YOUNG families are driving the growth in Australia's booming
caravanning and camping holidays, according to the latest figures.
Tourism Research Australia (TRA) revealed that the largest growth in the
history of its data collection was in domestic caravanning and camping
trips.
"And it's the younger demographic groups that are driving the growth in
what can only be called a booming tourism sector," TRA said.
A total of 11.6 million caravanning and camping trips were taken by
Australians for the year ending June 2016, representing a 13 percent
increase on the previous year and the highest recorded annual growth to
date.
Total caravan and camping nights for the domestic market also jumped 13
percent to 49.2 million – another record for this period.
Demographically, it's the 30 to 54-year-old segment which is driving the
growth in trips, representing 46 percent of the market and showing strong
growth at 11 percent on the previous year, TRA said.
Grey nomads retain largest
market share ... but only just
|
That's not to say the 55-plus demographic ‒ affectionately termed the
'grey nomads' ‒ isn't out there in force too.
They still retain the largest market share in caravan and camping when it
comes to nights at 41 percent ... but only just.
The 30 to 54 segment, often families, is right behind the grey nomads in
domestic nights at 40 percent, which is remarkable given that the younger
demographic typically travel around work and school commitments when
compared to the more leisurely lifestyles of retirees.
The 55-plus segment continued to grow but it was the 30 to 54s which were
showing more than double the growth of the older market in domestic trips.
Right on the heels of these two demographic groups was the even younger 20
to 29 segment, which accounted for 18 percent of caravanning and camping
trips.
This represented a huge 19 percent of growth on the previous year.
Whoever says caravanning and camping is a holiday reserved for retirees
overlooks the huge number of young Australians now making this their
holiday of choice.
A road trip renaissance is well and truly upon us.
TRA suggests the increases in domestic tourism are driven in part by a
demand for outdoor experiences and healthy, active living.
A caravanning and camping holiday is uniquely positioned to deliver on
this desire and also provides great freedom in the level of luxury
preferred ... from camping in the great outdoors to relaxing in a luxury
spa cabin to travelling in a decked out caravan.
Domestic travel also accounts for 90 percent of all tourism spend in
regional area, increasing by six percent this period to reach a record
$45.1 billion.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont
said the caravan industry took pride in its significant contribution to
regional economies in Australia, where most caravanning and camping trips
occured.
"It's a lifestyle that supports local communities and businesses that
depend on tourism," he said.
"And it's great to see more and more Australians choosing to holiday at
home for this reason."
The backdrop to all the positive growth is low fuel prices and
historically low interest rates, encouraging discretionary expenditure
from domestic consumers.
This is further supported by the declining value of the dollar
contributing to more Australians holidaying at home, creating growth in
caravanning and camping.
New consumers are being attracted to the outdoor lifestyle while existing
markets who may have holidayed internationally in the past are
reconnecting in even greater numbers.
