motorhome stopover

[tony]

would you lovely people have a look at "the motorhome stopover" click on latest news & read camping in scotland.
tony

 

[suej]

sorry am a bit slow.. can't find where I'm supposed to be looking. Any chance of a link?? Pretty please with a cherry on the top!
Sue

 

[s1n86d]

Hi, here's a link

www.motorhomestopover.co.uk

Bill

 

[tony]

if you type in motorhomestopover.co.uk you should get into the site.
dont know how you put a link on here.
tony

 

[Kontiki]

To some extent this re-enforces what I discovered when I looked into joining what could be a good idea. I notice that the front page of the site has changed & it no longer says 'Free Overnight' my disagreement was although they were saying you could spend one night free without obligation it then went on to say things such as 'its expected', 'it's hope' or 'it's impolite' not to buy a drink or meal in the pub. I would rather they just charge a nominal fee that can be waived if you have a meal or drink.

There seemed to be a mention of a forum listing wildcamping stopping places (wonder who they mean) what next. I have no objection to the idea & would approach a landlord to ask permission to stopover if I use the pub but this site to me seems to make it almost a requirement to use the pub so what am I paying the £30 for Its a lot like campsites trying to ban wildcamping in the hope we will then line their pockets.

 

[Channa]

There was thread recently on here, where I think without exception the motorhomers bragging the £8 for a weeks visit were berated for there attitude by the wildcampers.

Perhaps the Website owner would like to read the thread, see for himself,And then perhaps afford us the same publicity of apology with the same level of energy his current misguided propaganda displays.

Channa

 

[tony]

if we got the ok to stop overnight in a pub car park we would buy a meal in the pub without being ordered / told to do so .
tony

 

[maureenandtom]

Well now. How would you reply to Elisabeth. A quick response from me:

Dear Elisabeth,

I am absolutely delighted that motorhome traffic to your island has increased by 100% and I am at a loss to understand why there is a downturn in tourist trade. Have hotel bookings, guest house occupancy, campsite bookings reduced? Is this what you are telling me? I truly do find it hard to believe that traditional visitors to your island have reduced in numbers and reduced their spend if there has been a doubling in motorhome numbers.

If this is the case, that numbers of traditional tourists have reduced or are spending less, then it is difficult to see how an increase in motorhome tourists can have contributed to this.

I think a doubling of motorhome numbers represents an incredible opportunity to exploit an obviously expanding market. You say that you see a “surge” in the market. If you wish to sell to these tourists then you have to sell them what they want. If you simply repress the market by restricting their numbers then you cut yourself off from this opportunity. There is probably no way of turning a motorhome owner into a hotel guest and repression will simply make him go elsewhere. I can't see how this will help your island economy.

You have been able to attract motorhomes, I hope you are now able to exploit the incredible market opportunity now made available to you. And that opportunity in a recession.

We people in motor caravans become, for a short time, almost like your own residents. How do you attract business from them?

If you wish to sell to me, you have to sell me what I want.

Best Wishes

Tom

Elisabeth's unwritten assumption is that wild-campers are depressing the tourist economy. Can this be true? I'd have to see some evidence before I could believe it.

 

[s1n86d]

Well now. How would you reply to Elisabeth. A quick response from me:

Dear Elisabeth,

I am absolutely delighted that motorhome traffic to your island has increased by 100% and I am at a loss to understand why there is a downturn in tourist trade. Have hotel bookings, guest house occupancy, campsite bookings reduced? Is this what you are telling me? I truly do find it hard to believe that traditional visitors to your island have reduced in numbers and reduced their spend if there has been a doubling in motorhome numbers.

If this is the case, that numbers of traditional tourists have reduced or are spending less, then it is difficult to see how an increase in motorhome tourists can have contributed to this

I think a doubling of motorhome numbers represents an incredible opportunity to exploit an obviously expanding market. You say that you see a “surge” in the market. If you wish to sell to these tourists then you have to sell them what they want. If you simply repress the market by restricting their numbers then you cut yourself off from this opportunity. There is probably no way of turning a motorhome owner into a hotel guest and repression will simply make him go elsewhere. I can't see how this will help your island economy.

You have been able to attract motorhomes, I hope you are now able to exploit the incredible market opportunity now made available to you. And that opportunity in a recession.

