Time to Roam Magazine Issue 7 - February/March 2014 | Page 7

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upfront news

United voice crucial for tourist parks future

The head of Australia’s biggest holiday park chain has thrown his support behind a proposed
merger of key industry groups representing the caravan, camping and recreational vehicle sectors.
BIG4 CEO Ray Schleibs says the merger is
crucial for the future of the regional tourism
and would ensure all businesses in the sector
had more lobbying power with government.
He said the varied organisations representing the
industry today caused confusion, meaning the
industry did not speak with a united voice and
was therefore missing out on opportunities.
“When the different representative groups
go to lobby State or Federal governments
on policy issues, they always seem to get
around you by suggesting they don’t actually
represent the whole industry or sector.”
“As a result the park sector has operated under
the radar for many years and we’ve never been seen
a serious player, when in fact we’re a major part of
the tourism sector, especially in regional Australia.”
Mr Schleibs predicts a more united lobby would
be a major voice on issues relating to Australian
manufacturing, tourism and small business.

The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing
Association of Australia (RVMA) and the Caravan,
RV and Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA)
have announced plans to merge by July 1 this year.
Around 80 caravan, motorhome and campertrailer
manufacturers are members of the RVMA. It is a
member of the CRVA, along with various statebased Caravan and Camping organisations,
tourism providers and associated entities.
Mr Schleibs said BIG4 and many of its individual
franchisees were members of various state and
national bodies representing the industry.
“BIG4 is the biggest brand in the parks sector
with more than 180 Parks nationwide and we’re
right behind the merger,” he said. ‘Holiday and
caravan parks are a major force in Australia’s
tourism and hospitality sector, especially in regional
tourism and it’s time we had a proper voice.”
“It’s absolutely essential for us to get governments
to focus more on regional tourism.”

Ray Schleibs

2014 set to be
a bumper year
BIG4 CEO Ray Schleibs is upbeat in his
forecast for the parks sector for the year
ahead, saying its well placed to capitalise
on three big Australian tourism trends;

1

The return of the Great Aussie Road Trip

2

Unleash the kids

3

Grandma can come too

Whether it be the ‘Big Lap’ or a weekend
away, Aussies love to get in the car and go on
their very own downunder adventure.

Parents want to get away from it all and let the
kids run loose and have fun like they once did,
but not have to worry about safety issues.

Grandparents, parents and the kids are travelling
together more than ever. ‘Intergenerational travel’ is
the latest buzz phrase in the industry. Ray Schleibs
says holiday parks are perfect for generations to bond
and travel together, with a range of options including
cabins, caravan spots and camping areas.

Issue 07 Feb/Mar 2014

7