Economic Downturn-Effect on the Leisure Industry

Interesting Jim. Reflects some of what I've heard and I think also there is logic to it. I hope it also means outback communities and icons such as Pink Roadhouse, Birdsville Pub continue to be supported as these contribute to the great experiences we have out bush. cheers

Hi Jim, I think in many cases those that have most of the items required to get away from it all, will. As long as the fuel prices stay low. Those who are still building up their collection of goodies will, as money and need see fit. People are always going to sell because they no longer require said items and there is always going to be those people that will snap them up. That's how the worlds merry go round works. The wish list just takes longer and the desire to have, eats away more. but it still happens and life goes on.
cheers shane.

When last I enquired, a well-known maker of CTs had a 14 week order list.

Maybe prospective van owners downscaling.

Jim,

Up until December 28th last year bookings for this years trips were slow. Then as if a tap was turned on bookings were coming in thick and fast.

The 3 trips that I have already done this year in the Vic High Country were better than average for vehicles attending.

We did postpone the trip, again in the VHC, that was planned for this week. I will now do two trips back to back in early March.

Even the Canning Stock Route, has only one position left and there have been good inquires for all the other out back trips and driver training.

Wayne.

Hhhhmmmmm,,,,,

Thinly disguised self promotion.....

The way to cut costs-------Avoid caravan parks and go bush where ever possible.It's amazing what you can find down that track that heads off into the bush.Too many people sit in the van parks week after week and wonder why their trip costs so much.

For many years I bought with my heart instead of my head, which in the end, wasted a small fortune.

With the economic down turn I now buy what I need rather than what I want and am now showing a small surplus in the bank account.

Wish I'd figured that one out years ago....lol.


Cheers.......Lionel.

G'day Jim

The situation and the stories seem to be still a bit mixed regarding what is going on and what is likely to go on.

As self-funded retirees we have taken a 30% drop in super capital.
If you were in the category of self-funded (or indeed any) retiree contemplating an intial outlay on towing vehicle + caravan or campertrailer, then surely you would have to look at all the costs of the next 10 years travelling vs, what your travelling options might be.

I'm not talking about folks who've had caravans for ages, or those who know a good used van opportunity when they see it, but those wanting to buy new. If you do the cost sums in detail (annual operating costs, fuel, accommodation, meals, possible towing vehicle replacement, entry fees etc) the result is surprising.

There are so many 'ifs' and 'buts' in such a cost analysis and folks have got to do it for themselves, but my guess is that the retailers rely on folks following the travelling-on-the-road dream, and not taking a hard-nosed look at the costs. At the end of the day it's personal choice and lifestyle, but it does cost, and those who fork out years of hard-earned on retirement must be a significant market sector.

At the moment there seems to me to be a lot of talking up coming from the caravan and recreational vehicle industry, and not much talk about just how folks should go about looking at costs over the long term.

Cheers
John

The perception of what people call holiday value is quite amusing sometimes,
We live in Broome and the number of locals who go to Bali annually is staggering. When you ask why they choose Bali the answer is always because you can just laze on a beach, enjoy massages and enjoy the restaurants. My answer is what is that sandy thing over the dunes with the blue water around it? What is all the spas around the cable Beach Precinct offering and where is the smell of cooking coming from?
We did a comparison of 2 adults staying home in Broome and doing the Bali thing and it worked out to be half the price to actually leaving the country. Except you dont have dreadlocks, gastro and a suitcase full of dodgy DVDs which you never have time to watch as you are too busy paying off the credit card! I then show pictures of my family on top of Uluru, Mt Augustus, etc and ask them if they have ever been there? No its too expensive and hard is the answer!!!

On the bush camping theme I sometimes question the value in some cases:
1) The legal distance that a bush camp is allowed to be near a town is normally 16kms? How much fuel do you use travelling to that town to enjoy its attractions?
2) What is the cost of running that genset? or how much did it cost for that flash solar battery setup? For the average tourer the cost to stay in a van park is not that much different to the above costs and convenience.

I dont mean to offend people but I just want to hear the justification for the average traveller.

It seems to me that the idea of Bush Camping to save on costs maybe flawed in some cases.

Personally I prefer and love bush camping. I usually get by just fine without caravan parks but there are times when they are the right option for me. For example if a free camp for just an overnight stay is taking me many miles out my way, then I do a bit of cost exercise that looks at fuel and vehicle wear & tear. Often the park is the better option. Besides which we have made some pretty good discoveries with paid places. Some are gems.

Then of course there's the other problem of trying to bush camp within reasonable striking distance of a major city. Sydney....forget it. 'Pay the fee & enjoy the convenience' is my advice.

Speaking as someone semi retired, we are definitely planning for more camping holidays in Australia and way less overseas travel. Our dollars will go to the industries that support what we plan to do such as 4x4 training, rec vehicles, camper trailers, tag along tours, etc, etc and the communities that we visit along the track.

The global downturn hasnt hit us yet . You are right though . A lot of people will downsize there new lcd tv or just buy a cheaper one and the same goes for other goods and services as well .

Talking to a friend living in Cairns, he says backpackers and Japanes tourists are staying away in droves.