With the recreational vehicle (RV) tourism industry on the rise – growing at about 17 per cent between 2003 and 2008, or an average 3.2pc annually – communities across the State are taking steps to maximise exposure to this market through the Recreational Vehicle Friendly Town program.
The program was developed by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), which estimates RV tourists spend an average of $500 per vehicle a week, and the club is now working with communities across the country to promote it.
More than 100 towns are now participating in the program, which involves adopting signage and other information to indicate levels of facilities for RV tourists.
CMCA member benefits manager, Phillip Berry, said the program was designed to boost regional tourism.
“The RV Friendly Town (RVFT) program not only benefits RV tourists, but also the participating towns and their communities,” he said.
“These tourists spend an average of $500 per week, and it’s important for towns to find ways to attract them, lengthen their stay and encourage repeat visits.”
Mr Berry said research had shown RV tourists – both domestic and international – were more likely to visit regional Australia than other travellers.
“Becoming an RVFT is an effective way to tap into this market and it’s encouraging to see more than 100 towns have now recognised the multiple benefits of participating,” Mr Berry said.
He said towns taking part in the program must provide short- and longer-term rest areas with access to a dump point, 24-hour medical services, a pharmacy, RV parking next to a retail area and potable water.
Leeton, in the Riverina, joined the program in 2009 and became an RVFT to try and widen its appeal to tourists.
Leeton Shire Council tourism co-ordinator, Brent Lawrence, hopes it will have economic benefits.
Involvement in the RV-friendly program was an initiative of the local tourism committee and chamber of commerce at the start of 2009.
“The grey nomad market niche is an ever-increasing group which continues to stimulate local economies through a range of activities, including purchasing of groceries, retail clothing shopping and attraction-based visitation,” Mr Lawrence said.
“With the RV people, they’re fully self-sufficient and they might not be staying at accommodation, but they do spend money in the town.
“We just decided to get involved to see what sort of stimulation it would give our community.”
RV-friendly signs were installed last month and already seem to be working.
“There’s been a genuine increase (in visitors),” Mr Lawrence said.
Scone joined the program at the end of last year and Upper Hunter Shire tourism manager, Belinda McKenzie, said it complemented existing infrastructure in the town to support the tourism market.
“We thought it was something we could offer RV drivers,” she said.
“We generally see them out of school holiday times.”
Ms McKenzie said the number of RV travellers was on the rise and it was hoped the program would support the town economically.
“There’s been a marked increase in the past two or three years,” she said.
“There seems to be great support from businesses.”
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