Campsites that rely on tents and glamping haven't received the guidance they need to open safely this summer, says the owner of one of the UK's biggest camping networks.

Despite claims that this could become a bumper summer for staycations, Martin Smith of Campsites.co.uk says that the nation's small and independent campsites have not been told whether they can open essential shared facilities safely, with showers and toilet blocks a particular concern for the industry.

Frustrated by the lack of clear information available for campsite owners, Smith surveyed more than 7,000 people to measure their eagerness to return to camping, and what changes they expected sites to put in place for the summer ahead.

The survey found that more than 91% of people want campsites open by July 4, with 43% of those polled ready to holiday right away.

Travellers are expecting sites to reduce facilities for the summer, with the majority of respondents saying they would not use swimming pools, adventure playgrounds or indoor play areas.

Yet 85% of tent and camper van guests expect shared shower blocks to be open, which is an example of the difficulties facing the industry.

Says Smith: “Campsite owners don't know if shower facilities are safe to open and what provisions they must put in place to protect their customers. They need clear and definitive Government advice to open safely this summer.

“Much of the information that has come out is geared towards sites that provide caravan accommodation that is self contained. But the situation for tents and glamping, where shared facilities are essential, is much less clear.

“Campsite owners tell us that they may need to close their tent pitches and focus solely on touring which, for many, will make a bad year even worse.

“Visit Britain has talked about introducing a Kitemark to help accommodation owners prove they are adhering to the highest COVID-19 safety standards. That sort of advice is needed urgently if campsites are to have time to put the recommendations in place for the start of summer.”

The research is available to all campsite owners for free at Campsites.co.uk, https://www.campsites.co.uk/resources/coronavirus-survey-results

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About Campsites.co.uk
Campsites.co.uk lists more than 3,000 camping and glamping sites across the UK, with unique accommodation varying from converted helicopters to sky-high treehouses. The Campsites.co.uk annual awards recognise the very best providers of camping and glamping across the UK, and the company's free iPhone app, Campmate, is top ranked on the App Store.

For further information, contact:
Daniel Johnson
t: 07429 256 670
e: daniel@danieljohnsonpr.com