For the first time at the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow AL-KO introduced their Innovation Hub where exhibitors displayed some of the latest innovations in the industry.

Macca speaks to Rob Lucas from the Caravan Industry Victoria to find out all about it.

Caravan Industry Association Victoria Announces New Three-Year
Principal Partner for the Upcoming Victorian Caravan, Camping &
Touring Supershow 2019!

The Caravan Industry Association Victoria (CIA VIC) are extremely excited to announce a three-year partnership with Leisure-Tec, who distribute Truma, myCOOLMAN &a Milenco, for CIA Vic’s premier consumer event, the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow.

In 2019, there will be something for everyone from the young people who camp with friends on weekends, families who take short breaks and the senior adventurers who spend their time on the road in their caravan making memories.
With so many new improvements, it was essential to strengthen the existing partnerships while establishing new strategic partnerships that aligned with the new direction this event is taking and would add value to the overall outcome for all involved – Leisure-Tec is the type of established and innovative company that will do this!
Leisure-Tec has formed a new partnership with Truma and for 2019 Truma will be the recognised ‘Principal Partner’ for the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow.

With 70 years in 2019, Truma is one of the most trusted and valued companies in the European caravanning market. In order to further expand their presence into Australia and New Zealand, Truma has joined with Leisure-Tec to specifically service this market. The 2019 Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow is a key element to assist with increased brand awareness in these markets.

Paul Widdis, General Manager Leisure-Tec, commented ‘Leisure-Tec and Truma are proud to be working with the Caravan Industry Association Victoria as the principal partner of the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow for the next three years. As one of the most recognised and respected brands globally within the industry, we feel this partnership is a great union of industry leaders. Truma is excited to head into 2019 as it is a big year for the company marking our 70th anniversary and seeing us expand into new markets including the USA and APAC regions. As distributors of the Truma range, leading the way in innovation, Leisure-Tec has also created a full range of new, industry-leading myCOOLMAN portable fridges/freezers.’

The future direction of the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow is to be more innovative, engaging and provide a quality experience for all that attend – with this new partnership we can achieve this.
CIA VIC’s Chief Executive Officer, Rob Lucas, said ‘For the Association to continue to develop our events such as the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow it is essential to establish long- term partnerships with reputable companies that share our vision on where we are going – Leisure-Tec is one of these companies. Everyone at the Association are excited with this new partnership and look forward to working with the team at Leisure-Tec to further develop this event.’ ‘We have many new features in 2019 including: an ‘Innovation Hub’ that will showcase cutting edge recreational vehicle technology; the ‘Paw Patch’ tailored to the family pooch with exhibitors, Dr Katrina Warren talking pet travel tips and the Wonderdogs; the ‘Camp Ground’ with interactive demonstrations, food, activities and rest area – a communal meeting place just like a real camp ground; and much more…’
The Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow commences Wednesday 20 February until Monday 25 February 2019 at the Melbourne Showgrounds – discover more on all the new improvements or purchase tickets at caravanshow.com.au, then go make some memories…

At the Caravan Industry Association of Australia National Board meeting conducted earlier today, Mr Grant Wilckens, CEO of Discovery Parks was elected new Federal Chairman.

With a large financial investment in the industry spread nationally across almost all state and territories, Grant recognises the need for the industry to come together for future success to occur.

“There are many threats to the way we have conducted business in the past with the sharing economy presenting both challenges and opportunities for the industry. Add to this technological and demographic change and the business models we once knew are continually being tested,” Grant said.

“It is more important than ever that we have strong representative associations leading the industry through this period of change.”

The caravanning and camping industry continues to grow strongly despite competitive threats. 7.1 million Australians stayed in a caravan holiday park, camping ground or national park in the past two years. Latest registration figures show continued strength in the market with total numbers of products now registered topping 650,000.

The industry contributes around $19 billion to the Australian economy annually.

Grant is a long supporter of the sector commenting, “I love this industry. It provides great diversity for consumers and is a real powerhouse for the Australian economy supporting regional employment, local manufacturing and retailing, as well as regional dispersal vital for many local communities around Australia. Irrespective of whether you are a large corporate business, a small retailer in the suburbs, or an independent caravan park in the country, every industry business benefits from a strong industry committed to growth.

It is a real honour to be able to serve on the National Board and I look forward to leading the industry to bigger and better things.”

Grant believes there are a number of further ways in which the industry can embrace change:
Continued unification of the manufacturing and accommodation sectors for a future of shared growth;
Further bringing together the states and National peak body for the betterment of the industry;
Ensuring the industry has a national voice for the future at the highest level of government; and
Improving customer service and operational standards through training and accreditation programs.
Grant recognized outgoing Chairman Mark Lindsay as a champion for change and a strong leader.

“Mark has been an industry stalwart and the right man for the job in leading both the accommodation and manufacturing sectors and the peak national body through a period of much change. He has been generous with his time and tireless in his support. He is a big believer in bringing the industry together, irrespective of sector, I look forward to honouring his legacy in looking at activities which grow the market, improve standards, and provide for future sustainability so all industry businesses wishing to better themselves can benefit.”

Mark remains on the Board as a non-Executive Director.

The Board meeting also saw Dennis Austin elected as Deputy Chair and Martin Cotterell as Treasurer.