Caravanning industry reaches historic milestone: over one million motor caravans in Germany for the first time

Frankfurt am Main, 25. April 2025

In April 2025, a significant milestone was reached regarding the number of motor caravans: for the first time, more than one million motor caravans were registered in Germany. This figure is exemplary for the long-term popularity of caravanning as a form of holiday and at the same time points to the far-reaching structural changes in the travel behaviour of German holidaymakers. However, the growing importance of mobile holidays is not only reflected in the registration figures, but also in the positive effects on tourism and the economy – especially in rural and less developed regions.

The development of vehicle registrations has shown a clear trend for years: since 2015 alone, new motor caravan registrations in Germany have more than doubled every year. This development is driven by a trend that emerged many years ago and has continued ever since:

‘Over one million registered motor caravans are a significant milestone for our industry and illustrate the continuing appeal of caravanning,’ explains Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of the Caravaning Industrie Verband (CIVD). ‘’Motor caravans and caravans enable a flexible, self-determined way of travelling that combines the experience of nature, individuality and relaxation in a unique way. Mobile holidays therefore fulfil the central needs of modern travellers – and reflect the changing expectations of mobility and leisure in the current zeitgeist.’

In addition to the great flexibility in travel planning, caravanning also impresses with the longevity of the vehicles. Many motor caravans remain in active ownership for decades
and are used by several generations of owners. ‘Long-term use underlines the longevity and quality of the vehicles – an aspect that is highly relevant for many caravanning holidaymakers,’ says Daniel Onggowinarso. Studies show that sustainability plays an important role in this target group – both in everyday life and when travelling.

The positive effects of caravanning extend far beyond the industry: the holiday form strengthens tourism in Germany and makes a significant contribution to regional value creation. According to a survey by the Deutsches Wirtschaftswissenschaftliches Institut für Fremdenverkehr (dwif), the total tourism turnover generated by caravanning in 2023 amounted to around 19.5 billion euros – an increase of almost eight per cent compared to the previous year (2022: 18.1 billion euros). Of this, around 6.4 billion euros remained directly in the regions and primarily benefited local businesses, service providers and shops. Caravanning opens up concrete opportunities for local authorities to further develop tourism and sustainably strengthen regional value creation. This potential can often be realised with comparatively small investments – particularly through the targeted expansion of motor caravan sites.

These developments make it clear that caravanning is not a temporary phenomenon, but a firmly established part of German travel culture. The social acceptance and importance of this mobile form of holiday will continue to grow in the future – to the benefit of Germany as an industrial location as well as for tourism and the economy in the regions.

For further information about caravanning, please visit our web site:

www.civd.de (where there are also photos available for downloading.) and caravaning.info

About Caravaning Industrie Verband e. V.
Caravaning Industrie Verband (CIVD) is the trade association for the industrial arm of the German caravanning sector. Our members include German and European caravan and motor caravan manufacturers, numerous caravan and motor caravan supply vendors and service providers, as well as public institutions and associations. Founded in 1962, CIVD represents the interests of the German caravanning industry for all matters of concern to its members, through lobbying and other communication measures directed at German and European political institutions and government authorities. The CIVD is also the ideal sponsor for Caravan Salon, the world’s largest caravanning industry trade show. In this capacity CIVD plays a pivotal role in promoting the progress and development of the European caravanning industry.