CAMPING operator Keycamp has increased its number of upmarket mobile homes for 2000 in a further shift away from tent accommodation.
Mobile homes now make up around 75% of accommodation in the programme compared to 67% in 1999.
Managing director Simon Tobin said expansion has come in its top of the range Grand homes.
“People are seeing camping as a genuine alternative to a package holiday but want the comfort that the Grand provides,” he said.
“I can see the percentage of mobile homes eventually accounting for 85%-90% of accommodation.”
New for 2000 is Holland where the site at Duinrell is featured. It brings the number of destinations in the programme to nine. Tobin predicted countries in southern Europe – Italy and Spain – will show growth following the addition of flydrives to Pisa, Venice and Barcelona. Flights to Nice have also been added.
“We feel this will attract the family market to sites considered too far away to drive,” he said. “This should help achieve our target growth in the year of 5%.”
Flydrive prices start at £199 for a family staying seven nights in the south of France with a flight supplement of £97 per person.
In a bid to provide added value, football training with UEFA qualified coaches is being introduced at five sites in France for children aged five to 16. A week’s training, 4hrs a day costs £25.
Prices are up around 5%, largely as a result of an increase in ferry prices. Early-booking offers include free nights and family discounts.