We people in motor caravans become, for a short time, almost like your own residents. How do you attract business from them?

If you wish to sell to me, you have to sell me what I want.

Best Wishes

Tom

Elisabeth's unwritten assumption is that wild-campers are depressing the tourist economy. Can this be true? I'd have to see some evidence before I could believe it.

Good questions, it would be interesting to hear the answers from Elizabeth

Bill.

 

[maureenandtom]

Oh, I havn't sent it to her. I don't know where to send it. If I did know then I probably would contact her with questions.

No, I just wondered how I would have reacted if she'd written to me and I'd be interested in how other people would react. What would you say to her?

I think it would be wrong to berate ourselves for not being big spenders. We can only buy what we want to buy. Most van people I think do support local economies. It is up to traders, those making a living from tourism, to exploit us. Elisabeth has had a market created for her. It is up to her to exploit it not for us to contribute as to a charity.

We must not feel guilty. We are a valuable resource.

 

[s1n86d]

I totally agree with you. the response from M/s just goes to show how quick some people with a vested interest will grasp what an individual is reported to have said (probably did) to tar a whole group of people.
I and I am sure the majority of people on here are only to happy to buy local goods and produce. even if it is the beer and whisky.

Bill

 

[maingate]

There is a simple answer to the problem of contacting Elizabeth.

Members of this forum are also members of motorhome stopovers. Why not ask them to get in touch or to get an email address on your behalf.

There was an AndyC posting on the other site. Now that name rings a bell.

 

[AndyC]

There is a simple answer to the problem of contacting Elizabeth.

Members of this forum are also members of motorhome stopovers. Why not ask them to get in touch or to get an email address on your behalf.

There was an AndyC posting on the other site. Now that name rings a bell.

Does it?

In fact I'm not a paid member of motorhomestopover.co.uk - you don't need to be a member to post on their forums.

AndyC

 

[Channa]

Does it?

In fact I'm not a paid member of motorhomestopover.co.uk - you don't need to be a member to post on their forums.

AndyC

Well Andy I tried reading the posts tonight on their board and it wouldnt let me coz I am not a member. And tbh looking at the ages of some of the threads, it doesnt look £30 good value to me ..although the idea is sound

Channa

 

[s1n86d]

The response from Motorhome Stopovers, begins by stating that he does not know where to begin, but then goes on the defensive by defending his organisation and members, he then presumes that the person who only spent £8 was a wildcamper and not one of his members (why?) (He could be a member of both or neither) after already implying that the reason for being a member of his organisation is to save money.

His argument is ill thought out, it is a mistake to try to alienate members of the public in general, or any group of people in particular, against any group of motorhome owners. People will not differentiate and will become anti motorhome
in general.

Motorhome owners would be better served, if people with a platform, used it to press home the message, be responsible and considerate and look after the future. not to air petty grievances, at every opportunity.


regards

Bill

 

[biggirafe]

Well now. How would you reply to Elisabeth. A quick response from me:

Dear Elisabeth,

I am absolutely delighted that motorhome traffic to your island has increased by 100% and I am at a loss to understand why there is a downturn in tourist trade. Have hotel bookings, guest house occupancy, campsite bookings reduced? Is this what you are telling me? I truly do find it hard to believe that traditional visitors to your island have reduced in numbers and reduced their spend if there has been a doubling in motorhome numbers.

If this is the case, that numbers of traditional tourists have reduced or are spending less, then it is difficult to see how an increase in motorhome tourists can have contributed to this.

I think a doubling of motorhome numbers represents an incredible opportunity to exploit an obviously expanding market. You say that you see a “surge” in the market. If you wish to sell to these tourists then you have to sell them what they want. If you simply repress the market by restricting their numbers then you cut yourself off from this opportunity. There is probably no way of turning a motorhome owner into a hotel guest and repression will simply make him go elsewhere. I can't see how this will help your island economy.

You have been able to attract motorhomes, I hope you are now able to exploit the incredible market opportunity now made available to you. And that opportunity in a recession.

We people in motor caravans become, for a short time, almost like your own residents. How do you attract business from them?

If you wish to sell to me, you have to sell me what I want.

