Caravanning and Camping is still as popular as ever

A recent Consumer Research Report for the Caravanning & Holiday Parks Industry shows that the number of Australians who have had a recent caravan and camping holiday has increased since 2008, proving that caravanning holidays are as popular as ever.
 
The Consumer Research Report was commissioned by CRVA and was independently conducted by Alliance Strategic Research through a three phased
research program.
 
This report revealed that 7 million Australians have visited a caravan holiday park in the last two years with 9.3 million intending to holiday in our industry in the next 2 years (up from 8.6 million in 2008). This popularity has been reinforced by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA), which shows that in 2010 over 20,000 new caravans and other recreational vehicles were manufactured in Australia.

Key findings of the consumer research include:

• 7% of Australians intend to buy a caravan or other RV product in the next 2 years.
• 85% of respondents said they would be happy to visit a caravan holiday park outside of school holidays.
• 73% agree that caravanning holidays are easy to organise and plan with 57% believing that caravanning and camping are very good value at all times compared with other types of accommodation.

More Australian’s are holidaying on the road and according to Caravan, RV &
Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA) Chairman, Mark Lindsay, the strong consumer demand shows just how resilient the Caravanning & Holiday Park Industry is.
 
“The strong growth in the Caravanning & Holiday Parks Industry shows that
Australian’s are looking to get better value out of their holidays and our Industry offers some of the most affordable holiday options in Australia,” said Mr Lindsay.
 
The recent consumer research report also revealed that each accommodation type appeals to different age groups, with cabins favoured by those aged over 35 years, tents to younger age groups, and caravan usage is most common to the 50+ market.
 
CRVA’s Consumer research also shows increased usage by families with caravanning and camping experiences in Australia over recent times and Mr Lindsay agrees.
 
“These types of holidays work really well with families right through to mature travellers,” he says.
 
“Caravan and camping holidays promise endless opportunities to meet new people, as well as enhancing communication with your family and friends.”
 
“The priceless experiences you have on the road are what matters most.”
 
“Caravanning and camping is not just about the family and friends you go with, it’s also about the new people you meet along the way.”
 
“Bonding with like-minded people over happy hour, swapping recipes and travel stories and making friends for life.”
 
The results of this consumer report also supported the success of all the five major caravanning and camping shows around Australia.
 
According to Mr Lindsay, Australians are discovering that the major caravanning and camping shows around Australia are great places to find holiday ideas and sample the right caravan/RV product to suit their lifestyle, as there are hundreds of caravans and motorhomes of all models, shapes and prices on display.
 
“The five major State shows have enjoyed strong attendance numbers as more and more Australians discover the freedom, flexibility and fun of the caravanning lifestyle, proving the growing popularity of the Industry” he said.
 
“Sales at these shows continue to increase every year as families, baby boomers and older retirees increasingly choose to explore the country by road.”
 
Attendance figures for the major state shows around the country totalled over
301,000 attendees across the country, this figure excludes the thousands more who have visited the smaller state caravanning and camping shows.
 
Caravanning & Holiday Parks have always been great promoters of community spirit, and as we head into summer, Australians are realising more and more that caravanning and camping is not only adventurous, cost effective, and just plain fun, it is also an experience that leads to more quality family holidays.