Holiday Parks 'Worth £700 Million A Year'

Holiday parks are worth more than £700 million to the Scottish economy, according to new research.

The sector was also found to support more than 5,600 full-time-equivalent jobs.

The Scottish Caravan and Camping Forum (SCCF) conducted what it termed a major study to establish expenditure by holidaymakers and park owners over the last year.

For the first time, it establishes the value of the sector to the economy and identifies the significant'' contribution holiday parks make to the Scottish economy, the report's authors said.

The report concluded that the sector is of special importance to the rural economy, with caravan park visitors spending money in local areas on visiting tourist attractions, shopping, dining and entertainment.

A wide range of visitors are also attracted to such destinations, from families with young children to older couples. They may tour with a caravan, motorhome or tent, or stay in a static caravan or lodge.

According to the figures, in the past 12 months to October, Scotland's holiday park sector generated gross direct, indirect and induced visitor expenditure'' of £700.8 million. Gross direct visitor expenditure of £491 million was said to be higher than the £396 million recorded for the self-catering sector and the £86 million for the guest house/B&B sector. Net visitor expenditure came to £307.1 million.

SCCF chair David Key said: The committee is delighted with the results because we have, for the first time, established the value of this sector to the economy.

£700+ million is a significant contribution, as is the 5,688 full-time-equivalent jobs.

Caravan parks are important to the rural economy because parks employ local people and visitors spend money in the area.''

The full report is being formally launched in Edinburgh today.