Message from Nick Lomas - Director General
I wanted to write to you personally about the challenges we have faced as an organisation in 2023 and the measures we have taken to try and mitigate the financial pressures we have all experienced.
It’s not long ago that we were all dealing with a global pandemic and this year we have been presented with a very different set of challenges: eye-watering inflation, exceptional increases in our cost of living and at times some pretty miserable weather. However, I’m still very encouraged by the continued support of a record number of members and the high levels of new members attracted to join our Club
To address today's challenges we've listened to members and made some changes for the benefit of the entire membership. I want to use some of the key topics members have raised to provide you with the reasons behind those changes.
Q. Why are UK campsite prices higher this year than last?
A. The fundamental costs (electricity/gas/maintenance/the living wage) to run the UK campsite network have increased by over £15m in 2023. Only £10m of these cost increases were passed on through price increases.
Q. Will prices continue to increase at the same rate?
A. No, our staff on the site network and in head office have worked tirelessly to identify further cost saving initiatives and renegotiate key contracts. In June this year we released 2024 campsite pitches at 2023 prices and we have just reduced 1.5 million site nights at 60 UK Club campsites in 2024 by up to 15%.
Q. Where does all the revenue from UK Club campsites go?
A. As a member owned organisation, we don't have shareholders, we don't pay dividends, so all surplus revenue is reinvested back into the Club including maintaining our high quality campsites and to purchase new campsites.
Q. Why did you introduce deposits?
A. To reduce the high amount of speculative bookings (around one million cancelled nights in 2022), so everyone gets a fair chance to book their holiday, well in advance or at short notice.
Q. Has it worked?
A. Absolutely! Cancellations have reduced by 70% and you can now book a pitch more easily and for longer durations at many of your favourite sites…even during peak times.
Helping you tour for less
We have understood the pressures the increased cost of living has had on our members and the effect it has had on their holiday plans this year.
This year we have delivered a range of discounts and promotions across a number of UK Club campsites - members have saved £600,000 this year with the Club. We’ve extended the fully refundable low deposit (10%) up until the end of 2023 and in recent weeks we have reduced prices by up to 15% on over 1.5 million pitches at 60 UK Club campsites in 2024.
We have worked with our partners to bring you a free subscription to DINE card, savings on your weekly shop at leading UK supermarkets plus discounts on your fuel with a new fuel card through COCO+ Fuel Card powered by UK Fuels.
We have continued to offer our price match guarantee on all cross channel operators and European campsites as well as partnering with Irish Ferries to bring you a discounted summer fare.
FREE night from the Club
We would love you to stay more nights on our campsites, travel abroad with the Club and consider the Club for your caravan cover and motorhome and car insurance products.
So to get you started, you will have received from me a free UK Club site night voucher. I want you to start the new year getting out and enjoying the great outdoors on one of our wonderful UK Club campsites.
Whether you choose to take a short stay, a longer stay, or just come for one night, you can take advantage of your free site night in any way you wish.
I aim to keep your Club wonderful for another 100 years and together I’m positive we can make it happen. I always welcome feedback from members, and look forward to hearing about all of your adventures this year and next.
Kind regards
Nick Lomas
Director General
Caravan & Motorhome Club
