VISITOR numbers at the recent NSW Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday Supershow were up on last year.

And it appeared showgoers were shrugging off the current economic gloom, with encouraging feedback from exhibitors at the Rosehill Racecourse event.

Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW chief executive officer Barry Baillie said 78,192 visitors toured the nine-day show, which was slightly up on 2008 figures.

"It is a great result to have over 78,000 people attend this year to browse exhibits and learn more about caravan and camping holidays. Generally, exhibitors reported very good results considering the economic climate," he said.

"Caravan and camping tourism has been growing for over 10 years and we are encouraged that strong attendance figures at the show this year are differentiating our industry from other tourism sectors that may be feeling the effects of the economic slump."

Camper trailers and camping products were popular purchases, with families keen to get into the holiday mode. Three to four-person tents were a very popular choice for young families and couples and sales of fold-up camp cupboards and camping chairs were brisk.

Winners of the Supershow Passport competition were announced on the final day of the show, with the major prize of a Golf Bushman caravan, $2000 worth of Family Parks stays across Australia and CIL Caravan Insurance going to Min Bonwick and partner Frank Johnson of Newport in NSW.

"We have owned a Jayco camper trailer for the past 10 years and we are keen to travel so winning the Golf caravan, insurance and Family Parks stays is sure to come in handy,” Frank said.

Other Supershow Passport winners included Amaia Urberuaga of Casino, who won the second prize of a Ukko Tent Sauna; Yvonne Thomas of Thirroul, who collected third prize of an Evakool Fridge/Freezer, and Geroge Edwards who scooped fourth prize of an Anaconda Camping Package.

Next year's Supershow will be held from 17 to 25 April at Rosehill Racecourse.

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