The Australian Caravan Club has a gentle reminder for the Northern Territory’s tourism minister: yes, grey nomads do contribute to the Northern Territory’s economy.
The club was responding to an article in the NT News in which the minister, Lauren Moss, said she couldn’t comment about whether grey nomads heading north boosted the Northern Territory’s economy.
“Each year sees a huge number of grey nomads from the southern states head north with their RVs into Queensland and the Northern Territory to escape the colder months down South,” ACC chairman Craig Humphrey said.
“The RVer is becoming a valuable commodity in the survival of many regional towns in all states. Many underestimate the economic value that grey nomads and other RVers bring to a region.
“A survey of our club members found that they spend an average of just over $100 per day when on the road with their RV. That can account for a lot of income flooding into a region.
“While staying in a region, RVers support local businesses and need to buy fuel and groceries. Some will dine out, sight-see, buy alcohol, require their vehicles or RVs to be services or repaired, and unfortunately some may require medical attention and pharmaceuticals. All this injects money into a community. The more RVers, the greater the economic benefits that a region receives.
“Tourism Research Australia figures show that in the year ending December 2017, caravan parks and commercial camping ground usage around Australia was 32.6 million nights.
“With such a steady flow of RVs heading up the Stuart Highway each year and each spending around $100 per day, well, that’s a lot of money going into the Northern Territory by grey nomads,” Mr Humphrey said.
Most Grey Nomads are pensioners – I doubt they are able to spend $100 per day. I have been at caravan parks where they were waiting for the next pension day. Also spend your money local do not always go to the big supermarkets.