The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) would consider the Federal Labor’s AU$10 million funding for selected infrastructure projects for various caravan parks in the nation if elected on May 21, according to a report.
“Caravanning has long been Australian domestic tourism’s largest visitor and economic cohort, an overall $23 billion economic driver in tourism and local manufacturing activity,” said CIAA Chief Executive Stuart Lamont.
“In the industry’s desire to supercharge post-pandemic recovery for Australian tourism, this well-targeted government infrastructure support package recognized the true and growing value of caravanning, in particular through regional and rural economies,”
Lamont said they anticipate a AU$15 million federal infrastructure funding injection into their “world-leading caravan park product” would triple the matched private capital expenditure support. It will also deliver AU$45 million in renewed and compelling new caravan products and accommodation.
“Federal Labor commitment can be a catalyst to bring more industry investment to be table, and to drive further growth, tourism jobs and re-ignite again our dynamic visitor economy,” he said.
He said that being incentivized to provide more attractive caravan park amenities and products is the “ticket” to sustainable recovery for the Australian tourism sector and its compelling proposition for road travel, caravanning, and camping for all Australians.
They also look forward to continuing the detail and discussion for the AU$10 million commitment, according to a report.
Lamont welcomed all significant parties that support a renewal of international marketing commitment, including Tourism Australia, since it remains important to rebuild Australian tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This should include a role for caravanning, including its 2000 parks across the country, which had, pre-COVID, already carved out an exciting and growing niche for international visitor dispersal, attracting travelers from South East Asia, Europe, and the US and previously China,” He said.
This article originally appeared on The National Tribune.