CARAVAN park operators have been urged to take notice of what grey nomads have to say.

Andrew Penny, from Bundaberg regional tourism in Queensland, says this particular group of travellers provide excellent opportunities for business and is a "great market" for tourism.

Speaking on local ABC radio, he said he had been "blown away" at how grey nomads had embraced modern technology.

"As a rule they are engaging with the internet in record numbers ... you only have to jump on it yourself and look at the number of websites they have," he said.

Grey nomads used the medium to talk to each while travelling, checking what was happening, the best places to stay and where they would be well treated.

He pointed out that they were like shoppers everywhere, spending on their needs. "They will go into commercial caravan parks because after being on the road they get sick and tired of not having luxuries, and that's what they get from parks."

Mr Penny said caravan parks needed to know who their audiences were and then provide them with what they wanted.

Grey nomads wanted dump points. And dog-friendly parks would always be well received because many travelled with the family pet which they did not want to leave behind.

He said travellers also wanted good customer service. "These people are baby boomers - our mums and dads - and we know how pedantic they can be," he said.

Self-drive day trips and daytime activities were always appreciated, so too sheltered gathering places which were not exposed to the elements.

"These people do like to get together of an evening for a few wines and a talk. This is important," he said.

Mr Penny advised that the best way for caravan park operators to find out what grey nomads wanted was to talk to them. "They love a chat," he added.
 

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