'Grey nomads' back on the road

While growing numbers of younger families are responding to the affordability of caravan and camping holidays, the traditional over 50s age group still cherish their lifestyles on wheels.

The economic downturn and its impact on superannuation and investments kept many regular “grey nomads” at home over the past couple of years.

But with clear signs of economic recovery and stable fuel prices, it is evident that the older self-drive holidaymakers are back on the road.

Mike Griggs, President of the Caravan and Camping Industries Association of SA (CCIASA), said with increasing numbers of caravans on the move around the country, the self-drive sector was set for a solid 2010 after a lengthy period of stalled sales.

“We expect to see many of the traditional caravanners back in the market for new products and upgrades,” he said.

“Retirees tend to focus on a major interstate trip each year during our winter months to chase the sun, and plan regular shorts to South Australian parks at other times.

“As the summer holidays set in, we’ll see lots of younger family groups at caravan parks around the State, particularly the favourite seaside locations.

“But there will also be plenty of over 50s caravanners enjoying the quality of our parks and diversity of tourism experiences over the coming months.”

Latest CCIASA survey data shows that 87 per cent of respondents intended to take a caravan, camping or motor home holiday this year.

The survey among visitors to the 2009 Caravan and Camping Show revealed almost 80 per cent of respondents intended to travel to and through South Australia on their self-drive holidays.

The South Australian Tourism Commission has launched our biggest ever domestic marketing campaign to encourage more visitors to spend more time in South Australia.

With more than 130 commercial caravan and camping sites in South Australia, the self-drive sector will play a key role in the success of this campaign.