Conference wrap: Record attendance, big ideas, and a bright outlook for caravan industry

Following an unforgettable gala under a sky full of glowing drones, the 2025 Caravan Industry National Conference wrapped up after three action-packed days of connection, celebration, and challenge. Hosted once again at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, the conference drew more than 1000 delegates and 120 exhibitors—reaffirming its place as the premier event for Australia’s caravan and camping sector.

From tee-off to trade talks, the week was a seamless blend of business and pleasure. Day one began on the green, followed by a buzzing afternoon expo launch and a warm welcome from Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) Chairperson Donna Cocking.

This was Donna’s first conference as Chair, having stepped into the role following the departure of former Chair Grant Wilckens. A passionate regional tourism operator and Director of Experience Holiday Parks, Donna brings extensive industry experience and a deep commitment to accreditation, training, and regional advocacy. She is a Life Member of the Caravan Industry Association of Western Australia and has served on both state and national boards for over eight years, including terms as Deputy Chair and President.

In her opening remarks, Donna acknowledged her predecessor, saying:

“I thank Grant for his leadership over the last decade. I’ve been honoured to learn from and share this journey with him.”

Her message for the caravan industry was clear—while there are challenges ahead, the future of caravanning and camping in Australia is bright, and strong leadership will help steer the industry through change and growth.

As tradition dictates, the evening came alive with a mountain of oysters, vibrant networking, and a little karaoke magic to kick things off in true industry style.

The following morning, delegates gathered early for the annual Research Breakfast, led by CIAA’s General Manager of Research and Insights, Peter Clay. It marked the release of the highly anticipated 10th Caravan and Camping State of Industry Report—a milestone edition packed with powerful insights and ten years of sector data.

Described by Peter as the most comprehensive real-time dataset in the industry, the report spans tourism, manufacturing, and retail. He stressed that it’s not only valuable for the Association but a vital tool for operators making strategic decisions.

Among the report’s key takeaways:

• Australians took 15.2 million domestic caravan and camping trips in the past year, generating 57.1 million nights and $10.6 billion in visitor expenditure—demonstrating remarkable resilience despite a challenging economic climate.

• Travellers aged 30 to 54 accounted for nearly half of all trips, with 91 percent of stays occurring in regional areas.

• While the over-55s market showed a slight dip, likely due to cautious spending, occupancy rates remained healthy—60 percent for cabins, 49 percent for powered sites, and 20 percent for unpowered.

• Encouragingly, 69 percent of Australians plan to travel within the next 12 months, and cost-of-living pressures are easing, pointing to a potential rebound in bookings.

• International travel is also trending upwards, with notable growth in UK visitors, driven by visa changes and a rise in working holidaymakers—creating new opportunities for parks and short-term stays.

• The total value of the sector—including tourism, manufacturing, and trade—now sits at $27.1 billion.

Read more about the report HERE

CIAA CEO Stuart Lamont reflected on the sector’s growth, noting a 38 percent increase in trips since 2014.

“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,” he said.

Peter Clay echoed this, adding:

“While challenges remain, the industry continues to evolve and innovate—positioning it well to meet changing market demands.”

The report set a confident tone for the days ahead, celebrating resilience while looking to fresh opportunities for growth.

The trade exhibition delighted delegates with hands-on displays and colourful activations, including donut walls, tarot readings, a beauty bar, barbers, and the very popular Slush Happy stand, which won the Best Trade Stand award.

The popular Trade Passport Program returned, encouraging engagement across the 120 stalls with $15,000 in prizes on offer.

Conference speakers delivered both inspiration and insight. Toby O’Rourke, President and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, shared trends from the North American market, highlighting the rising demand for sustainability and accessible travel.

Andrew Morello energised the room with his call to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. And legendary jockey Damien Oliver had everyone enthralled with stories of triumph, discipline, and a royal meeting with Queen Elizabeth II. Nine lucky delegates even joined him for a private lunch following his presentation.

After a full day of learning, attendees let their hair down at a carnival-themed dinner with fantastic food and entertainment, creating a relaxed space to reconnect and recharge.

Day three opened with the Investment Breakfast, where Australian Retirement Trust’s Brian Parker delivered a compelling global economic update laced with humour and sharp insight.

The final main stage session closed the event on an emotional and empowering note. Consumer trends expert Amanda Stevens explored how businesses can win hearts and stand out in competitive markets, while Paralympic gold medallist Curtis McGrath shared his remarkable story of resilience and transformation—from injured soldier to elite athlete.

Reflecting on the week, CIAA CEO Stuart Lamont said:

“The energy, innovation, and business growth opportunities on display at the conference were unmatched. Change is afoot in our industry. To stay competitive, we must embrace technology, raise standards, and unlock new efficiencies. Judging by the passion and ingenuity shown, our industry won’t just adapt—we’ll thrive.”

And thrive it did. The gala dinner on Friday night capped off the event with heartfelt recognition and show-stopping spectacle. From a drone show that lit up the Gold Coast sky with dancing campfires and caravans, to award presentations honouring both legends and rising stars, the evening perfectly captured the spirit of the community.

Missed the awards?

Catch the full list of winners and highlights from the 2025 Industry Awards Gala HERE.

As the dust settles and engines cool, the message from this year’s event is clear: this industry is moving forward—and it’s bringing everyone along for the ride. Stuart Lamont added: “Thanks for attending and we look forward to seeing you again in 2026.”