm wider than the trailer on either side. This may not afford the required level of visibility around a 2.55m wide caravan. Couple the distortion of competition in the UK market with these numerous other difficulties and we find the UK caravan industry significantly compromised.”

The NCC, the trade association that represents the UK caravan industry, estimated in February 2009 that a big rise in the number of holidays taken in touring caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes would be seen that year.

Figures from VisitEngland show that the number of camping and caravan trips taken in the UK rose by nearly 20 per cent during the first nine months of 2009 (more than any other type of accommodation except self catering).  Their research also reports that 65 per cent of caravan parks attracted more bookings last year than in 2008.

Data from CRiS, the registration system for touring caravans, show that sales of pre-owned tourers rose by around a fifth in 2009.  The NCC believes that up to 1,000 new jobs have been created through the rise in park bookings, as additional staff were taken on in caravan holiday companies’ offices and on sites.

Speaking before the opening of the Boat and Caravan Show at the NEC (23-28 Feb, Director General of the NCC, John Lally, said: “More than 95 per cent of touring caravans and virtually all caravan holiday homes in the UK are made here.  Caravans have played an important part in fuelling renewed interest in holidaying in the UK.

A handful of farms in Britain now offer an eco-luxury yurt experience.  Crynfryn Farm is a 150-acre family business between Aberystwyth and Lampeter. Last year the proprietors erected five locally made yurts in two of their hay meadows. Shared facilities include solar-powered showers, compost lavatories and a cabin with running water and a recharging socket.

For more information go to http://www.theyurtfarm.co.uk

The project, which has seen a 100 per cent increase in investment compared to the previous five years, is being self-funded and will follow a strategically considered growth plan.

Re-development work has already begun in earnest at eight of The Club’s Sites (Cannock Chase, Crowden, Hayfield, Oban, Scone, Tarland, Theobalds Park and Winchcombe) whilst the finishing touches are also being put to the new Site at Gulliver’s Milton Keynes ahead of its Easter opening.

Sites Director Bob Hill is understandably excited about the five-year plan and said: “As The Club has evolved, we have seen huge growth in terms of pitch nights sold, which in turn has placed extra demand on Sites and generated more wear and tear.

“At the same time our members’ expectations are greater than ever and that is why we want to continue to provide Sites with first-class facilities, which we can all be extremely proud of.”

The Club has seen an 18 per cent increase in pitch nights sold over the last two years.

The majority of the work, which will include improvements to hard-standings, electric hook-ups, road surfaces, amenity blocks and staff facilities to name but a few, will be undertaken during the winter with minimal disruption being caused in the summer season.

Hill added: “The Club is in an extremely healthy position at the moment and whilst we have been sensible with our financial projections, now is the right time to act and take our Site network to that next level.”

Last year, The Club recruited over 64,000 new members– a 24 per cent increase on 2008, whilst The Friendly Club’s highest ever monthly recruitment figure came back in July, when a staggering 9,570 new members signed up.

The Club now has over 480,000 adult members, and reached a landmark membership figure of 250,000 households in August.

A new food trail has been launched in the region, which gives visitors the chance to sample local delights from all over the county.

Among the areas covered by the trail are Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, which all showcase the best of Yorkshire cuisine.

Whether caravanners are after organic produce or a simple pub meal, the route is sure to satisfy all tastes.

Chief patron of the only Michelin starred-restaurant in Sheffield Tessa Bramley is welcoming visitors to her establishment, the Old Vicarage in Ridgeway.

The route also stops off at McCallums Farmshop in Doncaster, which resides in a converted barn and gives people the perfect chance to rest their feet in its onsite cafe.

Simon Howard, Marketing Director Bailey of Bristol, comments: “It has been a momentous year for the company having launched our Olympus range, the second to incorporate the revolutionary Alu-Tech body shell construction; the most significant development in caravan production technology in over thirty years.

“We have huge confidence in the 2011 show and demonstrate this by committing to exhibiting next year. The show has always proven to be successful for us in the past as a major platform for launching new models, but this year in particular, we are very happy to announce that on the first day of the show we have placed 12% more business than on the best day last year.

“The Boat and Caravan Show will remain the highlight in our calendar and as the show grows each year, so does our success.”

Bailey of Bristol’s commitment to Boat and Caravan 2011 follows the news yesterday that Swift had significantly increased their presence at next year’s show.

Kirkcaldy Caravan’s Managing Director Malcolm Sempey commented “We have had a very successful show. This is our third year at the SECC and sales have increased steadily each year which is very promising for the business going forward”. He added ” This show give a clear indication that many people are ditching the euro based holidays and returning to lifestyle holidays at home. With new touring caravan demand increasing we are now seeing product availability pushing out on many models past the Easter holidays.”

Steve Blakeley, Director of Sales and Marketing of The Penine Group said: “Following a great deal of deliberation, we decided to exhibit at the show.  The show exceeded all of our expectations in terms of sales figures, attendance and public reaction to our new range of acrylic Convertible Caravans.  Our best selling models on the stand were the Crusader and Countryman acrylic models and we look forward to meeting our customers at the show again next year.”

Microlodge who offer camping shelters for glamping – glamorous camping -  made their show debut and were delighted with orders which will keep them busy for the foreseeable future.

Jamie Taylor, Show Organiser said “The show was a great success and busy throughout the four days.  Every exhibitor I have spoken to has expressed delight at the results.  We are already starting work on the 2011 show which will run from 3 – 6 February - information available at www.caravanshowscotland.com

Kirkcaldy Caravan’s Managing Director Malcolm Sempey commented “We have had a very successful show. This is our third year at the SECC and sales have increased steadily each year which is very promising for the business going forward”. He added ” This show give a clear indication that many people are ditching the euro based holidays and returning to lifestyle holidays at home. With new touring caravan demand increasing we are now seeing product availability pushing out on many models past the Easter holidays.”

Steve Blakeley, Director of Sales and Marketing of The Penine Group said: “Following a great deal of deliberation, we decided to exhibit at the show.  The show exceeded all of our expectations in terms of sales figures, attendance and public reaction to our new range of acrylic Convertible Caravans.  Our best selling models on the stand were the Crusader and Countryman acrylic models and we look forward to meeting our customers at the show again next year.”

Microlodge who offer camping shelters for glamping – glamorous camping -  made their show debut and were delighted with orders which will keep them busy for the foreseeable future.

Jamie Taylor, Show Organiser said “The show was a great success and busy throughout the four days.  Every exhibitor I have spoken to has expressed delight at the results.  We are already starting work on the 2011 show which will run from 3 – 6 February - information available at www.caravanshowscotland.com