Setting a higher bar: Caravan holiday parks embrace enhanced accessibility

Article by Accessible Accommodation

Caravan holiday parks are becoming increasingly popular among travellers with disabilities, thanks to their self-contained accommodation, excellent value for money, and capacity to cater to large group bookings.

Did you know that 19 per cent of Australians live with a disability? On top of that, around 21 per cent of the population are Baby Boomers – a group whose access needs are growing as they age.

So, what can caravan holiday park operators do to tap into the accessible travel market? Read on to find out.

Chic styling

Many caravan holiday parks are moving away from the traditional “hospital sterile” look of accessible bathrooms, opting instead for chic, stylish designs that don’t compromise on accessibility. And our followers love it!

Big4 Castlemaine Gardens (above) provides a great example – it’s one of the most stylish accessible bathrooms we have encountered. With elegant tiling and sleek black grab rails, the space feels welcoming to all guests.

These days, there’s little to no price difference when choosing brushed gold, copper, or black rails to match your tapware – so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Accessible experiences

Accommodation with accessible swimming pools receives 15 times more bookings on our website each month, compared to those without.

Accessible pools allow the whole family to enjoy the water together, ensuring guests with disabilities aren’t left on the pool deck.

Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park in Lake Macquarie features accessible swimming pools and is already experiencing very high occupancy as a result.

Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park in Northern Queensland also recently unveiled its accessible pool and will no doubt benefit from increased bookings thanks to this inclusive initiative.

Better equipment

Almost half of our bookings come from customers with Tier 3 disabilities (those with higher physical support needs), yet just over 20 per cent of listed properties are equipped to meet these requirements.

Providing equipment such as mobile hoists, electric beds and commodes will give your caravan holiday park an attractive point of difference, resulting in more bookings.

Staff training

Inclusion training courses are an excellent way for park operators and staff to build confidence and provide better service to guests with a disability.

A common scenario we hear is when staff mistakenly assume a guest with a disability is non-verbal and instead address their non-disabled partner during check-in. Creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere not only avoids such misunderstandings but also fosters positive experiences that encourage word-of-mouth recommendations.

Learn more

Caravan Industry Association of Australia has negotiated discounted rates for Accessible Accommodation’s consulting services, available to accredited businesses and contributors to the National Advocacy and Marketing Fund. These services include site assessments and recommendations for cost-effective accessibility improvements. CLICK HERE for more information.

A discount for inclusion training is also available. CLICK HERE for more information.

Alternatively, contact Kerry Williams at Accessible Accommodation: [email protected]

This content was provided by Accessible Accommodation as part of its partnership with Caravan Industry Association of Australia. It does not reflect the views or opinions of Caravan Industry Association of Australia. References to products, services and claims made in this article should not be viewed as endorsements from Caravan Industry Association of Australia.