Surge in Caravan and Camping Holidays in NSW

New research released this week shows that commercial caravan parks and camp grounds in NSW recorded an 11% increase in domestic visitors and a 7 per cent increase in visitor nights in the year ending June 2013.

Over the twelve months period almost 2.3 million people stayed 11.2 million nights in commercial parks and camp grounds in NSW, according to Tourism Research Australia’s latest National Visitor Survey.

Theo Whitmont, President of the NSW Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA), says that these results are tremendous, and demonstrate that caravan and camping is one of the strongest growth segments in the NSW tourism industry. “ The results for the June quarter were particularly strong, with an additional 100,000 visitors compared to the same period last year, staying an additional 650,000 nights”

“NSW is the Nation’s favourite state for caravanning and camping holidays, and during the June quarter we experienced significant growth, with our share of the national commercial caravan and camping visitor nights increasing from 31 per cent to 40 per cent,” said Mr Whitmont.

Lyndel Gray, CEO of the NSW CCIA, believes there were many factors contributing to this strong performance over the year, and in particular during the June quarter.

“Our $400,000 joint campaign with Destination NSW ran over the April – June period and highlighted the fantastic locations in NSW to enjoy caravanning and camping holidays. As part of the campaign we produced a new digital site “The Virtual Caravan Park” which showcases the latest caravanning and camping products, and the location of CCIA member parks, using interactive 360 degree virtual tours.”

“We have also experienced strong attendance at our Shows and Expos, with the Caravan, Camping and Holiday Supershow held in April this year attracting over 76,000 people. Our events continue to attract large crowds because they are a one stop shop, and a perfect place to check out the latest caravan and camping products and destinations.

“Research conducted during the NSW Supershow highlighted that 20 per cent of attendees were first timers, demonstrating that our strategy to tempt new customers to try a caravan and camping holiday is proving successful.

“Our major advertising campaigns, new digital resources to plan a holiday or help inform the purchase decision for products, and the continued success of our major caravan and camping shows, have all contributed to deliver these great results for our industry,” said Ms Gray.

The CCIA holds four caravan and camping events each year in Newcastle, Rosehill (Supershow) Penrith and Batemans Bay. For more information on all show dates visit www.caravan-camping.com.au