Record tourism demand strengthens call for 40-year crown land leases

Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria (CRPVic) has called on all parties contesting the Victorian election to support Crown land tourist park leases of up to 40 years, giving operators the confidence to invest as caravan and camping visitation reaches record levels.

Victoria recently recorded 13.1 million domestic caravan and camping visitor nights, 4.7 million overnight trips and $2.95 billion in visitor expenditure in the year ending June 2026.

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CRPVic Chief Executive Officer Scott Parker said the results highlighted an industry delivering for regional Victoria, with investment settings needing to keep pace with demand.

“Victoria’s record caravan and camping visitation is a success story for our tourist park operators and the communities they support. Tourist parks provide 50 per cent of regional Victoria’s holiday accommodation, making their continued investment and growth essential to the regional visitor economy,” Mr Parker said.

“But growing demand brings a clear responsibility to plan ahead. We need the accommodation, facilities and infrastructure to welcome those visitors and keep them coming back.”

Through its 2026 Victorian Election Charter, CRPVic is seeking lease terms of up to 40 years where appropriate to support significant private investment in Crown land tourist parks.

Related AccomNews story: Victoria’s best tourist and residential parks crowned at 2026 CRPVic Awards

Mr Parker said longer leases would help operators plan and finance improvements, including new cabins, upgraded amenities, accessible facilities and essential infrastructure.

“Longer leases would give operators greater confidence to invest their own money for public land benefits, create better holiday experiences and meet the capacity of future demand.”

The Election Charter also calls for earlier and more transparent lease renewals, direct negotiation with established operators where appropriate and identification of suitable vacant Crown land for new tourist parks.

CRPVic General Manager for Tourist Parks, Gary Anderton said Crown land tourist parks give families access to some of Victoria’s most valued coastal, riverfront and regional destinations.

“Protecting their tourism role and supporting their renewal is an investment in the communities around them,” Mr Anderton said.

“When visitors stay at a park, they also spend at local shops, cafes, attractions and other businesses. The benefits reach well beyond the park gate.”

“We are asking every party to back a practical reform that helps private investment flow into regional Victoria, create local jobs and drive regional economies,” Mr Anderton said.

“The demand is here. Our industry is ready to invest. The next Victorian Government has an opportunity to ensure our tourist parks can keep pace.”