Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Caravanners and campers looking forward to hitting the road

Caravanners and campers looking forward to hitting the road
August 31, 2021

A new survey from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia is providing insights into the opinions and travel intentions of Australian caravan and campers.

Released today, the Caravan Industry Consumer Sentiment Report August 2021 was conducted during a time where NSW, Victoria and Queensland were managing outbreaks and snap lockdowns. This was reflected in the low mood of caravan and campers who remain concerned about the current covid-19 situation and the impact this is having on their daily lives. While older people felt more positive than their younger counterparts, 84% of all people surveyed indicated that they felt their life was on hold due to the pandemic.

This time last year, Australian caravan and camping consumers were optimistic about the post covid outlook, however the latest surveying suggests a significant shift with the share of respondents that think the worst is still to come has increased from 9% to 37%. This is reflected in the 27% of respondents who expect a return to normal life in 12 to 18 months, compared to 45% of respondents in last year's survey.

Despite the challenges, Australian caravan and camping consumers remain is a solid financial position and expect it to remain similar for the next 12 months. Respondents raised concerns about the ongoing impact that COVID-19 would have the economy, local business and to their health. However, the majority (70%) felt that Australia was heading in the right direction and was less impacted than other countries (74%).

Most consumers are currently dreaming or planning a caravan and camping trip, with 90% hoping to travel in the next 6 months. Encouragingly, 92% of respondents were excited about the prospect of travelling around Australia. Importantly, 60% of respondents agree that travel in Australia is good value for money. However, compared to overseas travel, less than half (47%) feel travel in Australia is better value from money. This suggests that there is strong desire to experience Australia as opposed to just holidaying here as there is nowhere else to go. However, it’s important to continue to distinguish the value proposition of Australian caravan and camping holidays for those visitors that may be more familiar with international holidays.

A total of 76% of respondents feel it is (COVID) safe to travel within Australia and was reflected in their high levels of comfort that they have with self-contained travel modes such as caravan and camping, drive tourism and staying in regional destinations. Compared to pre-pandemic times, respondents are more likely to plan and book their next caravan and camping trip closer to their travel date. This reflects the uncertainty around border closures and travel restrictions that the pandemic continues to produce.

Overall, caravan and camping is acting as a light at the end of the tunnel for Australians’ holidays plans, with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia expressing the view that it is important that the industry continues to encourage Australians to dream and plan their next caravan and camping holiday to ensure it stays in their top-of-mind awareness.

The likelihood of Australia entering another recession is growing and although we can expect consumers to remain financially cautious, caravan and camping is well positioned to provide affordable holidays to all budgets. Additionally, operators need to continue to remain flexible in their booking policies, showcase how the sector is safe and health, and to prepare for the ‘reopening’ which should see a surge of travellers across the country.

Related Articles

5th August 2021 - NRMA Parks and Resorts welcomes BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park

8th July 2021 - University of Queensland study shows COVID denied Queenslanders millions of holidays

29th June 2021 - NSW lockdown sees school holiday visitation to Snowy Mountains fall by 70%

15th March 2021 - Queensland Government eases Easter holiday camping restrictions

21st January 2021 - Australian tourism industry haemorrhaged almost $7 billion over the summer holidays

19th November 2020 - BelgraviaPRO to take on management of Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park

29th October 2020 - Brisbane Showgrounds host return of Caravanning Queensland Event

21st September 2020 - New management upgrades Lake Moogerah Caravan Park

29th July 2020 - New Boundary Rider Huts unveiled at Julia Creek Caravan Park

25th June 2020 - Interest in domestic tourism results in increased caravan sales

5th May 2020 - Holiday parks provide safe travel options as lockdown eases

8th April 2020 - Caravan Industry promotes socially responsible initiative this Easter

26th March 2020 - ‘Heartbreaking and confusing’ time for caravan parks operators, guests and RV travelling community

25th March 2020 - Travellers look to stay on in Australia’s caravan parks

7th February 2020 - BelgraviaPRO takes on management of Byron Shire holiday parks

24th December 2019 - Caravan and camping visitor expenditure reaches $7.9 billion, exceeds 13 million trips

28th June 2018 - Australian caravan and camping nights reach record numbers

1st January 2018 - Caravan and camping sector positive about international visitor growth

26th October 2016 - Caravan Industry Association highlights why holidays must be accessible for all


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

HIDROPLAY

Hidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Recreation

 
 

Otium Planning Group

Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

ICP

ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…

read more

Attractions / Fitness / Recreation

 
 

TJS Services

TJS Services is a leading national facility services provider. We deliver quality cleaning, maintenance, construction and facility management services to over 1,500 sites Australia wide.  Our…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Venues

 
 

Advanced Aquarium Technologies

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…

read more

Attractions / Consultants / Design / Parks / Zoos

 
 

Pricemark Pty Ltd

Pricemark supplies a wide range of custom branded membership & RFID access products for the Health & Leisure Industry. 

read more

Access

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business