The latest data shows that Australian seniors are hitting the road more than ever before, with grey nomads representing a significant economic opportunity for regional businesses eager to expand.
As retirees explore the perks of caravanning travel, even living on the go, Queensland’s regional areas are experiencing a surge in traffic. More tourists are placing pressure on existing infrastructure. This provides business owners with a fresh chance to grow and thrive.
Senior explorers are spending big and injecting cash into areas that need the boost most. So, how can business owners take advantage of the trend and set up shop to maximise return?
The Growing Caravan Travel Trend
Since the 2020 pandemic, the Australian caravan industry has experienced a significant surge in both traffic levels and visitor expenditure. More people are taking advantage of our nation’s stunning natural landscapes and unique tourist offerings, without the added cost and trouble of international airfares.
Increasingly, retirees are turning to caravanning as a popular alternative to more expensive holiday choices, like cruises and Euro tours. These senior travellers have funds to spend and ample time to explore, allowing them to take the scenic route and discover the oft-forgotten wonders of regional Australia.
According to a 2019 report, almost 50 per cent of campers are aged 50 or over, and a quarter of these are classed as retirees or pensioners.
A Rise in Grey Nomads on the Road
For regional businesses, grey nomads are a growing and lucrative market. These travellers are often keen to extend their stay, and they’re looking for well-situated caravan parks and grounds that can offer them the amenities they need.
Grey nomads may even be the key to repeat business. As travellers circle through interesting and appealing destinations, they are often loyal to the shops, campsites, and other amenities that have served them well in the past. This helps businesses improve their appeal and easily establish a return customer base.
Benefits for Queensland’s Regional Businesses
Grey nomads caravanning in Queensland are giving remote providers a much-needed financial boost, with no signs of tourism letting up any time soon.
As motivated senior caravanners continue to explore what lies beyond the capital cities, many businesses are viewing the surge as a cue to develop new infrastructure. Increasingly, regional tourism businesses are expanding their offerings for visitors, from renovating caravan parks to improving local infrastructure and even building new tourist attractions.
Already, the results are tangible. According to recent research by Tourism Research Australia, regional tourism grew in 97% of regional areas in the 2022 to 2023 financial year. In the Whitsundays alone, the tourism dollar accounted for 12 per cent of the local economy and 22 per cent of all local jobs.
As regional tourism grows in response to the emerging grey nomad lifestyle, regional economies can plan for growth that increases funds and helps new business developments.
Attracting the Grey Nomad Tourist Dollar
Businesses eager to capitalise on the grey nomad upswing in tourist activity can play a direct role in supporting the sector’s ongoing growth. By improving services and responding to increasing demand, they’re giving tourists more reasons to holiday at home in Australia. Businesses can also adopt specific campaigns and inclusions designed to serve a grey-nomad market, from senior-friendly public amenities to special offers for pensioners visiting the regions.
Australia’s ageing population is en route to retirement. As more people reach the end of their working lives, regional providers can expect these folks to explore the benefits of frequent caravan getaways or a grey-nomad approach to permanent accommodation, especially where infrastructure has been built to support the trend.
What’s Next for Caravan Tourism?
From caravanning in Townsville to exploring the wonders of Cape York, there’s no shortage of uniquely Australian landscapes to experience. Caravan stores across the country are proudly catering to higher demand rates, offering large campers and compact pop-top caravans so that adventurers from all backgrounds and budgets can hit the road.
