Despite the reputation of grey nomads as dominating the caravanning and motorhoming landscape, it seems that many in the industry are far more interested in catering to the needs of the younger demographic.
And here’s why. At the end of last year, Tourism Research Australia released data showing that it was people aged 25 to 44 who had taken the most domestic caravan and camping trips for each of the past five years. And, a report commissioned by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, revealed that the younger market would be one of the largest and fastest growing over the next decade, while retirees would remain a relatively small cohort.
“Grey nomads are very prominent and maybe that gives the perception that they are the ones who caravan most,” said the chief executive of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, Stuart Lamont, at the time. “They are highly important in our sector, but they are just not in the same numbers as the family market.”
The report found that, in order for the industry to be successful over the next decade, it must continue to tap into the young family market. But surely it doesn’t have to be a case of catering either to older travellers or younger travellers.
It will come as no surprise to many grey nomads that the experts are predicting a continuing trend towards more family-friendly caravan parks offering premium facilities, cabins, playgrounds and organised activities for children.
And it is not just in Australia where it seems the focus is switching for the traditional older caravanner. In the United Kingdom, a new ‘Freedom to Go’ campaign by The National Caravan Council, The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club is unashamedly trying to lower the percentage of older caravan travellers.
“A key objective of the campaign is to decrease the average age of leisure vehicle ownership by five years and get new entrants into the market,” said Jennifer Summers, NCC group marketing director. “In order to do that, we aim to turn the perception of camping and caravanning on its head and illustrate the appeal of this type of holiday to modern families and adventurous travellers alike.”
I think in general u are right just have a look at nrma sites and the big 4 etc they are set up for kids to have a good time maybe
a lot of oldies want just a nice spot and a bit quiet time after lunch for a poppy nap etc then later they have there piss up in the late afternoon
and chat to fellow campers
Sounds about right Pete … so therein is a niche market to be catered for … the older segment whereby a campsite that is simply, clean with reasonable amenities and low fee … will see a pathway beaten to their door.
I think there is room for both groups to co-exsist. Being a grandparent and older nomad/traveler I love to see the young families having fun in the caravan parks. Children and their families need a place to have holidays which are affordable where they can enjoy their children and the company of other fun minded families, so do grey nomads, back packers and any other travellers no matter if from over seas or Australian. I see us all wanting the same thing. Fun entertaining localities, reasonable prices with good facilities. So no matter what age you are, get out there, have fun and give back to your community by helping keep our facilities clean, and enjoy this beautiful country of ours.
The older generation have money to spend..the younger gen need work as they travel or just holiday school breaks or one yearly holiday. The industry needs take into account if they want tenants all year..or just holiday times. It won’t take long for the younger generation to notice they are paying double the fees and begin staying away in droves. A family can go to Bali for less than a powered site at Christmas time.
Let’s not forget here that the the Caravan Industry Association of Australia is hell bent in their campaign to close Free Camping sites around Australia in an effort to force Grey Nomads into their seasonally overpriced caravan parks and are simply not interested in catering to the needs of Grey Nomads who just want a no frills site at a reduced rate all year round. Bottom line is they want to take away your freedom of choice and expect, sorry demand, that you do business with them.
Methinks we complain too much. We have no problem with families staying in caravan parks as we do. Sometimes, because it is the way it is thesedays with lowered parenting standards, we are on edge as children are allowed to wander around unsupervised. But we understand caravan park owners/managers are running a business. We don’t need the family add-ons within parks, but parks need to attract families as well as un grey nomads. Just be tolerant, please.
Well said Kev & Gail above – we can forget that we have all the time to enjoy ourselves while the families have limited days to relax an have some together time. having said that CP owners would do themselves a favour by attempting to nominate particular areas within the park.