Nyheter och trender i campingbranschen - enligt Elmia 2024

What are the trends in the camping industry? Yesterday, Wednesday 11 September 2024, the Elmia Husvagn Husbil trade fair opened in Jönköping. In connection with this, a press conference was held, where we learned more about news and trends in the industry.

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Press conference at Elmia Caravan Motorhome

When Elmia Husvagn Husbil opened, a press conference was held, with news and trends in the camping industry. On stage were Klas Brandt (Exhibition Manager, Elmia Husvagn Husbil), Mikael Blomqvist (Board member, Husvagns- och Husbilsbranschens Riksförbund and CEO, Kabe), Eva-Klara Blomberg Högväg (Board member, Husvagns- och Husbilsbranschens Riksförbund and CEO, Husbilslandet) and Bengt Spjuth (moderator).

We were of course also there, as press, to report for the travel magazine FREEDOMtravel.

Helena and Peter from FREEDOMtravel, on their way to Elmia Caravan Motorhome

A fair for enthusiasts - that has changed over the years

What the panel seemed to agree on was that Elmia Husvagn Husbil is a fair for enthusiasts. People come here not only to look at new vehicles, but also to meet friends and socialise. The fair started in 1981, and since then it has grown in size and scope.

Weight rules and Malus system

The panel talked about weight rules, as the total weight for motorhomes, which can be driven with a normal driving licence, will be increased from 3.5 tonnes. According to the panel, this is positive, as modern requirements lead to higher weights. The new weight rules may be introduced over different lengths of time, in different countries, and more information will be available in the autumn.

With regard to the Malus rules, there is a legislative proposal to exempt motorhomes, and this has recently gone through the legislative council.

Another issue discussed was Tempo 100, which has been introduced in several other countries. This means that caravans with an approved combination will be able to drive at 100 km/h instead of 80 km/h. However, this is still only a proposal and the process is relatively long.

Van-style motorhomes at Elmia Husvagn Husbil 2024

Trends in the camping industry

So what are the trends in the camping industry? The moderator asked the panel a number of questions, and they answered something like this

Luxurious vs simple - Both customer groups exist! There is a trend for simpler motorhomes (vans) southwards in Europe.
Stationary vs. mobile - Both groups are growing!
Camping vs outdoor - Outdoor is growing with the van segment, but both groups exist in parallel.
Combustion vs electric motor Electric motorhomes are in the future, although there may be versions for niche customers.
Larger vs. smaller - Lighter/smaller motorhomes have become more comfortable, so these are also interesting.
Owning vs renting Swedes primarily want to own their caravans. Renting is growing, but mainly as a stepping stone to ownership later.

Elmia Caravan Motorhome 2024

The Elmia Husvagn Husbil 2024 fair is off to a great start with many visitors, lots of great meetings and interesting lectures. Don't miss to visit us at FREEDOMtravel! You will now find us, and other exhibitors representing travel destinations, in the South Lobby. In addition, you will find a packed lecture programme on the Destination Stage. You can find the full programme here.