May 2009

Strong visitor numbers predicted for parks

Family caravan sales fly in the face of overseas trend

SALES of new caravans to Australian families are bucking the trend in some countries, according to Caravanning Queensland.

Chief executive officer Ron Chapman told Caravanning News that recreational vehicle sales in Australia had fallen compared with last year, but mainly at the high and more expensive end of the market:

"Sales of new vehicles to families have been particularly strong and not reflecting recent sales trends in the USA and Europe," he said.

Inquiries at Queensland caravan park stands at the recent Adelaide, Perth and Sydney caravan and camping shows had been "positive" and Mr Chapman predicted that the Sunshine State could expect strong visitor numbers throughout the year.

"Record numbers of the Queensland Caravan Parks Directory were distributed from the Perth stand, particularly where the show enjoyed an all-time record attendance of around 45,000 people," he said.

"The general attitude of people is that they still intend travelling in their caravan, motorhome or camper trailer regardless of what politicians and media have to say about the economy."

Mr Chapman said there has been "some uncertainty" expressed about travelling in some areas because of floods earlier this year, but much of this doubt had now been dispelled by having up-to-date local information available for most areas.

He said fly-drive holidays had also shown signs of strength, with large numbers of people indicating their intention to fly into ports like Cairns and hire a motorhome to travel Queensland or hire a car and stay in park cabins as they go.

"By the time the Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show with the Motorhome and Campervan Show is held in Brisbane from June 3 to 9, a clear indication will be evident of just how many are travelling to Queensland this year to hopefully enjoy our winter weather," Mr Chapman added.

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