Caravanning and camping rises
CARAVAN AND CAMPING HOLIDAYS ARE OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE ‘GREY NOMAD’ AND RETIREE AGE BRACKET, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS LIKE CAIRNS …
CARAVAN and camping holidays have always been a popular lifestyle and holiday option for people of all ages, from all walks of life.
There’s a lot to love about caravan and camping holidays – they offer a unique opportunity to simultaneously see the country, explore new places and reconnect with family, nature, and ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of modern everyday life.
As the years go by this popularity only continues to grow, with the latest figures from Tourism Research Australia demonstrating that the industry is continuing to go from strength to strength.
The data for the year ending September 2019 saw strong returns for Queensland with 2.6 million domestic caravan and camping trips in the state, 9.4 per cent growth from the previous year.
This generated 11.9 million nights in Queensland, a 2.8 per cent increase from 2018.
When we look at different age groups, most experienced growth, with the 39-54-year market the strongest with a 9.7 per cent increase, followed by the 20-29 segment at a 7.1 per cent increase.
Caravan and camping holidays are often associated with the ‘grey nomad’ and retiree age bracket, particularly in areas like Cairns, with many older travellers heading up north to escape the cool winter months and enjoy a tropical winter.
In recent years, however, we are increasingly seeing the youth also embrace this style of getaway offering an experience which provides closeness to nature like no other holiday option and the opportunity to bond together with friends in an environment which encourages a free spirit and sense of adventure.
New funky products and millennial friendly gadgets are infiltrating industry thinking and it is no wonder that the youth of today are being captivated by what a caravanning and camping experience can offer.
Quirky modern options like glamping, safari tents and tiny houses are also gaining popularity and online traction among younger travellers.
Social media is also certainly a factor in the soaring popularity of camping holidays among young people, with trending topics like van life frequently permeating our online feeds and highlighting the fantastic benefits of this lifestyle.
When it comes to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland specifically, we find that this area is always popular among caravanners and campers.
With incredible weather alongside natural wonders and attractions, the region regularly attracts strong visitation from both domestic and international visitors.
In the year ending September 2019, caravanners and campers spent a cumulative total of 1.4 million nights in Tropical North Queensland, making it one of the most popular regions in the state.
The Cairns and Tropical North Queensland region is also home to some particularly spectacular parks – whether you’re travelling through the region or lucky enough to live in the area, there are certainly some fantastic options for a getaway.
For those who live locally and are considering a ‘holiday at home’, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut or BIG4 Crystal Cascades are fantastic options, or places like Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park and NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park are all excellent choices and offer something for everybody without having to travel too far.
In addition to being an enjoyable holiday option, research has also revealed caravan and camping trips can offer a myriad of benefits when it comes to our health and relationships. Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s Real Richness report revealed 75 per cent of campers feel close to their children compared to 63 per cent of non-campers and 85 per cent of campers felt close to their spouse compared to 65 per cent of non-campers.
When asked about health, 83 per cent of campers believe camping makes them feel healthier and 94 per cent believe it can help recharge your batteries.
The benefits to children are also worth noting, with 94 per cent of campers believing it enables children to engage socially and 71 per cent believing it improves children’s behaviour.
Caravan and camping is quintessentially Australian; whether it is a family on holidays, grey nomads exploring the country or young groups venturing into van life, there truly is something for everybody.
If you’re planning a camping holiday, visit https://www.letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au/ for some fantastic inspiration and information to help you make the most of your next trip.
Stuart Lamont is the chief executive of Caravan Industry Association of Australia.