Melbourne Leisurefest

Significant contributors, says CEO

BOOMING caravan and camping industries pump $1.4 billion into the Victorian and national economies, according to the Caravan Industry Association Victoria.

Chief executive Rob Lucas said they employed over 5150 people in Victorian trade businesses and were "significant contributors" to the economies.

He said Victoria also had "lots of places" to experience and visit, including over 500 caravan and holiday parks.

Mr Lucas was speaking as work forged ahead on staging next month's major Melbourne Leisurefest at Sandown Racecourse.

The event, which opens on October 2, is one of Victoria’s biggest caravanning, camping and 4x4 shows.

Visitors will get the chance to check out the best tourism information, caravan, camping, fishing, RV and 4x4 vehicle brands.

There will be many giveaways and prizes to be won at the show, including a 23ft custom-built family caravan.

Named the United Haven, the caravan was built by various RV manufacturers in an effort to raise money for the Kids Undercover Charity ... specifically for the From Living Tough to Living Safe campaign.

The Caravan Industry Association Victoria has teamed up with the charity and will be selling raffle tickets to enter the draw.

All proceeds will go to building relocatable studio units for homeless youth.

"This is a pro-active campaign aimed at providing an appropriate intervention where a young person can't live at home for whatever reason," Mr Lucas said.

The United Haven caravan will be raffled off on the last day of the show on October 5.

To purchase tickets and enter the draw, call (03) 9372 5388 or click here.