About the tourist park market.

The tourist park industry is responding to consumer preferences with caravan and holiday parks enhancing
the quality of accommodation and facilities provided. Consumers are also becoming more environmentally
conscious and support environment practices in parks. e.g. recycling, water conservation and energy usage. Where the industry typically catered for 'middle Australia' it is increasingly attracting a diverse group of clients.

Successful holiday and tourist parks have responded to consumer demands for better standards. Many have become destinations in themselves with the introduction of swimming pools, kids clubs, camp kitchens, jumping pillows, mini-golf, group entertainment, internet access, restaurants and shops. They also offer a range of accommodation options. The top end luxurious accommodation is now in high demand and
effectively competing with less appealing hotel and motel accommodation. There is now no such thing as a
typical park with parks now offering a combination of site and accommodation options.

Caravan and camping is emerging as an attractive holiday option for more markets due to:

• The feeling of 'community' and camaraderie which is not found in any other type of tourism
  accommodation
• Affordability
• The freedom of touring at your own pace
• Prime locations of parks
• Improved quality of facilities and accommodation
• Affordable accommodation allows for a longer holiday than otherwise possible

A major change in the caravan park industry over recent years has seen the general improvement in facilities, with a trend towards the provision of powered sites (including on-site vans) and cabins/villas, and a decline in unpowered sites, part of which have been used in the upgrading