Camplify, Australia’s largest caravan and motorhome sharing community, has released a research report showing that the caravan and campervan industry is booming. As Christmas approaches, the report reveals that holidaymakers are embracing ‘vanlife’ with Camplify expecting close to 65,000 Aussies to celebrate the festive break in a local’s caravan/campervan.
Neighbourhood van owners are also reaping the rewards of the sharing economy, with many set to earn between $5,000 and $15,000 across the summer months alone.
Camplify reported its biggest month ever in August 2020, with 7 September receiving the biggest number of bookings in the company’s history, securing over $200,000 in hire income for van owners in just one day.
The continued surge in September saw the demand for caravanning and camping trips increase by 91.7% YOY. In addition, September saw Camplify reach its milestone of helping holidaymakers enjoy over one million nights under the stars, since its inception in 2015. With a record-breaking 14 million caravan trips taken by Aussies last year, and caravan sales spiking around 30 per cent – growth is set to continue for the industry as a whole*.
“The record-breaking success we have seen in August and September this year is a true testament to Australians’ hunger for travel in their own backyard. Camping is a great way for families to spend the summer break whilst staying safe, and last year contributed $8 billion to the local tourism economy. Our offering of self-contained caravans and campervans provide socially distanced holidays, perfect for all Australians in 2020 and beyond, said Camplify Founder and CEO Justin Hales.
“We’re seeing such high numbers of bookings for caravanning holidays that many of the small family van hiring businesses on our platform are expanding their fleets simply to keep up with the demand. It’s clear there’s never been a better time for Aussies to embrace the van sharing economy for holidaymakers and van owners alike.”
As the nation embraces a road trip renaissance, campsites have also become highly sought-after, with NRMA Parks & Resorts reporting a 38% increase in online bookings. Based on demand, both companies recommend that for Aussies eager to take a break in 2020, the best chance of securing a van and campsite is between 1 November and 24 December..
West Australians have been taking advantage of the mild winter and spring to book last-minute getaways and planning summer trips resulting in a 170.5% YOY increase in August bookings. This was followed by Queenslanders at 115.2% and New South Wales at 81.8% YOY reservations in August.
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*CIAA State of Industry 2020 report
IMAGE: Camplify
