The British holiday and tourism industry is on the rise which is estimated to be worth £257bn by 2025.
Nowadays, tourism is a major player in the UK economy, attracting £106bn. Domestic tourism has experienced only untold growth since the national lockdown. As travel restrictions lift in some places, and tighten in others, the role of tourism is only strengthening.
As the UK has rekindled its excitement for domestic travel and attractions, there is renewed opportunity to invest in a campsite as a start-up business. Yet, campsites can be tricky business. There’s the likes of planning permissions, licensing, budgets, and insurance.
Research & Plan Your Business
Understanding campsites is the first step toward becoming a small business. This means getting familiar with the local competition. Then learn about the kinds of resources you might need and roles you might fulfil, from administration and managing bookings (known as front of house) to marketing and social media.
Prepare for legal
Getting a hold of legal documentation is an early, unmissable step. In the beginning preparation for your business, you should obtain proper licensing from the local authority.
If you’re using a campsite commercially, or for a business, then there are certain compliance matters to address. A site licence, for example, is an essential step if the land is being used for tenting or caravans.
Location is the key
Planning for a staycation? Tourism is largely dependent on the location of your business. If your business is a campsite, views and local amenities can boost your marketing.
Yet, for those more rustic campsite settings, access is a premium feature. Location for your campsite will need to balance between access to green space and local amenities.
Should I purchase an existing campsite or build a brand new one?
Depending on the value and space of land available, deals can set up your new business to flourish.
If a campsite is available on the market, then consider the value and space of the land. It’s also worth considering the location of any potential campsites. The benefit of retrofitting an existing campsite, however, is that you’ll likely gain the current fittings of the site, which can help your budget and the timescale of taking your business public.
Yet, opting for a new campsite might open your business to more freedom. With a new site, you can manage location better. Deciding between a new or existing campsite for your business will largely be a personal judgement based on market value and location.
What kinds of accommodation are available?
Many campsites will hire space for the paying public, which may pitch up in private caravans, tents, or other camping facilities. Sometimes site owners offer alternatives, like shepherds huts, or tenting facilities.
For premium, self-sustainable camping solutions consider vintage caravans, such as the T5 or T6. These popular, mobile camping vehicles have become more popular recently and could establish your campsite business apart from the competition.
Why Now?
The UK tourism and holiday industry is a strong and growing presence. Recent shifts in interest for domestic staycations are becoming more promotional about the vast British outdoors. With more forced to relish in their own back gardens, encouraged to steer away from longer travels, the time for campsite businesses has never felt stronger.
The article was written by Jason Sims, Marketing Executive at Just Kampers and Just Kampers Insurance. Jason is a fully fledged VW enthusiast, with over 20 years’ experience in keeping Volkswagens old and new on the road. Currently owns a 69 Cal Look Beetle, and enjoys attending VW shows and Camping with friends and family.
Also published on Medium.
