MORE and more Chinese adventurers are
flocking to Australia's regional caravan parks and camping grounds.
And according to the Caravanning Industry Association of Australia, the
booming market is not showing any sign of slowing down soon, with numbers
soaring 126 percent last year.
The news comes in the association's recently released 2018 Chinese
Visitors to Caravan Parks report, one of the first studies in the
world designed to provide insights into Chinese travellers staying in
caravan parks.
"It is important for those within the industry to learn how different the
needs of a Chinese traveller are to ensure their interest and enthusiasm
for caravan and camping holidays continues to grow," the report said.
The association said that during the past 10 years, Chinese visitors had
been a key source of growth for tourism around Australia,
but in the past they had often focused on tourist experiences in
cities.
"However, the modern Chinese traveller to Australia is evolving to seek an
independent trip with 'special moments' that are based around uniqueness,
authenticity and quintessentially Australian," it
pointed out.
Research
looks at motivations, needs
and attitudes . . .
|
"This search is increasingly leading Chinese visitors to a caravan and
camping adventure in regional Australia."
The research, conducted in Victoria in February this year, looked at the
motivations, needs and attitudes of Chinese travellers.
For example, items such as rice cookers, access to hot water and increased
access to wi-fi might seem cliché, but many visitors indicated they would
appreciate these things being offered with their accommodation.
While they were eager to embrace the unique experiences offered by caravan
and camping holidays, the report also found there was a need to explore
options to subtly educate Chinese guests so they can get the most out of a
caravan or camping holiday.
Assistance through information sheets in Mandarin and product education in
caravan parks and RVs could lead to better support for Chinese visitors
without guests feeling 'spoon-fed' or compromising the authenticity of
their Australian experience.
Simultaneously, it could help caravan parks and RV rental companies better
deal with issues such as effective grey-water disposal.
According to the research, the typical Chinese tourist is a female aged
between 30-54 and will spend 11-15 days in Australia.
Seventy percent of respondents also said they would probably return to
Australia, with 77 percent indicating they would stay in a caravan park
again.
