The NCC (National Caravan Council) has questioned the wisdom and practicality of placing a levy on motorhomes travelling to the Scottish Isles. Alasdair Allan, MSP and SNP member for the Western Isles, said that the number of tourists travelling to the Outer Hebrides in motorhomes had “shot up”, and has suggested that motorhomers should pay a supplement to visit the Scottish Isles.
The NCC has responded by pointing out that motorhoming and caravanning play a crucial part in encouraging ‘staycationing’ across the UK. NCC Deputy Director General, Alicia Dunne, said:
“Motorhoming/caravanning is instrumental in bringing tourism to rural and coastal areas, where there may be little tourism infrastructure and there can often be unemployment. Research has clearly demonstrated its importance to the tourist economy in Scotland and the Isles. Motorhomers and caravanners support local shops, petrol stations, pubs and eateries, tourist attractions – and more. Under these circumstances, rather than try to impose a levy, the NCC believes it would be better to encourage investment in the creation of sustainable touring parks and other facilities, which would benefit both visitors and the wider community.”
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Editors’ notes
The NCC (National Caravan Council) is the trade body for the UK leisure vehicle and park home industry, which consists of four sectors – caravan holiday homes, touring caravans, motorhomes and residential park homes. The NCC represents over 850 member outlets within park operations, manufacturing, distribution and retailing, and specialist suppliers and services.
In 2014 the Scottish Caravan and Camping Forum, of which the NCC is a member, undertook a major survey into the value of the holiday park sector to the economy of Scotland. The report contains detailed information on expenditure, the number of people employed in the sector and value (gross value added), both nationally and by region.
http://scottishtourismalliance.co.uk/content.php?url=blog/the-report-into-the-economic-benefit-of-the-carava/
For more information, please contact:
Louise Wood, PR Consultant, the NCC: louise.w@thencc.org.uk Mob: 07824 994690
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