Demand for caravans during COVID-19 is unlike anything business owner Murray Swayn has ever seen.
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Mr Swayn, who runs Warrnambool RV and Caravan Centre with his brother Neville, said the pandemic meant people had no choice but to holiday close to home.
He said they were seeing strong interest and sales across the board, from young families to retirees.
"It's unbelievable," Mr Swayn said. "There's a lot of people who are new to the caravan industry because the overseas holidays are on pause and there's an alternative. Caravanning and camping has just jumped to another level.
"It's incredibly busy. Compared to this time last year (during lockdown) we had too much stock and not enough customers and now we've got too many customers and not enough stock.
"It really has turned and in the industry right across Australia. It's happened because we can't do Bali and Fiji or Europe or America because of COVID-19. It's changed the landscape big time."
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He said the demand meant a longer wait time for customers which was being seen nationwide. "There's a four-to-five month wait on new vans and used stock is sold very quickly," Mr Swayn said. "It's just supply and demand. I've never seen anything like it."
It's just supply and demand. I've never seen anything like it
- Murray Swayn
He said the circumstances encouraged people to travel locally and less commonly visited locations would benefit from the tourism dollar.
"Sales have increased but the great thing about it is people are exploring smaller pockets of Victoria that they may not have otherwise."
He said the possibility of Melbourne being locked down for the upcoming Queen's Birthday long weekend meant people would find a regional alternative and head off in their van.
"You've got to look at some positives because it's very difficult what we're all going through. Maybe Australians need to see more of Australia.
"Whether it be a caravan or camper trailer, or you stay in a cabin in a caravan park, it's taken on a new life. A lot of people who never looked at it are now looking at it.
"It's changed, it really has."
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