Caravanners And Campers Head To Nsw For Holidays

Caravanners and campers head to NSW for holidays

New South Wales regions have topped the list of the ten most popular caravan and camping holiday destinations during 2008, according to the latest Caravan or Camping in Australia 2008 Snapshot released by Tourism Research Australia.

Topping the list was the South Coast of NSW which accounted for 2.7 million visitor nights, followed in second and third positions by the Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers regions with 2.5 million and 1.7 million visitor nights respectively. The Murray region also made the list in ninth place with 1.1 million visitor nights spent in the region in 2008+.

During the year ending 31 March 2009, 27 million domestic visitor nights were spent in a caravan park or commercial campground nationally with around 34%, or 9,317,000 domestic visitor nights, spent in NSW*.

Barry Baillie, CEO of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) says that the caravan and camping sector has seen the emergence of 'first time campers' entering the market.

"Over the summer, many of our coastal parks reported an average 10% increase in occupancy and a noticeable increase in people trying a caravan or camping holiday for the first time with many of them choosing to stay in larger tents and camper trailers."

"The recent unrest of the global economy could see a trend towards Australians choosing holidays that offer value for money and let you see more of Australia."

Domestic visitors travelling with a caravan and staying in a caravan park accounted for the greatest number of domestic visitor nights across Australia in 2008 (30%) followed closely by those staying in a cabin in a caravan park (22%).

"Our industry truly offers something for every budget, whether it is travelling in a caravan or motorhome, staying in a cabin or camping in a tent in a holiday park."

"Many holiday parks now are destinations in themselves by offering great holiday activities, resort style swimming pools, clean and quality facilities and all in prime locations close to beaches or town centres."

"The quality and luxury of today's caravans and other recreational vehicles is outstanding with many including bathrooms, kitchen facilities, living areas and spacious sleeping areas," Mr Baillie commented.

ENDS

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+ Caravan and Camping Snapshot 2008. Tourism Research Australia. Includes those staying in a caravan park or commercial campground and caravan and camping on private property.
* Travel by Australians: March Quarter 2009. Tourism Research Australia

SOURCE: Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW