Camping industry gets creative during corona-crisis
Camp in your backyard and spread the joy worldwide, this is the Easter message from Australia’s caravan and camping industry. Should Accom managers follow their lead and send out a more positive and inspired message?
The ‘Camp at Home Heroes’ initiative has been introduced by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia to propose alternative camping options for Easter holidays that don’t breach government restrictions.
Families can stay home and recreate caravan or camping holidays in their backyards! It might seem counter-intuitive but keeping families in the camping spirit could help the sector bounce back quickly once restrictions lift.
“Normally this time of year is when many Australian families would usually be packing up the camping gear and preparing to hit the road, with upwards of 300,000 Australians usually camping over the Easter Weekend,” said the association.
“This initiative is designed to allow Australians of all ages -families, couples, or simply mates at home- to engage in fun activities at home and share these experiences via social media to engage with families all over Australia while camping from their homes. If enough Australians get involved, maybe we can show the world how wonderful our country is and invite them to visit in the future!
“With over 711,000 registered camper trailers, campervans, caravans, motorhomes and other RVs registered in Australia, and most of them idle right now, we think this is a great opportunity to set up camp at home!”
Caravanning and camping holidays are not only an iconic Aussie pastime but also provide many physical and psychological benefits. In these challenging times, these benefits are more crucial than ever.
“Remaining positive and trying to continue some normality in our lives is more important than ever in these challenging times,” said Keelan Howard, General Manager Marketing & Communications at Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
“Camping offers so many benefits to our health both physically and mentally, and these benefits can still be enjoyed from your own home.”
Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s Real Richness Report examined the benefits of the caravan and camping lifestyle, and the results revealed a myriad of positive benefits:
- 95% of campers believe that camping reduces stress
- 93% of campers believe it brings families closer together
- 96% of campers believe camping can make you happier
For those who might also be home-schooling children at the moment or looking for educational opportunities, a backyard camping trip can also offer fantastic lessons for kids.
The Real Richness report found that 97% of campers believe camping allows children to learn about the environment, and 71% believe it improves children’s behaviour. Importantly even 69% of non-campers surveyed believe it teaches children important life skills.
To get involved, families are encouraged to visit the Let’s Go Caravan and Camping Facebook page for competitions and tips to camp at home and to share videos / images with the tag #holidayathome #campathomeheroes
In these times of social distancing, Camp at Home Heroes is designed for you enjoy with the people who live in your house only – make sure to follow Government regulations and don’t invite your friends or neighbours over!
For more information contact [email protected]
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