A Strategic Approach to the Caravan and Camping Industry 2012

KEY ISSUES, TRENDS AND IMPACTS
Consumer Issues
The caravan and camping tourism market is segmented by:
Family groups
Grey Nomads
Backpackers and budget travellers
Experiential travellers
Short break and weekend holiday makers; and
Owners of holiday sited caravans on caravan parks
One market segment will often have entirely different needs from another, within the
market sector. For example, Family groups generally seek full facility caravan parks
with swimming pools and recreation activities. Many short break travellers use cabins,
although some may bring their own caravans, motorised units or tents. Experiential
travellers may utilise cabins or hire campervans and motorhomes and camp at low
cost and no cost locations. There are a great number of ways that tourists interact
with caravan and camping accommodation facilities.
The consideration of consumer feedback and usage of caravan and camping product
in Western Australia was important to enable assessment of the overall standard of
delivery in key tourism locations for different types of users.
In order to establish priorities for improvement, and to provide balance to the
extensive consultation with industry, government and other key stakeholders, the
Study embarked on extensive consumer consultation, which included meetings and
discussions with the CMCA representing over 60,000 members, as well as the WA
Association of Caravan Clubs with its 5,000 members. Input was also sought from
regular users of caravan and camping product and reviews of online forums.
Consumers were provided an opportunity to have their views recorded through a
survey, posted on various caravan and camping forums and social media sites. The
Study also captured caravan park reviews and other topical caravan and camping
issues from websites such as Trip Advisor, Explore OZ and Badgers Australian Caravan
Park Reports.
Travellers were invited to provide submissions by email and online blogs on issues
relating to caravan and camping in Western Australia. All submissions topics were
categorised and the feedback has contributed to the prioritisation in development of
the strategic report.
There is a perception amongst interstate and international caravan and camping
tourists is that Western Australia is not “user friendly” towards the particular tourism
sector - a view that is widely communicated by the recreational vehicle organisation,
CMCA.
A high proportion of recreational vehicle owners, who spend considerable periods
travelling in the state for holidays and recreation, seek opportunities to camp outside
licenced caravan parks and are very vocal in their requests for the provision of lowcost
or free camping. They point to the lack of availability of caravan park sites during
peak seasons at key holiday locations to support their position.
This group of caravan and camping travellers spend extended periods on the road
utilising both approved and unauthorised camping areas outside of licensed caravan
parks as a matter of preference. They also use rest areas for overnight and longer
camping stays. There are a growing number of consumers who feel that they have a
right to plan to camp in rest areas to overcome driver fatigue. Many believe they
should be able to free camp at pubic locations on the basis that their recreation
vehicle’s self-containment ensures that they “Leave No Trace”.
Generally, CMCA members and other users of self-contained recreational vehicles are
responsible in their use of public land. Unfortunately, opening up such areas for
uncontrolled camping often leads to violation of the environment by other less
responsible campers. 50
The seasonal peak demand for sites at prime tourist locations has been exacerbated
by the closure of several caravan parks or their conversion to residential lifestyle parks
or alternative uses such as resorts.
Other impacts on consumers include significant issues with bookings and availability of
sites within key DEC managed camping grounds. A trial of online bookings has been
set up for a limited number of sites within the following locations: Cape Range
National Park (Kurrajong, Pilgramunna, Tulki, Yardie Creek); Lane Poole Reserve
50 Submission to: The Economics and Industry Standing Committee inquiry into the Provision, Use and
Regulation of Caravan Parks (and Campgrounds) in Western Australia Submission by DEC
A Strategic Approach to Caravan and Camping Tourism in Western Australia Page 40