New data from the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) suggests that caravan and camping holidays continue to resonate strongly with domestic travelers, with 88 per cent of Australians indicating plans to camp or caravan in the next 12 months.
The findings come from the association’s 2025 Consumer Sentiment Report, which surveyed thousands of respondents to assess travel intentions in the context of ongoing economic pressures and changing post-pandemic preferences.
A key insight from the report is that Australians are actively looking for better-value holiday alternatives, with 77 per cent of respondents believing caravanning offers better value than other types of holidays, and 76 per cent describing it as offering “great value for money.”
Furthermore, 50 per cent of participants stated they see more overall value in domestic travel compared to overseas options.
The sentiment aligns with broader findings from the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), whose separate report noted that 58 per cent of Australians say the rising cost of living has influenced their travel decisions.
Of those affected, 38 per cent are choosing shorter trips, while 31 per cent are opting to remain within Australia for their holidays.
Serge Valentino, CEO of Crusader Caravans, said these trends are reflected in consumer buying behavior. “We’re seeing a clear shift towards people wanting to buy vans for shorter, more frequent trips rather than long holidays,” he said.
“With the recent release of our new MY25 models, we’re seeing a surge in demand that’s reminiscent of the unprecedented levels experienced during the COVID pandemic.”
Valentino added that caravanning supports this style of travel by offering more flexibility. “There’s no accommodation or flight bookings needed, you just hitch up and go, allowing you to travel off-season and stay as far or as close to home as you wish.”
Crusader is also positioning itself to meet consumer demand for quality and efficiency with innovations such as its EcoLite full composite panel construction, according to a report by Manufacturers’ Monthly.
According to Valentino, the lighter, more insulated materials improve durability and help travelers reduce fuel usage. “We know that Australians are feeling economic pressures, but they still want to take breaks,” he said.
“Our caravans are designed to deliver long-term value and comfort, regardless of season or distance. We’re building a product that helps people continue exploring Australia, affordably and flexibly.”
For campground and holiday park operators, the current consumer sentiment highlights opportunities to attract a broader audience by emphasizing affordability, local adventure, and flexible accommodation.
As more Australians choose domestic and short-haul travel in response to economic conditions, businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector may benefit from rethinking their marketing, pricing, and amenity offerings to align with these evolving travel habits.