CARAVAN and camping trips are rising in popularity among Australians, a new report from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia has revealed.
The industry clocked up 15.1 million trips and 60.1 million visitor nights in 2022, which exceeds pre-pandemic levels and marks the first time it has surpassed 15 million trips and 60 million nights.
The impressive stats “not only reflect Australians’ enduring passion for caravanning, but also demonstrates the industry’s collaborative efforts in providing diverse products and services”, according to CEO of The Caravan Industry Association of Australia, Stuart Lamont.
The upwards trajectory comes in spite of a “challenging operating environment” throughout 2022, including inflationary pressures, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions, which led to increased average selling prices.
The caravan and camping industry’s six-month outlook, as outlined in the Association’s new Business Conditions Report, is cautiously optimistic, taking into account current economic conditions, which Lamont said are “acting as protective factors for the industry”.
The Association predicts that the industry will continue to benefit from the strong domestic travel trend, as Aussies opt to holiday within the country instead of splashing the cash on international travel amid the rising cost of living.
The caravan and camping industry is anticipating further uncertainty, however, with Lamont identifying increased competition from short-haul international markets and cruise holidays.
