Caravanning is a lifestyle. Even after the height of the boom, more and more people are seeking freedom, nature, and adventure on four wheels. This is how the industry is looking ahead.
Caravanning is no longer a niche trend. Although the pandemic was an accelerator for this industry, the upward momentum has been ongoing for some time and is continuing still. For many, caravanning is more than just a holiday activity. It is a way of life. Freedom, flexibility, and the closeness to nature – these are the promises that continue to fuel this trend. “Caravanning has long since developed into a mass phenomenon, inspiring people of all ages and social classes. In the coming years, the baby boomer generation, who are about to retire, will become increasingly as a target group that has always been very fond of caravanning, and now, after a long working life, brings both the financial means necessary and a great desire to travel. Also, there are more and more families that are discovering the joys of holidaying in a motorhome or caravan,” says Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of the Caravan Industry Association (CIVD).
According to forecasts by Research and Markets, the camping and caravanning market is expected to grow from 64 billion US dollars in 2025 to 93 billion US dollars by 2030. The industry’s suppliers also stand to profit from this, as half of each motorhome’s technologies, furniture, and appliances are supplied by them.
“Caravanning has long since developed into a mass phenomenon, inspiring people of all ages and social classes.”
Global trends
While large, luxury motorhomes offering all the comforts of home were popular in the 2000s, there is now a demand for more compact vans. The VW California dominates the European market, while the rapidly growing ‘Class B’ vans are gaining popularity in the USA. These vans are more flexible, easier to park, and consume less fuel.
The issue of sustainability is driving trends in this industry: German manufacturers such as Hymer have presented their first electric camper van prototypes, and in the USA, Winnebago is experimenting with alternative drive systems. Japan is trailblazing in lightweight construction, and Australia is focusing on solar technology and self-sufficient energy systems. However, all these innovations face the same challenges: How do batteries perform if they power vehicles that can weigh several tonnes? Where should travellers charge their electric vehicles when charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped, even for cars?
Digitalisation is another driver of change. Apps that simplify the search for parking spaces, booking, and even sharing models are popping up worldwide. This is transforming the caravanning experience, shifting the focus from ownership to flexible, digitally controlled mobility solutions. In Germany alone, the number of motorhome parking spaces has increased by 50 percent over the past ten years. Nevertheless, many travellers complain about bottlenecks. “The expansion of infrastructure is a key component for the future viability of the industry,” says Onggowinarso from the CIVD.
“Consumers are looking for sustainable, connected, accessible, and well-designed products.”
Industry growth
Current market research suggests that the global market for camping and caravanning will double to over 100 billion US dollars by 2033, provided the industry continues to grow by the average seven per cent each year it’s growing currently. “Demand for outdoor living solutions remains strong, driven by rising leisure budgets, urbanisation, and the desire for flexible, self-sufficient experiences. Consumers are looking for sustainable, connected, accessible, and well-designed products,” says Juan Vargues, President and CEO of Swedish equipment supplier Dometic.
Supplier Truma Gerätetechnik also believes that the industry will continue to grow for a long time to come. “Camping holidays work for many people. For example, they are popular among sports enthusiasts looking for a spontaneous weekend trip to the mountains, and they provide a great bonding experience for families with children who are looking for adventure. The combination of flexibility, closeness to nature, and low costs will continue to make caravanning attractive in the future,” says Alexander Wottrich, CEO of the Truma Group.
“The combination of flexibility, closeness to nature, and low costs will continue to make caravanning attractive in the future.”
Vehicle production is increasing
This growth is reflected in rising sales figures and increasing global popularity. That people are passionate about mobile freedom and outdoor experiences can be seen in all major markets. In the USA, for example, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reported over 600,000 new registrations in 2021 – the highest number ever recorded. This was a result of the pandemic, which created enormous demand. However, even in 2022, sales remained well above the long-term average, reaching around 593,000 vehicles.
A similar trend was seen in Australia, where demand also reached record levels during the pandemic. In Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, it was the small van segment that grew particularly strongly. In Europe, meanwhile, German manufacturers such as Hymer, Knaus Tabbert, Westfalia, and Bürstner dominated the boom years, with brands from France, Italy, and Scandinavia slowly catching up.
It is also interesting to take a look at the premium caravanning segment, represented by brands such as Volkner. Unimpressed by market fluctuations or extraordinary events, the Wuppertal-based company’s number of orders remains stable. “We manufacture highly individualised vehicles for our customers that fulfil all their wishes. In doing so, we are completely unaffected by influences from the industry,” says Managing Director Stephanie Volkner.
“… we are completely unaffected by influences from the industry.”
Suppliers are also growing
Industry developments also have a significant impact on the supplier sector. On average, almost half of a camper van consists of equipment and technology from suppliers, ranging from heating and air conditioning systems to refrigerators, and energy and comfort solutions. Few companies illustrate the internationalisation of the caravanning industry as clearly as the Dometic Group. The group supplies cooling systems, energy management solutions and comfort solutions to the industry worldwide. During the pandemic, Dometic was able to increase its sales and profits significantly, buoyed by the exceptional circumstances. However, the company's strategy has even greater ambitions. Dometic takes a consistently sustainable approach: “From the initial design phases onwards, we pay attention to energy efficiency, responsible material selection, and recyclability. Lightweight, space-saving designs reduce environmental impact and reflect our commitment to innovation and performance,” says Vargues.
Workshops and services: the hidden bottleneck
While the influence of vehicle production on suppliers is significant, the role of suppliers themselves in the further development of caravanning is equally important. For example, Truma focuses on climate-friendly refrigerants, electric heating functions, and more efficient devices. “Our portfolio and new developments cover all vehicle classes. We have compact appliances on the market, such as the purely electric ‘Eezy’ heater and the ‘VarioHeat’, which is particularly suitable for panel vans. We also have the ‘Saphir’ storage box air conditioning system, which was developed for small and medium-sized vehicles,” says Wottrich.
The service infrastructure is often overlooked, but it is central to the acceptance of caravanning. Even during the boom years, many owners complained about waiting times of several months for repairs or retrofits. Workshops were overloaded and spare parts were in short supply. It is precisely this weak link that is now coming into sharper focus. In future, therefore, it will be crucial not only how many vehicles are sold, but also how well they can be maintained and retrofitted throughout their entire service life. Automechanika Frankfurt recently presented solutions for better maintenance and digital spare parts logistics, as well as approaches for electric campers.
