The 2011 Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow saw 60,348 hungry buyers come through the gate looking for the latest in caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and touring gear. Up almost two thousand visitors from last year, Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Victoria Executive Officer Peter Wright says it has been a fantastic result for the largest show of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
"The long weekend concept was just perfect," he says. "Spreading the crowd over three big days gave punters easier access to the venue and more time to spend with exhibitors. Balmy weather throughout definitely sent the right messages to potential buyers, getting them in the mood to be outdoors."
One thing that may have helped drive ticket sales was the great line-up of door prizes available. Jackie Seib went home with a Dream-Pot package, including a 6L and 3L pot valued at $470. Cheryl Loschiavo scored a Waeco CF-50AC 50L
fridge-freezer valued at $1,199. Janene Van Wyk won a Southern Cross Canvas Ultimate Deluxe Tent valued at $1,750.
But the biggest winner at this year's show was Amanda Herbert. She took home first prize, a Paramount Duet caravan including all on road costs, valued at $36,995. "This is very cool," Amanda said, "to win out of the thousands of people that came to the show."
"We came to the show to look for accessories for our Jayco and to check out what's new on the caravan market. We go to the Supershow every year, everything is here, it's a one-stop shop."
Amanda said she was hoping to take the new Paramount Duet to Bateman's Bay for the Easter holidays to break it in. "We absolutely love caravanning. We've been going since we were kids with our families. Caravanning gives you freedom, and you know what to expect when you get to your destination. Hotels can be hit and miss, and you don't have to wait at the airport for late planes. And if you break down, your accommodation is right behind you!"
As usual, the tourism and destination displays were in high demand, with many travellers keen on visiting outback destinations like Lake Eyre, Alice Springs and Uluru. Interest in larger caravans has waned slightly, the prevalence of smaller SUVs clearly impacting upon what people can, and want to tow on their holidays.
The motorhome and fifth wheeler villages were very popular, however, with scores of visitors streaming through and exhibitors attracting many leads to follow up including test drives and factory tours. Camper trailer and trayback exhibitors reported not just higher numbers of visitors through the gate, but many more than usual keen to buy rather than just kick tyres. Several recorded solid sales throughout the weekend across the budget spectrum.
And one of the largest growth areas in recent years, 4WD touring accessories, again proved very popular. Everyone intending to explore Oz is keen on aftermarket accessories for their vehicles, including driving lights, front and rear
bars, fridges, winches and storage solutions and heaps more.
"Overall this was a very successful show," says Peter Wright. "With the biggest range of RV products in Australia, aftermarket accessories and tourism information all in one place over a long weekend, it proved the determination of
more and more Australians to enjoy life and explore this country in style and comfort."
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