Caravan Insurance

More Britons travelling to the West Country for a caravan holiday could boost tourism in the area.

Following suggestions by South West Tourism board's chief executive Malcolm Bell that visitor numbers could drop by eight per cent, mayor of Torbay Nick Bye has said that he predicts a bumper summer season for the region, the Western Morning News reports.

The tourism board recently produced a report suggesting that there is no evidence to back up talk of a boom this year, especially considering the recession could reduce visitor numbers as a direct effect of increased unemployment.

Additionally, the reports stated that those who do journey to the region may cut back on their spending as the credit crunch bites.

Mr Bell commented: "I wish I could say we are going to have a bumper year and we're going to be full if we aren't careful - but there's no evidence to support that."

However, mayor Bye has told the publication that he is "cautiously optimistic" about a rise in visitor numbers and spending, as caravan insurance policyholders potentially take the opportunity to holiday at home and take in the beauty that Britain has to offer.

"Most people I speak to are optimistic and I think a negative message is counter-productive," he stated.

Mr Bye went on to say that he believes 2009 will be "Torbay's year", adding that a recent trip to the steam railway had highlighted 300 people waiting for the first train of the day.

"I was amazed. Every single sector is doing well," he said.

Meanwhile, the Hull Daily Mail recently reported a positive outlook for the East Yorkshire region's caravan holiday sector.

While hundreds of jobs were lost in recent months as firms in the area went into receivership, bookings at caravan parks have increased, according to figures from the National Caravan Council.

The publication adds that production of caravans in the area is also on the rise as demand for mobile homes among consumers soars - potentially also leading to an increase in the number of Britons needing to invest in caravan insurance policies.

Meanwhile, business intelligence firm EurotaxGlass's recently revealed that demand for caravans is resulting in stock shortages among some dealers, who had not predicted that the desire for models would come so early and be so strong.

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