Record attendance and industry optimism headline Caravan Industry National Conference 2026

The 2026 Caravan Industry National Conference wrapped up on the Gold Coast last week with record attendance, major industry discussions, fresh market insights and the presentation of the sector’s most prestigious awards during the annual Gala Dinner.

More than 1,150 delegates and 140 exhibitors attended the national event, reinforcing the conference’s position as one of the caravan and camping industry’s leading business and networking platforms.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said the event came at a pivotal time for the sector as operators navigate rising customer expectations, productivity challenges, and changing technologies.

“As we’ve heard over the past few days, there are headwinds facing our industry,” Lamont said.

“To stay competitive, businesses must embrace new technologies, meet rising customer expectations and unlock productivity gains.

“The passion and ingenuity shown over the past three days shows our industry won’t just meet these challenges – it will turn them into opportunities for growth.”

The conference also marked the release of the Caravan and Camping State of Industry 2026 report, providing new insights into visitor trends, caravan park performance, RV manufacturing, and traveller behaviour across Australia.

Now in its 11th edition, the report highlighted another resilient year for the sector despite cost-of-living pressures, cautious consumer spending, and increased competition from international travel.

The newly released report painted a positive picture for park operators, with caravan parks generating a record $3.3 billion in revenue nationally, supported by stronger occupancy rates, rising yields, and continued demand for domestic travel.

Domestic caravan and camping tourism remained strong throughout 2025, generating 17.3 million overnight trips, 57.9 million visitor nights, and $12.6 billion in visitor expenditure. Regional Australia continued to dominate, accounting for 87 percent of all caravan and camping trips.

The report also found travellers are increasingly prioritising shorter, closer-to-home holidays as they seek value amid ongoing economic pressures. The 30–54 age group remained the largest travel segment, contributing 43 percent of trips, while travellers aged 55 and over accounted for more than 40 percent of visitor nights.

For operators, occupancy growth remained one of the strongest indicators of performance, with cabins reaching almost 70 percent occupancy nationally, powered sites climbing to 58 percent, and unpowered sites recording significant growth.

RV registrations also continued to rise nationally, growing four percent to 937,701 vehicles, reinforcing long-term demand for caravan and camping infrastructure, accommodation, and services.

Industry Challenges

At the same time, the report noted several challenges facing the sector moving forward.

Increased outbound international travel created additional competitive pressure on some domestic tourism markets, particularly in the northern parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Far North Queensland.

The report also pointed to rising fuel prices, global economic uncertainty, supply chain pressures, and higher operating costs as ongoing concerns for operators, manufacturers, and suppliers across the industry.

However, the report suggested those same economic conditions could also strengthen demand for domestic travel, with caravan and camping continuing to offer Australians a flexible and value-driven holiday option.

Gala Dinner

The conference Gala Dinner, themed as a Masquerade Ball, celebrated leaders, innovators, and businesses making significant contributions to the caravan and camping sector through the annual Caravan Industry Awards.

The industry’s highest honour, the Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence, was presented to BDO South Australia in recognition of more than 15 years of leadership and expertise supporting the industry’s research, data, and analytical maturity.

The Richard Davis OAM Award was presented to Bill Thiel for his contribution to gas regulation, industry education, and compliance programs including RVMAP and RV Gas Ready.

Jason Filippini received the Gerry Ryan AO Award for Innovation for developing a subterranean battery system designed to help caravan holiday parks reduce energy costs, improve infrastructure efficiency, and operate with greater flexibility.

Chairperson’s Awards were presented by CIAA Chair, Donna Cocking to Martin Banham, David McIvor, and Andreas Bischof for their outstanding contributions to the industry’s advancement.

The THL Industry Leadership Award (Under 40) went to Erin Stevenson of Storable (Newbook), recognising her role in helping transform the business from a start-up into a leading hospitality management platform over the past 13 years.

Alannah Hein received the inaugural THL Rising Star Award for her contribution to fostering a collaborative and supportive industry culture through her work with SA Parks Association and Revenue Creatures. Special mentions were also given to runners-up Matilda Coles and Matthew McDonald.

