The latest visitor numbers released by Tourism Research Australia once 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% growth on the previous year.
Aussies have always loved this laid back and outdoorsy style of holidaying and now it’s the younger generations who are behind the resurgence in popularity. The 30-54 year olds make up 46% of all Australian caravanners and campers, well ahead of the 55 years and over demographic who make up 29% of the market. Millenials, or the 20-29 year group, are also keen caravanners and campers, representing 18% 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% of caravan and camping nights, showing a 19% growth on the previous year. However, the 30-54 year olds aren’t too far behind, making up 40% of visitor nights and showing 20% growth on the previous year.
Caravanners and campers are all about pleasure travel, with 81% travelling for the primary purpose of a holiday. While the northern states of Australia enjoyed a larger annual migration of caravanners over the winter months last year, the interesting thing about the record-breaking numbers is that the southern states of Australia also experienced significant growth during the colder months. It seems today’s caravanners and campers are keen to experience all of Australia in all of its seasons.
Stuart Lamont of Caravan Industry Association of Australia says, “Australians love the great outdoors and a caravanning and camping holiday offers a huge range of experiences for every kind of traveller, whatever their age and preferred level of luxury. Getting out into regional areas, where 90% of trips occur, also seems to appeal to the adventurous Australian spirit”.
Media Release – Caravan Industry Association of Australia
16 January 2017
