Reflections Holidays says tourism revenue at its Tumut River holiday park in New South Wales’ Riverina Murray region increased 18% during its first 18 months managing the property, alongside investments aimed at increasing visitor stays and supporting the local economy.
The Crown Land manager took over operation of the park in 2025. On Thursday, September 10, Reflections marked the 18-month milestone in Tumut with local tourism and business representatives, highlighting the park’s performance and its contribution to the surrounding visitor economy.
According to Reflections Holidays, the park delivered more than 43,000 accommodation nights between March 2025 and July 2026, while the average length of stay also increased. The operator said the combination indicates that visitors are both coming to Tumut and spending more time at the destination.
Reflections Holidays Chief Executive Nick Baker said the company identified the park as an opportunity to strengthen tourism activity when it assumed management.
“When we became the Crown Land manager of this beautiful park, we recognised what a valuable asset it is for the community and visitors alike. We wanted to build on its strengths, enhance the visitor experience, and support the local tourism economy,” Mr Baker said.
The operator has invested approximately $1 million at the Tumut property, including four riverside tiny homes and an upgrade to the existing camp kitchen. Reflections said much of the work was completed by local tradespeople, with one plumber reportedly able to employ an additional apprentice as a result of the new work.
Reflections also said the 18% increase in park tourism revenue has contributed to an estimated $5.7 million in economic benefit for the region. The figure is based on an industry multiplier cited by the Caravan & Camping Industry Association, which estimates that each $1 of caravan park revenue generates $1.53 in economic benefit.
“These figures are really rewarding for our hard-working team, knowing that they are making an impact in the community that they are very much a part of and love,” Mr Baker said.
The park has also supported community activities. Most recently, Reflections Tumut River backed an inaugural winter solstice swim, which raised $4,000 for the local branch of Can Assist, an organization that provides financial and general support to cancer patients.
NSW Minister for Lands and Tourism Steve Kamper said the results demonstrate the potential for Crown land-based visitor accommodation to contribute to regional economies.
“Reflections Tumut River is a great example of how Crown land can deliver public value, attracting more visitors, supporting local businesses and creating economic benefits for the wider community,” Mr Kamper said.
“An 18 per cent increase in tourism revenue is a strong result for Tumut and demonstrates the important role visitor accommodation and tourism infrastructure on Crown land can play in helping regional destinations thrive.”
Reflections said its approach in Tumut began with engagement with local stakeholders. In 2025, the operator held a workshop involving local businesses, community representatives and tourism organizations to identify priorities for the area. Those discussions focused on community pride and belonging, local employment and training, environmental stewardship, and support for local events and businesses.
“When we came into Tumut we met local stakeholders, ranging from Snowy Valleys Council and owners of businesses including the brewery and a popular cafe, to get a grassroots idea of what mattered to the community. They told us that was community pride and belonging, local jobs and training, environmental stewardship and support for events and businesses, and we’ve listened and acted,” Mr Baker said in a press release.
“It is really fantastic to return to Tumut now and meet all of the same stakeholders and businesses to celebrate the positive impact of tourism in Tumut which we’ve contributed to and again listen to suggestions from the community and businesses about how we can continue to work together to increase tourism in the area.”
“We’re here for the long term, we want to be a vital part of tourism infrastructure and be considered a strong champion for the region, and we’re really humbled to have been welcomed so genuinely by the community.”
For holiday park operators, the Tumut results illustrate how accommodation upgrades, longer stays, local procurement and community partnerships can work together as part of a regional tourism strategy.
The reported revenue increase also highlights the potential economic impact that improved visitor accommodation can have beyond the boundaries of an individual park, although the $5.7 million figure is an estimated regional economic benefit rather than direct revenue generated by the property.
