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AN independent board will strategically direct the Caravan Industry
Association of Australia, it has been revealed.
The move follows a landmark meeting held in association with the peak
national body for the caravan and camping industry's national conference,
and state associations.
"This is a significant decision in the history of the caravanning and
camping industry, one which will provide strategic direction, develop
industry stretch targets and allow for harmonised thinking throughout the
sector," outgoing chairman Mark Lindsay said.
The new board, replacing the existing structure of state association
nominees, will shrink in size from 14 to nine members.
"This decision has capped off a stellar year of development for the
organisation, beginning with the decision to merge the two national bodies
representing the industry," chief executive Stuart Lamont said.
“This has resulted in increased visibility amongst government and media,
and strong growth over the period.
"This new phase of maturation is expected to drive industry growth and
professionalism even further."
The state associations will continue to have a close working relationship
with the national body and will provide operational input through an
advisory committee made up of state association representatives.
Nominations from individuals wishing to provide strategic direction for
the industry will be encouraged to put their hat in the ring subject to
meeting a criteria and having their nomination seconded by a state
caravanning association.
Nominations will close on April 10 and the new board will take effect from
July 1, with the advisory committee commencing from the AGM in November
this year.
The association said it was an "important step" in continuing to drive it
‒ and the industry ‒ forward over the coming years and followed a hectic
year of development.
In the past 12 months, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia has:
* Merged two national associations into one national peak body for the
industry.
* Developed a sustainable accreditation model coupled with branding change
to incorporate whole of industry accreditation.
* Launched the new Let’s Go Caravan and Camping brand which is currently
on a six-month road trip with Channel 7's Sunrise programme promoting
domestic tourism and the link between road-based holidays and caravanning
and camping.
* Encouraged huge growth in a large consumer community – a 70 percent
increase in active VIP Club members and 250 percent increase in Facebook
community.
* Overseen the most active period of generic lifestyle marketing and PR
with co-operative campaigns and PR generating over $16 million worth of
media value.
* Successfully hosted the World RV Conference (and the associated National
Conference) which attracted over 780 registrations.
"This is an exciting time for the industry, and we welcome interest for
board positions from both within and external to the caravanning and
camping sector," Mr Lamont said.
To find out more about nominating for the board, email Mr Lamont at
stuart@caravanindustry.com.au
