OVERJOYED exhibitors reaped in around $45 million in business during Australia's biggest caravan show.

Although attendance was slightly down at this year's Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show, visitors were ready and willing to open their cheque books or use their credit cards as they toured about 300 exhibitor stands.

Catering for the budget camper through to the deluxe motorhome devotee, the show showcased the latest innovations, services and destinations, along with informative and entertaining seminars and displays.

"People were not just looking but buying," Caravanning Queensland's delighted chief executive officer Ron Chapman said after the shutters were pulled down on the successful seven-day event at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds.

"The strong turnout demonstrated the returning confidence travellers had in this segment of the tourism industry," he added.

The show drew a near record crowd of about 80,000.

In 2007, a total of 81,211 people passed through the turnstiles – the biggest crowd in the event’s history.

"Despite rising interest rates, high petrol prices and the aftershocks of the GFC, we attracted a lot of Queenslanders and many from interstate,” Mr Chapman said.

Visitors spent on camping, caravanning and touring holiday products.

"This demonstrates the sustained interest in the freedom and flexibility of touring holidays," Mr Chapman said.

"People are still wanting to travel and explore independently and they see road travel as the best way to do this.

"Also helping to spur interest was the great new products on display at the show ... from time-saving gadgets and luxury motorhomes through to new tourist parks and facilities which are more like resorts.

"While many have an image of the grey nomads when they think of caravanning, the fact is that families are a large and growing portion of the market."

There are about 380,000 caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers registered in Australia – 107,000 in Queensland alone – making it one of the world’s most caravan-friendly countries.

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