Australia’s caravan industry has called on all political parties to recognise the industry’s economic potential ahead of the country’s federal election on May 21.
“The industry has been adaptive through the COVID-19 crisis and stands ready to continue leading domestic tourism and automotive manufacturing as Australia recovers,” reads a statement by Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Association, said there is no better time for the government to be looking for strategic investments and sound policy agenda into traditional industries, which are looking to invest, develop, and pivot to the new economy.
“Caravan and camping in Australia is too often looked at as a comfort recreational activity, as opposed to an economic powerhouse which delivers across manufacturing, retailing, tourism, and affordable housing,” Lamont said.
The Association has put forward a four-point policy platform, aiming to generate “highly leveraged returns to the Australian recovery in employment, investment, and economic activity.”
The policy includes strengthening Australia’s sovereign manufacturing, supercharging Australian tourism for recovery; future proofing the caravan and camping industry; and improving road safety outcomes.
“Caravan and camping are enjoyed by all—rich, poor, young, old and offers social and health benefits on top of the economic return through employment and visitor expenditure,” Lamont said.
“Caravanning retains a strong manufacturing base (despite broader automotive manufacturing largely moving off-shore), while also being the most popular accommodation choice in Australia for holidaying, and the most popular accommodation choice in regional Australia irrespective of the purpose of travel.”