CARAVAN parks in New South Wales are enjoying a bumper festive season, with most bulging at the seams.

The news comes as Tourism Research Australia revealed a 10 percent jump in caravanning and camping visitor nights in the quarter ending last September.

The figures were contained in the organisation's Travel By Australians - September 2009 Quarterly Report.

During the year ending 30 September 2009, 13.1 million of all visitor nights spent in NSW were in caravan and camping accommodation.

This reflects an increase of 1.2 million visitor nights when compared to 11.8 million visitor nights spent in caravan and camping accommodation in NSW during the same quarter in 2008.

Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW chief executive officer Barry Baillie said the value for money, camaraderie and quality experiences offered by caravan and camping holidays attracted many Australians to the lifestyle during the Christmas period.

"Many coastal holiday parks across New South Wales were booked out for the Christmas and New Year period, and powered and unpowered sites for camping seem to be growing in popularity for family holidays," he said.

"During last year's summer period, coastal holiday parks experienced an average increase in occupancy of 10 percent, which we predict will be comparable or slightly better this year.

"Our industry truly offers something for every budget, whether it is travelling in a caravan or motorhome, staying in a cabin or camping in a tent in a holiday park."

Mr Baillie said many holiday parks were now destinations in themselves by offering great holiday activities, resort-style swimming pools, clean and quality facilities and all in prime locations close to beaches or town centres.

"The quality and luxury of today's caravans and other recreational vehicles is outstanding with many including bathrooms, kitchen facilities, living areas and spacious sleeping areas," he said.

"Our website – www.caravan-camping.com.au – provides listings for over 400 holiday parks across NSW and great holiday ideas for anyone planning to begin a caravan or camping adventure."

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