ADVENTURE-seeking travellers continue to smash caravanning and camping
records.
Latest visitor numbers released by Tourism Research Australia again show
unprecedented growth in caravan and camping holidays taken by Australians.
The year ending September 2016 recorded the highest overall visitor nights
and record annual growth since data was first collected in 1998, clocking
11.78 million nights and 13 percent growth on the previous year.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont
was not surprised, saying that Australians loved the great outdoors.
"A caravanning and camping holiday offers a huge range of experiences for
every kind of traveller, whatever their age and preferred level of
luxury," he explained.
"Getting out into regional areas, where 90 percent of trips occur, also
seems to appeal to the adventurous Australian spirit."
He said Aussies had always loved the laid back and outdoor style of
holidaying.
'It's the younger generations
who are behind the resurgence'
|
The latest figures show it's the younger generations who are behind the
resurgence in popularity.
Travellers aged between 30 and 54 make up 46 percent of all Australian
caravanners and campers, well ahead of those 55 years and over, who make
up 29 percent of the market.
Those in the 20 to 29-year group are also keen caravanners and campers,
representing 18 percent of the market.
The grey nomads have by no means given up their place in caravanning
culture though.
They still travel for longer periods of time and account for 43 percent of
caravan and camping nights, showing a 19 percent growth on the previous
year.
However, the 30 to 54-year-olds are not too far behind, making up 40
percent of visitor nights and showing 20 percent growth on the previous
year.
Caravanners and campers are all about pleasure travel, with 81 percent
travelling for the primary purpose of a holiday.
The northern states enjoyed a larger annual migration of caravanners over
the winter months last year.
But the interesting thing about the record-breaking numbers is that the
southern states also experienced significant growth during the colder
months.
It seems today's caravanners and campers are keen to experience all
Australia in all its seasons.
