The caravanning and camping lifestyle is back … with a bang!
With travel restrictions slowly easing across the country, the evidence suggests that stir-crazy Australians couldn’t wait to get back out there again.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia says it has identified a strong, sustainable surge in caravan park visits and occupancy … a promising sign given that many borders are still closed.
The most recent weekly accommodation data shows powered site occupancy around Australian caravan parks increased by 109% last week, compared to the week previously.
New South Wales saw a quadrupling in occupancy, with Victoria seeing a 150% increase. South Australia also saw a big increase with 31% occupancy for powered sites. Cabins have also seen a huge uptick in occupancy.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said, ‘as anticipated, movement of Australians getting back out on the road has begun and is gaining quick momentum’.
“Whilst many Australians still care to dream and are desiring a local getaway our caravan parks and amazing camping ground options are plentiful and are attracting many of us to hit the road,” Mr Lamont said. “Coming from ground zero, this early data shows real green-shoots are occurring in caravanning which is now driving our tourism industry forward,”
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s says its research shows travel intention remains high, with 80% of its consumer audience indicating they would like to take a trip in the next two months.
The organisation believes that with international borders likely to remain closed long term, caravanning and camping has the potential to lead the path to recovery for the regional Australia visitor economy.
The big barrier in the way of a full recovery, of course, is the continued closure of many state and territory borders. While Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory are refusing to set a date for the lifting of these restrictions, they are coming under increasing pressure to do so.
The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said yesterday that the border barriers are costing jobs and putting tourism at risk, and people should be told the date next month when they will be removed.
Mr Morrison told Parliament he wanted state and territory leaders to commit to the July timetable ‘at the earliest possible opportunity’ so customers knew where they stood.
July opening of borders is fine, unless we are subjected to a another “dose” of the virus compliments of the ratbag protesters who are hell bent on starting a new spread. Way to go idiots.
I dont see Ray complaining about the AFL and NRL going back to playing football. How are they going to socially distance while tackling.
Bill the facts at the football is pretty clear, there are no spectators allowed in great numbers and the players are in quarantine lockdown whilst training and playing, they are governed by strict rules as distinct from the rabid protesters.
You can have it all to yourself the
Campgrounds caravan parks the lot, our Motorhome like us will be staying at home for sometime to come .
Bill. The football players are isolated, tested and monitored with strict guidelines. Try doing that with a couple thousand rat bag protesters…!
Hi Bill, Yes, good point. And actually I totally agree with you on the risk with the AFL & NRL starting now. Good to see we are on the same page. Complete oversight on my part re the footy. I guess I was focused more on the huge numbers involved with these stupid protesters. Take care.
Well said Ray, I agree totally . And Bill obviously not a footy fan