RV PRODUCTION in January and February soared 16 percent over last
year's corresponding period, new figures show.
The result come on the back of figures for 2014 which revealed the
second-highest annual production in two decades.
And the Caravan Industry Association of Australia predicts that more RVs
will roll off production line this year than ever before.
"Our research shows that more and more families are turning to caravanning
and camping for leisure in Australia," chief executive Stuart Lamont said.
"The largest domestic user group in the sector is 30 to 54-year-olds,
making up 50 percent of the market. The 55 to 70-year-olds sector make up
25 percent.
He said an independent KPMG research report into caravanning and camping
completed in July, 2013, found the family demographic was the one most
likely to grow into the future.
'Great
news both for Australian manufacturing
and for industry'
|
"As more and more Australians hit the roads around Australia in search of
that great Aussie holiday, local RV production will increase to supply
demand.
"This is great news both for Australian manufacturing and for the
industry."
Over the Easter long weekend, parks across Australia were packed with
families.
Dennis Werthenbach, of Vctoria's Crystal Brook Tourist Park, said his
holiday destination was fully booked ... with the mix of golden oldies and
young families making for a very lively Easter Sunday in the park.
"All of us are aware that Easter affords a great opportunity for family
and friends to get together and enjoy some quality time," he said.
"Our venue was again full of caravans and motorhomes, and interaction with
family and friends was clear to see.
"It is a great time of the year. We love being full, putting on breakfast
and Easter egg hunts and just watching families have a great time.
"We have a great industry and it is very rewarding."
BIG4 Beacon Resort at Queenscliff in Victoria hosted 523 guests over the
Easter weekend ‒ 312 adults, 193 children and 18 babies ‒ for a total of
325 booked nights.
Nearly 40 percent were regulars or had been referred by family or friends.
"The park comes alive at times like these, with everyone making the most
of the gorgeous weather, enjoying the park facilities and Easter
activities," general manager Lisa Shapter said.
"Quite a few groups have already pre-booked for Easter 2016, which is
testament to the variety of family-friendly activities our region offers."
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said all its 80 bookable camping
destinations were full, accounting for a whopping 40,000 bookings and
128,000 campers.
And the Gold Coast Council Tourist Parks' Adam Spencer reported a bumper
long weekend, despite very rainy conditions.
“Gold Coast Tourist Parks had a great Easter with strong occupancy across
all categories," he said.
"Our parks were very busy with many families having an enjoyable holiday
with us."
