The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) and the Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) will support and promote the Aussie manufacturers that contribute to the nation’s caravanning and camping industry as part of a new partnership announced on Tuesday.
AMCL Chief Executive, Ben Lazzaro, said the Australian Made Campaign is looking forward to working with CIAA to further strengthen the important contribution the industry makes to the Australian economy and local communities.
“It’s wonderful to see the Australian Made logo paired with the CIAA. Caravanning and camping are quintessential Australian pastimes which are underpinned by an extensive network of businesses, including some of Australia’s most impressive manufacturers,” Mr Lazzaro stated.
“This industry produces some of the highest quality products and employs thousands of Australians, so it’s important we support it and help it continue to thrive.”
CIAA, the peak national body for the Australian caravanning and camping industry, represents more than 3,500 businesses across the entire supply chain; from suppliers to manufacturers, to retailers, repairers and accommodation providers.
According to its estimates, the caravan and camping industry generates more than $20 billion worth of economic activity annually, the bulk of which is spent in regional Australia.
“The Australian caravan manufacturing industry is steeped in history and continues to prosper despite strong international competition when other automotive manufacturing in Australia is falling away,” CIAA CEO, Stuart Lamont, said.
“The Aussie supply chain employs Australians and generate nearly $1 billion in wages alone, annually employing over 20,000 Australians. Caravans, campers and motorhomes are carefully crafted and carry with them the hard work and dreams of many Australians.
“The local manufacturing industry designs and manufactures these products for the harsh conditions that Australians like to put their products through, and Australian consumers deserve to better understand that a strong local Australian manufacturing industry exists, and where their RV products come from.”
Australian Made caravan manufacturers include Hilltop Caravans, Jayco Caravans, Lotus Caravans, New Age Caravans, On The Move Caravans, and Traveller Caravans.
Mr Lamont said recent data released by Austrade showed that in 2018 there were nearly 12 million caravanning and camping trips taken by Australian holiday-makers, accounting for 54.8 million nights in caravan and camping style accommodation, up 9% from the previous year.
“This important source of capital supports local regions and brings vital new money into local communities, if the caravanning and camping industry in Australia were to decline, this significant contribution would be under risk,” he concluded.
