The caravanning industry is booming according to new statistics from the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) showing record year-to-year growth and the highest manufacturing numbers in over 30 years.
The total number of recreational vehicles manufactured in 2010 reached 21,150 , a record breaking 31.75% increase over 2009’s figures of 16,053 and the highest amount manufactured in a single year since 1980.
According to Caravan, RV & Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA) Chief Executive Officer, Ben Yates, the huge growth is a result of Australian’s recognising the benefits of investing longer term in their holidays and the variety that only a caravanning style holiday can provide.
“When you purchase a caravan or another form of recreational vehicle (RV) you are essentially buying your very own mobile accommodation that you can take with you anywhere in Australia,” said Mr Yates. “Rather than owning a holiday home where the scenery never changes, a caravan motorhome or RV gives you access to Australia’s most stunning locations and caravan holiday parks time and time again, for a fraction of the price.”
The record growth is also being attributed to a massive increase in the number of younger families entering the market by purchasing affordable entry level RVs such as pop top’s and camper trailers which more than adequately cater for a family’s needs while on the road.
“Long gone are the days when older generations dominated the Australian RV market,” said Mr Yates. “Now, the largest segment of our industry is actually 30 to 49 year olds who take shorter and more frequent holidays staying at caravan holiday parks due to their friendly and secure environment.”
According to Mr Yates, modern recreational RV’s are not only affordable, but provide many of the creature comforts and luxuries expected in other forms of contemporary accommodation and have very strong resale value which is a major reason why Australians are now purchasing RV’s as a long term holiday investment.
“Those who decide to purchase their own RV’s can be confident that modern RV’s have excellent resale value. Australians are investing longer term in their holidays and can travel more often to any destination providing limitless variety and experiences for the whole family,” he said.
“With RV’s to suit all tastes, needs and budgets, Australians have never been in a better position to invest in a vehicle that will continue to provide a fantastic lifestyle for the family without large amounts of depreciation, which is why our industry continues to grow at such an extraordinary rate.”
The phenomenal figures cap off a massive resurgence in the industry since 1990 when manufacturing sales reached their lowest point at 4,342 which was largely attributed to a combination of high oil prices, an increase in the production of smaller vehicles and more affordable airline and holiday packages.
Now, despite some of these factors still existing and the increasing popularity of overseas holidays, Mr Yates believes that the industry’s record breaking growth is set to continue in the coming years.
“Even with the Australian dollar at parity, more Australian’s are looking to get into caravanning and invest their money in a holiday option that can provide for the family time and time again,” said Mr Yates. “Australia is such a large and diverse country and the best way to see it without a doubt is on the road.”
Couples and families are recognising the many lifestyle benefits and variety that only a caravanning style holiday can provide. There is no stress, no security checks and no schedules. Spending quality time with friends and family, getting back to nature and establishing camaraderie and friendships are the only priorities.
A new caravan is built every nine minutes in Australia and with 86% of the population having visited a caravan holiday park at least once in their lives, 2011 is looking to provide further record growth for the industry. For more information about caravanning, travel tips and more, visit the CRVA website at www.welovethiscountry.com.au