| Statistics from the latest Barclays Personal Loans | | | | these statistics." |
| research shows that over seven per cent of the | | | | Notes to editors: |
| UK adult population are active caravanners or | | | | The survey was conducted amongst a sample of |
| campers - equating to over three million people in | | | | 5.4 million Barclays current account customers |
| England and Wales. | | | | analysing spending patterns in the 12 months to |
| Barclays Personal Loans has reported that | | | | July 2007. Of these 365, 000 are active |
| spending has also soared in recent years with | | | | caravanners and campers, identified as those |
| campers and caravanners spending an average of | | | | customers that have made payments for |
| £382 a year on equipment, holidays, | | | | camping or caravan holidays, pay a subscription to |
| membership and subscriptions relating to camping | | | | a camping or caravan organisation, purchased a |
| and caravanning - over 50 per cent more than | | | | caravan or spent money at camping equipment |
| five years ago. | | | | stores. Amongst an active economic population of |
| The idea that caravanning and camping is a | | | | 45 million in England and Wales this equates to |
| passion of older people is laid to rest by the | | | | just over three million active caravanners and |
| Barclays research with almost two thirds of the | | | | campers in England and Wales. |
| segment under the age of 40 and those in their | | | | About Barclays |
| 30's being the most active segment (26%). | | | | Barclays is a major global financial services |
| According to the research caravanners on | | | | provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, |
| average are wealthier than the population at large. | | | | credit cards, investment banking, wealth |
| The average income per head is £32,725 | | | | management and investment management |
| compared to £25,400 for the population as a | | | | services with an extensive international presence |
| whole, making caravanners on average nearly 30 | | | | in Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia. |
| per cent wealthier than non-caravanners. | | | | It is one of the largest financial services |
| Gary Duggan, managing director for Barclays | | | | companies in the world by market capitalisation. |
| Personal Loans, said: "It is clear that camping and | | | | With over 300 years of history and expertise in |
| caravanning are experiencing something of a | | | | banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries |
| revival, despite the distinctly unfriendly camping | | | | and employs over 127,000 people. |
| weather we have experienced this summer! With | | | | Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects |
| holidaymakers shunning traditional package holidays | | | | money for over 27 million customers and clients |
| in favour of more independent breaks and keen | | | | worldwide. |
| to support the UK tourist industry, camping or | | | | Barclays Personal loans provides personal loans, |
| caravanning is a great alternative. Modern day | | | | homeowner loans, as well as graduate and career |
| caravans now come with all the mod cons and | | | | development loans and award winning payment |
| luxuries you would expect from a home on | | | | protection insurance. Subject to approval. Terms |
| wheels and caravanners are happy to spend large | | | | and conditions apply. |
| sums of money on them as is evident from | | | | |