FAMILIES are reviving Australia's caravan park industry, according to
new research.
A Tourism Research Australia (RTA) study shows the industry ‒ a part of
Australian culture since the 1930s ‒ is entering a new and exciting
rejuvenation stage, with more and more families choosing to caravan or
camp.
While active retirees doing the 'Big Lap' have become synonymous with the
caravanning and camping lifestyle, young families make up the bulk of this
market.
Figures show that about 45 percent of all domestic caravan and camping
visitors are aged between 30 and 54, with people aged 55 years and over
making up 28 percent of visitors.
"Given that some 85 percent of Australians have visited a caravan holiday
park in their life, it would seem that the next generations are recreating
fond childhood memories with their own young families now," RTA said.
Caravan and camping has long been the holiday of choice for families,
partly because of its affordability and the 'bang for buck' facilities and
services provided at caravan holiday parks.
But this type of holiday has proven popular for Australians of all income
levels, with a consumer research report released by Caravan Industry
Association of Australia showing that 68 percent have a household income
in excess of $70,000.
This indicates that caravanning and camping is a preferred holiday choice
rather than simply an affordable choice.
Caravan holiday parks have undergone a period of transition over the last
decade, with many offering more premium accommodation options and
recreational facilities in line with tourist preferences.
Luxuriating in a 5-star cabin, socialising in onsite restaurants and bars
and enjoying the odd spa treatment isn't out of the question for parents
in today's caravan holiday parks.
They can sit back while the kids are entertained by waterparks, play
equipment, neighbouring camp families and the great outdoors.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia said it was seeing innovations
in the caravan and camping industry as a result of increasing and changing
consumer demands.