The Overlooked Outdoor Experience in RV Industries

Caravanning and yachting are often viewed primarily through the lens of the automotive industry, where the focus is on the technological advancements of the vehicles. While these vehicles are indeed marvels of modern engineering, their true value becomes evident when they are stationary — nestled in a remote, natural setting or parked at a campsite.

September 13, 2024

Luka Stepan, Principal

It's all about the experience!

On the production side, the industry often overlooks this broader value of its products. Manufacturers tend to concentrate heavily on the automotive and shipbuilding aspects of new models. However, when speaking with users, it's clear that the true worth of these vehicles lies not in their features, but in the unique experiences they enable. Users rarely discuss technical specifications; instead, they share stories of meaningful outdoor adventures and cherished family moments that these vehicles make possible.

Caravanning

Caravanners in Europe spend the majority of their time (70-75%) stationary, particularly in well-equipped campgrounds and holiday parks. This trend reflects a growing preference for extended stays at specific destinations, influenced by the comfort provided at modern campgrounds.

What truly matters? These are just some of the  benefits users point out as the main reasons for choosing this type of vacation:

  • Community and Social Interaction: Campsites foster a sense of community, where people can meet new friends and share experiences.
  • Enjoying Carefree Parent-Child Dynamics: People who went caravanning as kids cherish memories of relaxed family time and the freedom they had at campsites. They can’t wait to share the experience with their own partners and kids.
  • Spending Most of the Day Outside: Users love to do all their daily activities outside. Most perceive the RV as merely a place to sleep, shower, and shelter in bad weather.

Yachting

European recreational boating market reports reveal that users spend a significant portion of their time stationary, especially in well-equipped marinas and anchorages. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on recreation, exploration, and socialising related to the sea and the coast. Although there is significant variation among different types of yachting and the interests of those who pursue it, stationary time presents unique opportunities and challenges for each.

What truly matters? Here are some of the key benefits that boat users cherish about their experience:

  • Close connection with the Sea: Boats offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water sports in a way that is not possible on the coast.
  • Scenic Anchoring Spots: Secluded bays and coves offers privacy and tranquility, allowing for complete freedom and relaxation.
  • Opportunities for Discovery and Experiences on Land: Boats open up possibilities to visit otherwise inaccessible parts of the coast and reach destinations more quickly.

Reccomendations

By listening to your users, you will identify their overlooked aspirations, opening up opportunities for higher product value, increased client satisfaction, and entry into new markets.

Next steps:

  • For Manufacturers: Focus on designing vehicles that enhance the stationary experience with features that cater to outdoor living.  
  • For Marketers: Shift the narrative from the product to the outdoor lifestyle and experiences enabled by caravans and boats.  
  • For Campsites, Marinas and Local Tourism Providers: Enhance infrastructure that facilitates RV users to experience everything your location has to offer.

At Sito, we have been researching the caravanning market since 2009 and the yachting market since 2017. For this post, we also utilised additional resources:

  • Mordor Intelligence (2022), Europe Recreational Vehicle Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029), Retrieved from: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-recreational-vehicle-market
  • European Caravan Federation (2021), Statistics, Retrieved from: https://www.e-c-f.com/exposee/statistics/
  • Nova 1 Advisor (2024), Sailboat Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Hull Type, Retrieved from: https://www.novaoneadvisor.com/report/sailboat-market
  • Global Market Insights (2022), Sailboats Market Size - By Hull Type, Retrieved from: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/sailboats-market
  • Grand View Research (2021), Sailboat Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Hull Type, Retrieved from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/sailboat-market-report
  • Photo: Adria Mobil