Eco-touring in the UK: demand for sustainable campervan rentals accelerates
RoadSmiles.com, the independent travel comparison specialists, reports significant double-digit growth in eco-friendly campervan bookings across the UK.
This trend shows that British travellers are increasingly prioritising sustainability and flexibility in their holiday plans. Holidaymakers have a growing appetite for low-emission, self-contained travel options that let them explore the countryside responsibly while maintaining comfort and independence on the road.
The rise reflects broader market momentum: according to VisitBritain, the domestic caravanning and campervan rental sector has grown 25% in five years, with campervan rental based holidays expected to lead further expansion.
A growing preference for low-impact, flight-free travel is at the heart of the shift. Travellers are responding to rising climate concerns, escalating flight costs and the appeal of flexible staycation options. Campervan hire removes the need to fly, reduces reliance on energy-intensive accommodation and provides an affordable, lower-emission way to experience the UK.
“More travellers are realising they don’t need to board a plane to enjoy an incredible holiday,” says Eamonn Turley founder of Road Smiles and DiscoverMPVs.
“A campervan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while keeping costs down. It turns a simple staycation into a flexible, memorable adventure, without the environmental impact or expense of flying.”
The company also reports that travellers are also seeking more authentic, meaningful holidays. Road-based tourism encourages engagement with local communities, independent businesses and natural environments. Longer routes through rural areas, national parks and coastal landscapes are becoming a core part of the experience.
Campervan providers, like RoadSmiles, are beginning to introduce hybrid and electric-powered models, and the platform plans to expand its partner network throughout 2026 to offer travellers a broader choice of lower cost and lower-emission vehicles. Smart comparison tools, covering vehicle size, onboard features, pet-friendly choices and more, continue to make the platform a trusted resource for UK holidaymakers.
DiscoverMPVs, RoadSmiles’ sister brand, also offers international 7 & 9 seater passenger van rentals across Europe, North America and Asia. Together, the platforms provide a complete travel solution: sustainable UK campervan holidays through RoadSmiles, and reliable MPV hire for families, groups and business travellers worldwide.
“RoadSmiles was already an established platform, but now we’re moving faster, scaling deliberately and focused on offering even better experiences for UK travellers,” adds Eamonn Turley, CEO of Multiquotetime.