2026 Caravan Industry National Conference Breaks Attendance Records
Key Highlights and Insights from the Largest Gathering in the Caravan Sector
1
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The 2026 Caravan Industry National Conference, held on the Gold Coast, has set a new benchmark with over 1,150 delegates and 140 exhibitors in attendance.
This record turnout underscores the robust growth and optimism within Australia's caravan and camping sector.
Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, addressed the conference, emphasizing the industry's resilience amid economic challenges. He highlighted the importance of embracing new technologies and meeting evolving customer expectations to maintain competitiveness.
A significant highlight of the conference was the release of the 'Caravan and Camping State of Industry 2026' report. The report revealed that caravan parks generated a record $3.3 billion in revenue nationally, driven by increased occupancy rates and sustained demand for domestic travel. Notably, domestic caravan and camping tourism accounted for 17.3 million overnight trips and $12.6 billion in visitor expenditure, with regional Australia hosting 87% of these trips.
The report also noted a shift towards shorter, local holidays, reflecting travelers' desire for value amid economic pressures. The 30-54 age group emerged as the largest travel segment, contributing 43% of trips, while those aged 55 and over accounted for over 40% of visitor nights.
For industry stakeholders, the conference provided valuable insights into market trends and strategies for future growth. The emphasis on innovation and adaptability positions the caravan and camping sector to continue thriving in the evolving tourism landscape.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are demonstrating a notable shift in their financing strategies, moving from survival-focused borrowing to growth-oriented loan applications. Data from OnDeck Australia indicates a 42% year-on-year increase in loan applications during the December quarter of 2025, with a significant portion of these applications aimed at business expansion. - read more
Pallas Capital has recently introduced a substantial $380 million loan facility aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. This initiative is backed by one of the country's major banks, underscoring the growing collaboration between non-bank lenders and traditional financial institutions to meet the diverse financing needs of SMEs. - read more
Recent data from Equifax's Business Market Pulse for Q1 2026 reveals a significant shift in borrowing behavior among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those classified as high-risk. While overall business credit demand has remained relatively stable, subprime SMEs are increasingly approaching multiple lenders in search of financing solutions. - read more
In the first quarter of 2026, Australians have borrowed a record $5.1 billion in personal loans, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This significant increase is largely attributed to escalating living costs, prompting many to seek additional financial support. - read more
The Federal Court has imposed a $7 million fine on Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions for operating an illegal payday lending scheme that breached Australian credit laws. Each company was fined $3 million, with their respective directors, Mark Swanepoel and Brenton Harrison, receiving individual fines of $500,000. - read more
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.