More families in NSW are opting for camping and caravanning holidays than ever before. In 2013, the camping and caravanning sector comprising 30 percent of the overall tourism growth in NSW. That huge figure makes camping and caravanning the fastest tourism growth sector in NSW. Lyndel Gray, CEO of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW, explains:
"Caravan and camping is now experiencing significant growth - punching well above its weight and making it a major contributor to the NSW economy," Ms Gray said. "In the year to December, 2013, close to 2.4 million people stayed in commercial caravan or camping accommodation in this state, delivering more than 11 million visitor nights. This is an additional 303,000 visitors to commercial caravan parks on the previous year, and an additional 727,000 visitor nights." Ms Gray said the figures, which have come out of the recent release of the National Visitor Survey, represented an impressive overall growth of visitors, up 15 percent and visitor nights, up 7 percent. "Of the overall number of caravan and camping visitors to NSW, 80 percent are engaged in holiday and leisure activities that bring significant benefits for the broader tourism economy of regions." she said.
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As a result of this huge growth in the camping and caravanning sector, the upcoming annual supershow held by the Camping and Caravanning Industry Association of NSW is set to be the biggest yet. Held between April 26 and May 4 at the Rosehill Racecourse, the supershow will play host to more than 300 exhibitors.
"Each year the Supershow has lots of new products to see, and it continues to draw an ever widening crowd of people looking to take a caravan or camping holiday," association chief executive Lyndel Gray said.
"We have seen a huge increase in families taking traditional caravan or camping holidays, with NSW recording 17 percent growth in this kind of holiday over the past 12 months.
"Caravan and camping visitors are changing and we are now seeing that more than half the visitors in the 35-54 age group taking a caravan or camping holiday are families with children."
Ms Gray said the Supershow offered a "fantastic opportunity" for people to see what is on offer for their next caravan and camping holiday in the convenience of one, central location.
"The Supershow has been a hugely successful event for many years because there's always something new to see, showcasing the latest products, gadgets and trends from cabins, to tents and RVs, new park offerings and experiences.
"The Supershow is also a fantastic day out with the family and will help those who have been dreaming of purchasing their next caravan, adding to their camping gear or looking for an ideal holiday destination with the perfect place to see it all.
"We have also changed the layout of this year's Supershow with designated product areas for caravans, motorhomes and 5th wheelers and camper trailers, tents and camping accessories."
People attending event will have the chance to win a luxury class 180 Elite Caravan worth $59,500.
For more information and to get your tickets online click here.
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This significant boost in the camping and caravanning industry is reaping great financial benefits for NSW. Sales of camping and caravanning equipment provides an injection, as does the fact that people are staying in the state and country to holiday, which means they’re spending their day-to-day money in NSW. Local campsites and caravan parks are also reaping the benefits:
CARAVAN and camping parks in New South Wales are enjoying boom times, according to State Tourism Minister George Souris.
In fact, they are the most popular form of holiday, particularly among families, he said.
Figures reveal that 10 million visitor nights were spent in the state’s 400 holiday park destinations last year.
The news comes on the back of a new joint marketing campaign between the Camping and Caravanning Industry Association NSW and Destination NSW which is promoting this form of holiday.
In welcoming the venture, Mr Souris pointed out that last year caravanning and camping contributed $1.5 billion to the economy.
"This sector is of vital importance to local economies because, for every dollar spent staying at a caravan or camping site, $1.38 is spent at local stores," he explained.
"The 2013 Caravanning and Camping campaign promotes some of the best holiday experiences across NSW to families and couples who are looking for great holidays in some of the best locations in Australia."
The campaign includes TV commercials and print advertisements promoting the unique attractions of caravanning and camping in regional NSW.
These included locations at some of the state's best beaches, forests and parks.
Caravan and Camping Industry Association chief executive Lyndel Gray said the Step Right Into Your Holidaycampaign's title was a "great descriptor of what sets a caravan and campaign holiday apart from all other holiday experiences".
Tourism Industry Council NSW general manager Andrew Jefferies welcomed news of the joint marketing campaign and praised the initiative as a strong example of collaboration between government and the tourism industry to deliver growth in overnight expenditure.
"We congratulate the Camping and Caravanning Industry Association NSW and Destination NSW for working together to boost this significant sector of the visitor economy," he added.
