THE RETURN OF PARK LIFE
Up until late 2019, the caravan park industry across Australia had been faring very well. Whether it be long-term hauls or short peak-season sojourns, the increasing numbers of Grey Nomads and family vanners alike had fed regional and coastal communities with a sustainable income.
Then came the devastating bushfire season that destroyed property and stole precious tourism dollars over the Christmas and New Year periods. Travellers were forced to steer clear, and parks and local businesses watched as their lucrative peak season revenue went up in smoke.
And, just when the industry was preparing to buffer the losses with plans for a robust Easter period, bolstered by eager Australians keen to take up the Empty Esky or Holiday at Home challenges to support regional tourism, COVID-19 hit. Double whammy indeed.
The proof is not just in the almost nonexistent road traffic and deserted townships, but in the industry stats. According to accommodation figures released by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, caravan park revenue across Australia plummeted by 90 per cent in April compared to
