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NEW South Wales' first ever Newcastle Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo has been hailed a resounding success.

More than twice the number of anticipated visitors flocked to last month's three-day event at the Newcastle Jockey Club in Broadmeadow.

Delighted Jockey Club function and events general manager Darren Parmenter said he was overwhelmed that more than 24,000 caravanning and outdoor enthusiasts turned up at the show.

"The Jockey Club holds a number of expos throughout the year and this was without a doubt the largest and most successful exhibition yet," he said.

"An event of this scale and appeal benefits the entire community of Newcastle with reports of visitors from as far as Sydney, Taree and Tamworth staying in accommodation and frequenting shops, restaurants and local attractions.

"We look forward to hosting this event again next year," he added.

Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW chief executive officer Barry Baillie believed that visitor numbers were a tribute to the continued growth of the caravan and camping industry.

"Because caravan and camping holidays offer something for every taste and budget, a combination of all demographics was evident throughout the expo," he said.

"There were young couples choosing their first tent and grabbing great bargains on accessories to families selecting a kid-friendly caravan, campervan, camper-trailer or slide-on, right through to retirees investing in a five-star motorhome or fifth wheeler."

Exhibitor James Kaufmann, from Newcastle RV's, said the company was inundated by potential buyers during the entire expo and crowds were often queuing to see its vehicles.

"The Newcastle Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo was a great way to kick-start the year for many manufacturers and dealers," he added.

Tourism Minister Jodi McKay presented awards to six exhibitors. They were:

Best Caravan - Coromal Caravans, Wyong
Best Camper Trailer - All terrain Camper Trailers, Seven Hills
Best Motorhome - Trakka, Mount Kuring-Gai
Best Camping Equipment - Kangaroo Tent City, North Parramatta
Best Accessories - Rock Tamers Australia, Mossy Point
Best Caravan Park - Port Stephens Beachside Holiday Parks, Nelson Bay