New Caravans are being sold in mind boggling numbers and 2023/2024 statistics have broken records for total overnight trips and tourist spending. Regional Australia stands to gain the most from this great Australian holiday.
Australia’s love for caravanning and camping is stronger than ever. With its breathtaking landscapes, open spaces, and well-established network of caravan parks and campgrounds, it’s no surprise that this sector continues to thrive. Caravan and camping trips are not only a cherished tradition but also a significant contributor to the Australian economy. As more travellers embrace the great outdoors, the need for seamless guest experiences has never been greater. This is where TheyStay comes in—helping caravan park operators enhance guest satisfaction with a comprehensive digital guest guide.
Booming Caravan and Camping Tourism in Australia
The caravan and camping sector has experienced unprecedented growth, reaching all-time highs in 2023. According to the National Visitor Survey (NVS), Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips, spending a record $14.3 billion—well above pre-pandemic levels.
Key Statistics from 2023
- 15.3 million caravan and camping domestic overnight trips
- 60.7 million nights spent travelling, with 90% of those nights in regional Australia
- $14.3 billion spent, with $9.5 billion (87%) spent in regional areas
- Nearly 1 in 5 domestic overnight trips was a caravan and camping trip
Commercial Caravan Parks Lead the Way
Commercial caravan parks and camping grounds played a crucial role in this growth, accounting for:
- 55% of all caravan and camping trips
- 61% of nights spent
- 67% of total spend
Additionally, caravan and campervan registrations have steadily increased, reaching a record 859,000 in 2023—a 21% rise since 2019.
Caravan and Camping: A Vital Force for Regional Australia
Caravan and camping tourism is a lifeline for regional economies. In 2023, these trips accounted for:
- 1 in every 3 domestic overnight holiday trips in regional areas
- 1 in every 3 holiday nights in regional Australia
- 1 in every 5 dollars spent on holiday travel
With 77% of all caravan and camping trips taken for holiday purposes and 91% of holiday nights spent in regional locations, this segment plays a vital role in sustaining local businesses, attractions, and communities.
2024 continues the trend
In the year ending September 2024
Overall trips were down slightly (less than 1% but importantly overall tourist spend was up by 1% from 2023..
50,000 new vans and campervans are hitting the road every year
Hales is expecting revenue to grow 5% again this year.
Hales has spent time examining the industry numbers. “If you look back to 2014, the caravan industry was doing roughly 40 million trips a month. And now we’re up to 60 million, so there’s been a huge growth in the overall industry.”
How TheyStay Digital Guest Guide levates the Guest Experience
With the surge in caravan and camping tourism, guest expectations are evolving. Travellers seek seamless access to information about park amenities, local attractions, and essential services. TheyStay provides an intuitive digital guest guide that enhances communication, streamlines operations, and improves guest satisfaction.
By offering easy-to-access FAQs, park rules, nearby recommendations, and booking integrations, TheyStay digital guest guide helps caravan park operators provide a modern, hassle-free experience for their guests.
The Future of Caravan and Camping Travel
The data is clear - caravan and camping tourism in Australia is at an all-time high, with no signs of slowing down. As travellers continue to explore the country’s natural beauty, caravan park operators must adapt to meet their expectations. Digital guest guides like TheyStay are not just a convenience—they are the future of guest engagement and hospitality in the outdoor accommodation sector.
Are you ready to take your caravan park’s guest experience to the next level? Discover how TheyStay can help you enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency today!
