Saturday Jul 17, 2004

Inside Communications, part of the Trinity Mirror Group, has today announced the launch of an additional outdoor, consumer exhibition, The London Caravan & Outdoor Show, which will take place 27 - 30 October 2005 at ExCeL, London.

David Moran, Managing Director at Inside Communications said: "Our research shows that there is a clear gap in the market for an outdoor show to satisfy the needs of the camping, caravanning and outdoor enthusiasts in the south of the country. After the huge commercial success of the 2004 National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show at the NEC, Birmingham in February with both record sales and visitor footfall, we believe the time is right to launch a new show in London.

We will be looking to implement many of the successful elements of The National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show into the new show. As well as showcasing the latest outdoor products and services of over 250 participating companies, the show will also introduce some exciting new initiatives that will provide visitors with an insight into the great escapes and adventures that are available including skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, sailing, climbing, cycling, archery and diving. We are aiming to attract at least 40,000 visitors in the first year increasing to 140,000 visitors over the next five years. "

Key exhibitor support and interest in The London Caravan & Outdoor Show is evident. "I believe that the new ExCeL Caravan show will give the industry exactly what it needs in London - a fresh new look with space to expand. The outside activities should also help to bring further newcomers into caravanning and motorhoming."John Cockburn, Autocruise.

Michael Hold, Explorer Group, added: "The Explorer Group, the UK's second largest manufacturer of motorhomes and touring caravans is becoming more and more excited at the prospect of showing its extensive model ranges at ExCeL in London's docklands, Britain's newest and freshest exhibition centre. Following the move of the London Boat Show from Earls Court to ExCeL for the first time in January 2004, the Caravan Industry looks set to follow suit eastwards down the Thames. For the whole Leisure Vehicle Industry, it is only a question of when, as there is no doubt that the superb modern facilities and vast open spaces of the ExCeL Halls would admirably suit visitors and exhibitors alike. We wait to hear about further show developments from Inside Communications and our industry colleagues."

Occupying an initial exhibition space of 47,000sqm, The London Caravan & Outdoor Show will play host to an extensive selection of products to attract both amateurs and connoisseurs alike looking to indulge their passion for the great outdoors. These include caravans, motorhomes, camping equipment and accessories, outdoor clothing and leisure products, holiday parks and camping destinations, regional and national tourist boards, activity and adventure holidays, park and holiday homes, motor vehicles, including 4 x 4s and boats.

Unique to London, for those visitors with caravans or motorhomes wanting to visit the show for more than one day, they can stay in a specially built camping facility in the show grounds open throughout the duration of the event.