'Cara-fans' flock to the NEC for a second year
running
Over 69,000 visitors flocked to International Caravan & Motorhome 2007,
the UK's largest caravan and motorhome event. Following an award-winning
first year, the show returned to the NEC Birmingham with a wider selection
of brand new models for 2008 and a greater choice of accessories, ensuring
'cara-fans' were not disappointed.
This year's event offered the biggest and best choice of models for visitors to purchase and have delivered in time for the new season. It also provided four huge accessories megastores and expert advice from dealers and clubs.
International Caravan & Motorhome was launched in 2006 to meet the huge increase in demand for both visitors and exhibitors in an industry which is growing rapidly year-on-year.
Running from 16 - 21 October, International Caravan & Motorhome 2007 gave visitors the opportunity to meet representatives from over 300 exhibiting companies, and receive essential information on what to look for when choosing a model, the right accessories, as well as the best places to go on holiday.
Mr Edwards, Milford Haven, commented: "Absolutely brilliant! A very good show. It is the first time we have been here. We have just bought a campervan and have been looking at the accessories, which are great. There is so much to see and the ambience and layout are fantastic. It is not at all overcrowded, which is lovely."
The event took over five halls of the NEC Birmingham, covering 85,500 square
metres, showcasing thousands of models. The walkways became 'roads' with
many 'roundabouts' and 'road signs' strategically placed to ensure visitors
found what they wanted quickly and easily.
Each dedicated hall offered a different type of product and allowed visitors
to concentrate on viewing what really interested them. There were also several
exciting features, including interactive activities such as motorcaravan
manoeuvring, towing and the massively popular caravan moving with Reich.
Other entertainment for visitors included the popular Cookery Theatre, giving
live demonstrations of the best 'vanning food, with visitors tasting the
nibbles afterwards; the Buyers' Champagne Bars to celebrate purchases; and
the children's crèche and activities, which included wall climbing,
giant jenga and face painting.
One of the main attractions this year was Dame Kelly Holmes - Olympic champion,
sports celebrity and member of The Caravan Club, who officially opened the
show. She is a keen motorhome fan and found time to take part in a manoeuvring
challenge - which she won!
This year's show really did offer something for everyone - from the enthusiast to the novice, the traditionalist to the uber-cool, all 'cara-fans' were catered for, with models that suited each taste and budget.
Sam North, Show Director commented: "This year's event has exceeded our expectations. With over 69,000 visitors coming to the show with the intention of buying a caravan or motorhome we really wanted to ensure that the show was bigger and better than last year's award-winning event.
"We are satisfied that visitors were more spoilt for choice than ever. With brand new models, a greater choice of accessories, and new season launches all under one roof, there was no need to look anywhere else!"
Next year's exhibition will be ten per cent bigger and promises even more to see and do. Visitors will be able to view more of the top manufacturers from the UK and Europe, as well as towcars and holiday homes.
The show will also be developing the best features from this year's event including caravan manoeuvring lessons, cookery demonstrations and an outdoor BBQ area and an even bigger onsite campsite.
Dates for 2008
- The Caravan & Motorhome 2008, Manchester Central
17 - 20 January 2008, Manchester Central (formerly G-Mex)
- International Caravan & Motorhome 2008
14 - 19 October 2008, NEC Birmingham
For further information, visit www.caravanshows.com
