Difficult as it might be to believe judging by the volume of grey nomads on the roads and in the caravan parks and camping areas, the number of caravanners and motorhomers has dipped slightly.
Recent Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending June 2017 shows a total of 11.6 million overnight caravan and camping trips undertaken by Australians … a 2.4% decrease from the previous year.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) says the decline can be largely attributed to the impacts of Cyclone Debbie in Queensland during April, which led to an 8% decrease quarter on quarter from last year within the state. Additionally, it says there is downward trend within Western Australia’s overall visitor economy and this is negatively impacting on the caravan and camping industry.
However, despite the overall downward trend, there were some places where camping numbers were on the up and up. While the winter chill typically sends grey nomads scuttling north, both New South Wales and Victoria reported growth in the June 2017 quarter compared to the June quarter in 2016, resulting in a 6% and 10% increase in trips quarter on quarter respectively.
The CIAA says that this is a good sign that there could be a strong summer ahead for the industry, with more Australians hitting the roads with camping on their minds.
Looking forward, Tourism Research Australia as forecast an increase in domestic nights and trips for 2017-18, albeit at a more modest rate due to slower economic growth. It is predicted that oil prices will remain stable over the coming year which is positive for the caravan and camping industry as it helps to promote consumer confidence to encourage purchase of recreational vehicles and to undertake self-drive holidays.
We spent the winter at home. Nothing to do with the cyclone, everything to do with lack of money due to the cost of living.
It’s only taken me 64 years but I found out that temperatures that drop to between 8 to 17 at night are nicer that temperatures that go up to 8 to 17 during the day. I, for one, will be travelling all year. Zig zag Australia from north to south and east to west. Van is set up for free camping and intend to do that while I am able.