The UK’s biggest caravan show got even bigger this year, as NCC Events has reported that the 2013 Motorhome and Caravan Show has broken its own visitor attendance record. Running from 15-20 October across 11 halls of the Birmingham NEC, the event drew in a record 100,179 visitors this year.

Saturday was by far the busiest day, with 26,632 visitors showing up to see the new launches and take advantage of show special offers.

Over 400 companies, such as Elddis, Swift, Bailey and Coachman, set up shop at the show, and some manufacturers reported upwards of 200 caravans sold on Saturday alone.

Key highlights at this year’s show included celebrity appearances by TV presenter Mel Sykes and top chef Ed Baines, who both entertained crowds in the Expert’s Theatre.

John Lally, Director General of the National Caravan Council, said: “We’re obviously very pleased to have achieved another record breaking attendance, but our real measure of success is the quality of the customers we are able to attract to the Show and the experience those customers have when they get here.

“The display of product in the halls was unrivalled. They were the lightest, most innovative, well designed and well specified models we have seen for many years and this is reflected in the volume of sales.”

These latest figures mark a real seal of approval for the NCC show, which is only in its third year.

“For the industry, the sales success of this Show is about more than just reaping a return on investment,” John continues. “It signals a potential upturn for the industry which we have been working towards since the recession hit. That is the real reason to celebrate.”

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews