CAMPING and caravan holidays in Scotland are enjoying a surge in popularity thanks to the recession, with bookings up by 40 per cent.
The boom comes as a survey shows that one in three people is considering such a trip – twice as many as a year ago.
The Camping and Caravanning Club said bookings in Scotland were growing faster than in the rest of Britain.
It said the pr
edicted good weather this summer could make 2009 one of the busiest ever years.
Increased demand has also come from European visitors because of the strength of the euro, with the Year of Homecoming also helping to boost the figures.
Eighteen of the club's 109 sites are in Scotland, including a new one at Loch Greshornish on Skye. Other firms are also opening new campsites north of the Border, including Eurocamp at Loch Lomond and Aberfoyle.
Jon Dale, a spokesman for the club, said: "The interest in both camping and caravanning since the turn of the year has snowballed, particularly in Scotland.
"Our advanced bookings rate in Scotland is currently 40 per cent up on this time last year, which is quite incredible.
"Money is tight for a lot of people at the moment but we all need a holiday.
"We have experienced a surge in interest from abroad, particularly Holland and Germany, because of the euro being so strong against the pound at the moment. The Homecoming events planned for north of the Border have also played their part in this rise."
A separate survey out today shows that 30 per cent of Scots are planning or considering a camping or caravan holiday, up from 14 per cent last year.
The poll, for the insurer LV, found the increase was largely fuelled by people wanting to cut holiday costs, with campers planning to spend an average of £450 on their trips.
The firm said a two-person tent could cost just £30, with fees of some £25 a night for a pitch at a fully serviced campsite during peak season.
Skye was among the most popular camping areas listed in the Britain-wide survey of 3,200 people, with Cornwall and the Lake District the favourites.
However, more than one in four people questioned said they planned to camp away from established campsites.
VisitScotland said the camping boom had brought some much-needed cheer to the tourism industry.
A spokesman said: "Uncertainty in the economy has created difficulties, but those difficulties and feeling of apprehension are now being replaced with a new-found positivity. This is clearly reiterated in the boom for camping and caravanning.
"Visitors are increasingly looking for a value-for-money holidays without forgoing quality, and the caravan and camping sector is in an ideal position to provide this."
