Cabins, campers, and confidence: CIAA unveils 10th Industry Report
BREAKING: Caravan Industry Association of Australia National Conference opens with powerful insights: 10th State of Industry Report released.
The 2025 Caravan Industry National Conference is underway on the Gold Coast, with operators, suppliers, and leaders from across the sector gathering to reflect, connect, and shape the future of the industry.
Kicking off the event, Peter Clay, General Manager of Research and Insights at Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), officially released the 10th Caravan and Camping State of the Industry Report. This much-anticipated milestone edition delivers an impressive overview of the sector’s current state and its significant growth over the past decade.
Mr Clay described the report as the most comprehensive real-time data set in the industry, spanning tourism, manufacturing, and retail. “It’s not just valuable for the Association,” he said, “it’s a vital tool for operators making informed, strategic decisions.”
Resilience in a shifting landscape
Despite economic uncertainty, political change, global conflict and extreme weather events across Australia, the caravan and camping sector has proven remarkably resilient.
The report revealed that Australians took 15.2 million domestic caravan and camping trips in the past year (down just 0.8 percent), resulting in 57.1 million nights (a six percent decline) and generating $10.6 billion in visitor expenditure.
Australians aged 30 to 54 made up 46 percent of all trips and 42 percent of nights. Regional areas hosted 91 percent of these trips, reinforcing their critical role in the domestic visitor economy.
The over-55s travel market—typically characterised by longer stays—showed a marginal decline this year, likely reflecting cautious spending among retirees.
Cabins recorded 60 percent occupancy, powered sites reached 49 percent, and unpowered sites came in at 20 percent.
Cost of living pressures easing
While cost of living concerns had a significant impact during the first half of 2024, the outlook is improving. Mr Clay said this shift should help restore consumer confidence and encourage future travel planning.
In fact, 69 percent of Australians intend to travel within the next 12 months, suggesting a strong appetite for getaways despite shifting household spending priorities.
A changing international picture
Although international inbound travel has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, the signs are positive.
The report highlighted notable growth in UK visitor numbers, aligning with recent visa changes and an influx of working holidaymakers. This presents a valuable opportunity for parks and short-term rentals looking to cater to this growing segment.
A $27.1 billion sector, and growing
The report confirms the industry’s total value, incorporating manufacturing, trade, and tourism spend, now sits at $27.1 billion.
CIAA CEO Stuart Lamont reflected on the past decade of growth, noting that in 2014, the industry recorded 11 million overnight trips. “Today, our 15.2 million trips represent a 38 percent increase in visitation. That’s a remarkable achievement.”
He added, “This 10th edition not only provides a snapshot of where we stand but highlights the incredible potential ahead. There is every reason to face the future with optimism and confidence.”
Peter Clay echoed this sentiment, noting the sector’s proven ability to adapt. “While challenges remain, the industry continues to evolve and innovate—positioning it well to meet changing market demands.”
As the conference continues, this latest report sets a confident tone, celebrating the sector’s resilience while looking ahead to fresh opportunities for growth.
Mandy has over two decades of experience in accommodation and tourism industry writing, and she is also an accomplished editor and publisher. As co-Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd, a trusted B2B content provider for the accommodation and education sectors in Australia and New Zealand, she oversees high-quality print and digital content across notable publications, including AccomNews, Resort News, and School News, along with the property listing platform AccomProperties. Mandy’s contributions have been recognised with the Female Leader Award at the Best of Tourism 2023 and the ARAMA Life Member Award in 2024.