The Ultimate Business Systems – RV Salesperson of the Year Award was presented to Wayne Chevis of Market Direct Group – MDC Campers and Caravans, recognising his professionalism, customer service standards, and staff training initiatives.

The Christie Barbecues Community Engagement Award went to the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland for its VanSafe Program, recognised for improving road safety awareness and strengthening public trust in the industry.

The People’s Choice Caravan Park of the Year Awards, presented by ReviewPro Reputation, recognised:

• Gold: Mandalay Resort and Tourist Park
• Silver: Stansbury Foreshore Caravan Park
• Bronze: Ocean Beach Tourist Park
• Blue (Most Improved): Tasman Holiday Parks – Kioloa Beach
  

  

Meanwhile, the RVMAP People’s Choice Manufacturer of the Year Awards, sponsored by DLL, went to:

• Gold: Concept Group
• Silver: Millard Caravans
• Bronze: Hilltop Caravans
• Gold Motorised: Avida Motorhomes

Read about last year’s event: The Caravan Industry National Conference 2025 HERE

Beyond the awards program and trade show, the conference featured keynote presentations, networking events, supplier showcases, and discussions focused on the future of the sector.

AI and automation also emerged as recurring themes throughout the trade show and exhibitor discussions, reflecting the growing role technology is playing across the accommodation and holiday park sectors.

Exhibitors and suppliers also highlighted the value of the event in strengthening industry relationships and connecting directly with operators and decision-makers.

Exhibitor, Jurgen Ortelee, Managing Director APAC at IDeaS Revenue Solutions, said the conference continued to play an important role in bringing the sector together.

“More than just being present, this event is about reconnecting with the people who make the holiday park industry so dynamic,” he said.

“Each year, it brings together operators, partners, and industry leaders for the main event on the holiday park calendar — a place where conversations flow, ideas are shared, and relationships are strengthened. With a lively atmosphere and strong sense of community, it continues to be a highlight of the year for the industry.”

Ortelee said the conference had also helped strengthen IDeaS Revenue Solutions’ position within the holiday park sector.

Andy Collins from RoomPriceGenie said the event continued to provide valuable opportunities to connect with operators and discuss the future direction of the sector.

“It is always great to connect with operators, park owners, and industry members from across the country,” Collins said.

“There was plenty of positive discussion around where we are now and the future of the holiday park space.

“We had a lot of interest in our solution now that RoomPriceGenie’s Revenue Intelligence is embedded directly into the PMS, making it even easier for parks to optimise pricing, increase revenue, and reduce manual workload. We’re looking forward to next year.”

RoomPriceGenie’s Lacey Jarvis said this year’s event also highlighted the growing recognition of brands continuing to invest in the holiday park sector.

“As it was our second year exhibiting, it was lovely to see how much our brand recognition has grown over the year, with many customers coming by to say hello and holiday park owners from across Australia recognising us this time around,” she said.

“We had many quality discussions and overall had a really positive experience. It’s one of my personal favourite events we exhibit at — thanks to the organisers for a wonderful event.”

Attendees also highlighted the strong industry support and optimism present throughout the event despite ongoing economic pressures.

Cameron Wicking from Mike Phipps Finance said the conference once again demonstrated the strength and resilience of the caravan and accommodation industry.

“This was another outstanding event, demonstrating once again the strength of support within our accommodation industry,” he said.

“It was particularly encouraging to see such a strong turnout this year, especially given the challenging weather and economic conditions we are currently navigating. The mood among exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many proudly showcasing the results of their continued investment in Australia’s caravan industry.

“I was especially struck by the growing presence of AI throughout the event — something I am increasingly seeing across all sectors of the accommodation industry.”

Australian Retirement Trust’s Brian Parker delivered the Investment Breakfast keynote, covering global economic conditions, productivity, superannuation, and market pressures affecting Australian businesses.

The final Main Stage session featured Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus OAM, marketer Brent Smart, and BDO’s Stan Gallo, who shared insights on leadership, growth, creativity, and business resilience.

Best Trade Stand Awards were presented to ISCS, Redarc, and ParkPlay – Zoo Creative.

Missed the awards?

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