This time last year, Australian RVers were optimistic about the post-Covid outlook. However, the latest surveying suggests a significant slump, with the share of respondents who think “The worst is still to come” increasing from 9% to 37%. This is reflected in the 27% of respondents who expect a return to normal life in 12 to 18 months, compared to 45% of respondents in last year's survey.
The research was conducted during a time where New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland were managing outbreaks and snap lockdowns. While older people feel more positive, 84% of all people surveyed feel their life is on hold due to the pandemic. The majority (70%) feel Australia is heading in the right direction and is less impacted than other countries (74%).
Most consumers report dreaming of or planning a trip in their RV, with 90% hoping to travel in the next 6 months. Encouragingly, 92% of respondents are excited by the prospect of travelling around Australia. Importantly, 60% agree travel in Australia is good value (however, compared to overseas travel, less than half (47%) feel travel in Australia is better value for money).
A total of 76% of respondents feel it is (covid) safe to travel within Australia and this is reflected in high levels of comfort they have with self-contained travel modes such as RVing and camping, drive tourism and staying in regional destinations.
Overall, while many Australians are doing it tough right now, RVing and camping is acting as a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of holidays. It’s important the industry continues to encourage Australians to dream and plan their next RV holiday to ensure it stays in their top-of-mind awareness. The report is available to download here.