OVERJOYED businesses chalked up more than $10 million in sales at the
recent Gold Coast Caravan and Camping Expo, it has been revealed.
Caravanning Queensland described the three-day event as a 'van-tastic
success', with more than 12,000 visitors.
Enthusiasts bought around 200 caravans and other RVs as 106 exhibitors
showcased everything from top-of-the-line caravans and motorhomes through
to affordable camper trailers and camping equipment.
The most expensive product on display was an Avida 31ft Longreach
motorhome worth $295,000 – sold to couple planning retirement.
Caravanning Queensland general manager Jason Plant said feedback about the
expo had been overwhelmingly positive.
"Many exhibitors have expressed that it was the best yet in terms of
visitors, sales and expressions of interest," he said.
Michael Medaris from Generator Place sold a record number of generators,
making it their best Gold Coast Expo yet.
Increase in customers wanting
to be more self-sufficient on road
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"We noticed an increase in customers who are interested in being more
self-sufficient while on the road but at the same time still wanted to be
able to power larger appliances such as microwaves, fridges and
air-conditioners," he said.
Jayco Gold Coast manager Brandon Sutcliffe also reported a profitable
expo, with sales up 22 percent compared to last year’s event.
He expected interest from the show to continue over the coming months.
"A caravan is rarely an impulse purchase," he explained.
"First time and repeat customers can spend years researching different
models and will often visit dealers and shows multiple times before they
make their purchase."
Mr Sutcliffe described the show as very "buyer heavy".
"We noticed a lot more interest from families with older children as well
as repeat customers who were looking to trade in and upgrade," he said.
The expo also featured educational seminars, with the most popular proving
to be pointers on towing safety from Hayman Reese's technical towing
expert Gary Gardiner.
They drew record seminar numbers, with all in attendance keen to learn how
to tow their recreational vehicles safely.
