- #1 fastest-growing travel company in Europe (Financial Times 1000)
- 300,000 nights booked since 2014
- 130% bookings increase YoY
- 80% increase in vehicle listings
First launched in the Netherlands in 2014, sharing economy platform Camptoo has grown to become the #1 fastest-growing travel company in Europe, and now operates in over 15 countries, including Australia, the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Camptoo connects owners of campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with renters looking to lease vehicles for short-term let, with users booking over 300,000 nights through the platform so far.
The travel industry has faced huge challenges this year due to the pandemic but camping and road trip holidays have proved a popular choice – with Camptoo offering an ideal staycation option for those vacationing in the UK.
In fact, Camptoo experienced a 150% increase in web traffic which – even when considering the 18 March-4 July travel ban – translated into a 130% overall increase in bookings compared to the same January-October period in 2019.
This overall year on year increase was undoubtedly powered by the 430% bookings increase in the summer period that followed the lifting of travel restrictions.[1]
These positive numbers were vastly different than the 49% predicted industry decline for domestic overnight and leisure trips originally forecast.[2]
The popularity of the platform also extended to those wanting to generate extra income from their campervan when not in use; 2020 marked an 80% increase in vehicle listings on the UK site, which now numbers over 830.
Ed Bassett, UK Founder of Camptoo, commented: “Overall the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the international travel and tourism industry, however the thirst for travel hasn’t diminished, we’ve simply seen it re-directed to domestic tourism.
“At Camptoo, we’ve adapted to a new normal in a number of ways – for owners and renters this has meant stricter hygiene protocols and socially distanced vehicle handovers. We’ve also implemented a flexible bookings process given uncertainties around regional lockdowns, which means customers can easily change travel dates, exchange their trip for full credit, re-book later in the year or cancel without implications.
“It has been a fantastic year for us in terms of booking numbers and new vehicle listings. We’re delighted that Camptoo has allowed families and friends to safely holiday whilst giving local economies a much-needed boost.
“As an industry, we’re not out of the woods yet, and we do empathise with our travel peers suffering at this time; however it’s important to celebrate businesses like Camptoo that have been able to not just survive but thrive in a time of such uncertainty.”
-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
- Camptoo’s Head of Wanderlust and UK Founder, Ed Bassett, is available for interview or comment upon request.
- [1] Camptoo booking figures, 5 July – September 2020
- [2] 2020 Tourism Forecast, Visit Britain: www.visitbritain.org/2020-tourism-forecast
For further press information, please contact:
Charlotte Wright | Jo Kendall | Elsa Findlay
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0) 20 3440 8930
E: [email protected]
About Camptoo
Launched in the Netherlands in 2014, Camptoo is a sharing economy platform that connects the owners and renters of campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans. The company was recently ranked the #1 fastest-growing travel company in Europe by Financial Times (FT1000, 2020).
Since it was launched, Camptoo users have booked over 300,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. Owners can generate income from their campervan when it’s not being used while renters have greater flexibility when booking their vehicle so that it best suits their needs.
There are over 830 vehicles listed in the UK, with over 3,500 vehicles to choose from across Europe, and a further 400 across Australia, with more being added every week. Vehicles are properly insured to allow both owner as well as renter a carefree holiday, with Camptoo providing all the necessary paperwork, checklists and roadside assistance.
For more information, visit www.camptoo.co.uk
