DECEMBER 2020
     

Domestic tourism will remain at risk without government support: CIAA

Have your say

CARAVANNING and camping remain critical to domestic tourism and the recovery of regional Australia, according to Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

It made the point as Tourism Research Australia revealed that the sector accounted for 44 percent of all holiday nights across the nation during the September quarter as people came to terms with a COVID travel environment.

But the association warns that the industry will remain at risk unless sustainable support initiatives are carefully considered.

Australians enjoyed more than 1.9 million caravan and camping holidays nationally, creating 8.4 million nights for the 2020 September quarter alone.

While this represented a national 28 percent and 14 percent decline respectively from 2019, it was well ahead of broader tourism numbers.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont said the industry lived in a world of "fragile consumer confidence", creating a two-speed economy.

"Whilst it is important that governments make health the first priority for Australians, concerns remain for those operators and communities in border towns, transit regions and remote locations that are continuing to feel the financial pain of border closures and are not enjoying the spoils of Australia’s fascination with the caravan and camping lifestyle," he said.

With the ever changing environment of border closures, the devastating and long-lasting impacts of last season's bushfires ‒ and challenges with accessing insurance ‒ many businesses still faced the real prospect of closure.

"We call on government to look at other support programs as Jobkeeper comes to an end in March," he said.

This could include concessional funding for tourism operators that is repaid when a return to profit occurs, coupled with increased access to business advisory services to help operators pivot to new opportunities and manage cash flow.

Mr Lucas also suggested personal tax deductions for domestic holiday travel to encourage an increased demand to support struggling businesses.

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE