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Australia Sees ‘Return To Normal’ Travel Behavior For The Outdoor Hospitality Industry Post-COVID

Australia’s caravan and camping visitation numbers continue to improve post-COVID with the opening of state borders and restriction removal, according to the July Business Conditions Report by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia

The report describes it as a “return to normal” travel behavior of caravanners and campers.

In April, overnight caravan and camping trips resumed the trend of traveling with numbers being higher than before the COVID-19 restrictions were declared.

Australians begin traveling again

Since May 2020, caravan and camper movement increased as the number peaked in January this year with 33 index points when Australia fully opened its state borders. Average movement in June 2022 sat at 21 index points.

The average distance traveled by visitors, however, has significantly decreased since the beginning of the pandemic. Before the pandemic, they traveled at an average of 1148km in January 2019, which decreased immensely in the middle of 2020 to an average of 580km. 

The highest average distance traveled since the association began collecting data for the report was 1471km in August 2021.

Before the year began, the average distance traveled was 645km, which increased to 963km in January and then decreased to 659km after the month. As of June 2022, the average distance began to increase again to 1134km.

According to the report, there remains some nervousness in the older market regarding traveling too far from home with the risk of covid-19 in the community, along with uncertainties if the winter period in the southern states would lead to new restrictions. 

However, as consumer confidence begins to return for longer travel, it is expected that nights will return to pre-pandemic levels towards the end of 2023.

Australians show increased interest in caravans

According to Google Trends, the search interest of Australians has significantly increased for RVs and caravan travel since 2020, with the data trend showing “pent-up” demand post lockdowns. 

The trend charts also show seasonal fluctuations, indicating peak interest during holiday periods. In recent months, whilst search interest remains positive, it has softened slightly compared to previous periods. 

This may be reflective of the low season, or perhaps tightening economic conditions, although it is too early to interpret, according to the report.

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RaymondEclipse
RaymondEclipse
February 23, 2024 2:07 pm

It’s remarkable to see the growing interest in RVs and caravan travel, along with a rising focus on sustainable tourism. What are your thoughts?

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Australia Sees ‘Return To Normal’ Travel Behavior For The Outdoor Hospitality Industry Post-COVID! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/australia/australia-sees-return-to-normal-travel-behavior-for-the-outdoor-hospitality-industry-post-covid/