Grey nomads lead way in tourism resurgence

Published: December 21, 2011

The ever reliable grey nomads are playing a major role in what is being described as something of a domestic tourism resurgence.

New figures from Tourism Research Australia show an overall rise in overnight trips, visitor nights and spend despite “undeniably challenging circumstances”.

Tourism authorities in Queensland were particularly pleased with the news, given the summer of natural disasters that put tourism in the Sunshine State in the doldrums.

Across the country, over-night trips in the July to September quarter climbed 4.3% – largely in line with the 4.2% growth for the year to September – visitor nights increased 3.5% (0.5% for the year) and spend rose 2.1% (0.8% for the year).

There had been concerns that the strong Aussie dollar and a difficult period many superannuation funds would see would-be grey nomads leave the caravans and motorhomes parked in the garage … but that doesn’t appear to have been the case.

“The thing about grey nomads is that they still want to go while they can and to enjoy Australia while they are still fit enough to get the most out of it,” said the CEO of Caravanning Queensland, Ron Chapman. “So we know they’ll still be here in numbers in the years ahead … it’s just too wonderful not to.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt said a recent publicity campaign urging people to holiday at home had hit the mark.

“With the summer holidays gearing up there’s still time to plan a break, whether it’s to enjoy our surf beaches, the reef, rainforests, the wonders of the outback, or something in between,” she said in a statement. “There’s a lot on offer in Queensland and much to see and enjoy.”

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