Best Wishes

Tom

Elisabeth's unwritten assumption is that wild-campers are depressing the tourist economy. Can this be true? I'd have to see some evidence before I could believe it.

A very good and considered response, It would be good if we could get Tom to explain himself as I agree he answer to Elizabeth was very shortsighted. Having said that his contact details are a pub so perhaps he actually has little or no real understanding of motorhoming / Campervanning but just sees an opportunity to make himself some money.

I have read through his website myself as I considered joining. One big concern was regards liabilty when camping on these premises, I'm fairly confident that the majority of these premises will not be insured for people to be camping in their carparks. He goes to great pains to call them stopovers but I think my insurance company would say i was 'camping on private property'. I'm no expert but I seem to remember that if anyone charges you stay in a carpark they accept a level of liablity and because they charge they must provide an adequate service which includes accepting a level of security. Signposts declaring there non acceptance are in fact worthless. Charging can of course be cash or services such as buying a meal He calls it a 'donation' but again I'm not sure that would wash in court.

Don't get me wrong I am perfectly happy to stay overnight in a Carpark but as always with me I like to know where I stand and I would not pay £30 for a list of pubs which will cost me more than a CL, his website just seems to be very short of any facts.

Just some thoughts

 

[Kontiki]

I joined the forum on motorhome stopovers to ask some questions but the more I asked gave me less reason for joining. They say that you can stop one night for free without any obligation but they later go on to say that is expected or hoped you would buy a meal or drink. One of the members on the forum suggested that people who didn't buy anything should be named & shamed on the site What I couldn't get was what was I paying £30 for & who gets it, if the publican gets some of this then surely I am entitled to be able to stop without buying anything as I have already paid something, if the publican only gets anything if I do buy something then I can see them getting annoyed at what they see as a freeloader & if it happened a few times they would drop out.

The site should make it clear & say that you have to use the pub if you want to stay removing any doubt, if I want a drink or meal I want to have it when I want & not part of a payment. I did suggest that they consider how much profit a landlord was likely to make on a drink & a meal then make this the fee you pay which the landlord will waive if you do have a drink/meal. This gives the landlord the same income, cost me less, eases my conscience & I don't have to sit in a pub socializing if I don't want to. I'm sure though that many landlords would allow you to park overnight if you asked them providing you did frequent the pub.

 

[AndyC]

Well Andy I tried reading the posts tonight on their board and it wouldnt let me coz I am not a member. And tbh looking at the ages of some of the threads, it doesnt look £30 good value to me ..although the idea is sound

Channa

You need to register to view the forums, but can register without being a paid member of the club.

AndyC

 

[AndyC]

I have read through his website myself as I considered joining. One big concern was regards liabilty when camping on these premises, I'm fairly confident that the majority of these premises will not be insured for people to be camping in their carparks. He goes to great pains to call them stopovers but I think my insurance company would say i was 'camping on private property'. I'm no expert but I seem to remember that if anyone charges you stay in a carpark they accept a level of liablity and because they charge they must provide an adequate service which includes accepting a level of security. Signposts declaring there non acceptance are in fact worthless. Charging can of course be cash or services such as buying a meal He calls it a 'donation' but again I'm not sure that would wash in court.

Don't get me wrong I am perfectly happy to stay overnight in a Carpark but as always with me I like to know where I stand and I would not pay £30 for a list of pubs which will cost me more than a CL, his website just seems to be very short of any facts.

Just some thoughts

I don't think there even needs to be a charge for the 'parking' for the owner to be liable in the event of any damage. The pub owner is effectively 'inviting' the stopover club members to stay overnight on his car park and thus would, IMO, be liable for any damage etc. The Club itself could also be considered to be liable I suppose. Any Lawyers here?

We don't at the moment do enough touring in the UK to make it worth our while joining, if we did more we would seriously consider joining the club.

AndyC

 

[Channa]

I don't think there even needs to be a charge for the 'parking' for the owner to be liable in the event of any damage. ?

AndyC

Absolutely, you cannot absolve yourself of liability whether signage etc states otherwise.

Whether insurance extends to overnight camping I would imagine varies from insurance company to insurance company.

A little OT I was talking to a commercial site owner near York that is an adult only site, with a fishing pond.

The sole reason he told me that the site was adult only was there was a terrific increase in premiums if he allowed children on the site.

Channa