will not return to EXCEL in 2013
The National Caravan Council’s NCC Events has announced that it will not
stage The Motorhome & Caravan Show at ExCeL in London in 2013.
The NCC decided to cancel the 2013 Show due to logistical issues: it’s
quite simply too difficult to move the vast numbers of valuable display models
of motorhomes and caravans in and out of ExCeL during the build-up and
breakdown of the event.
No camping, costly LEZ…
The lack of suitable on-site camping and the venue’s location within the
costly LEZ (Low Emission Zone) also played a big part in the decision.
NCC Events Chairman, Anthony Trevelyan said, “ExCeL is a magnificent
venue and, as we have witnessed during the Olympics, provides a world-class
visitor experience.
“Space that was allocated in 2012 for the movement and safe storage of
around 650 valuable exhibitor caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes cannot now
be guaranteed moving forwards. Without this space, the build-up and breakdown
of the Show is not feasible. We
have no option but to cancel the 2013 Show and seek another venue.”
43,000 visitors last February
The inaugural Motorhome, Caravan & Camping Show was held at ExCeL in
February 2012 and was the first regional show if it’s kind in the South for six
years. More than 300 companies exhibited at the Show and attendance levels
exceeded 43,000 over six days.
Also influencing the decision was feedback from exhibitors that revealed
apprehension regarding the impact the rising cost of accommodation, food and
transport around the venue.
Consumers liked cheaper tickets
Consumers also felt the pinch: they liked the greatly reduced ticket
price compared to other caravan shows, but they disliked the lack of on-site
camping facilities plus the venue’s location within the costly LEZ (Low Emission Zone).
Seeking another venue
Says Trevelyan, “The decision to cancel the 2013 event has not been
taken lightly and it is not a criticism of ExCeL’s visitor facilities. We have
demonstrated that there is a desire and a requirement for a well run, Industry
supported Southern show and we are committed to delivering it. The caravan
industry and its consumer base have unique requirements; we are actively
seeking an alternative venue in the South to stage the Show and this will most
likely have to be a collaborative approach with a venue than can be adapted to
meet them.”
NCC Events will now focus its efforts on delivering the Industry’s national showcase, The
Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham from 16-21 October 2012.
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The NCC is also launching a new Spring Caravan and Camping Show at the NEC in Birmingham in 2013.
Visit The Motorhome & Caravan Show website for details.
See the NCC’s video of the 2012 London show at ExCeL here.
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