As hotel accommodation costs increase, a growing number of people are opting to rent caravans, with a family of four spending at least 1,000 Turkish Liras per night at a caravan camping site in the new season.
The demand for caravans, which have become increasingly popular in recent years as a more affordable vacation option, continues to soar. Local tourists, unable to purchase a summer house due to high prices and unwilling to allocate large budgets for hotels, are the main drivers of this rising demand, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahead of the summer season, the demand for caravans has doubled compared to last year. However, since most of the equipment used in caravans is imported from European countries, fluctuations in exchange rates have contributed to increased production and sales costs.
According to a Hurriyet report, in 2022, a mid-level towing caravan meeting quality standards could be purchased for 100,000-150,000 Turkish liras (approximately $12,000-$18,000), while this year, prices have risen to around 300,000 liras (approximately $36,000), with motorhomes reaching up to 1 million liras (approximately $120,000).
Despite the increasing cost of owning a caravan, vacationing in caravans holds a price advantage compared to hotel and cruise holidays.
Sabahattin Ergin, honorary president of the Camping and Caravan Association of Türkiye, explained to local media that this season, the average cost of caravan camping sites is 300 liras per person per night, and for a family of four, the nightly average is 1,000 liras.
Additionally, caravan manufacturers advise citizens to choose companies that produce caravans in accordance with quality standards.
Erkan Erol, the owner of Akdeniz Caravan, stated that currently, a towed caravan can be found for around 150,000 liras, but these are “caravans produced by manufacturers who do not adhere to quality standards.” He added, “Our advice to citizens is not to buy a caravan without proper research.”
As the caravan industry continues to grow in popularity, it is crucial for campground operators and caravan manufacturers to stay ahead of consumer trends and preferences.
By offering a diverse range of amenities and services, such as well-maintained facilities, Wi-Fi access, and family-friendly activities, campgrounds can attract a wider audience and enhance the overall camping experience for their guests.
Additionally, manufacturers can focus on innovative and sustainable designs that cater to various customer needs, such as eco-friendly materials and smart technology integration. Embracing these emerging trends will not only help the caravan industry remain competitive but also contribute to a more enjoyable and memorable outdoor experience for travelers.