Reflections Holidays lifts investment as camping sector thrives

Reflections Holidays, which manages holiday parks on Crown land across NSW, is forecasting a 15% rise in tourist stays revenue this financial year on the back of boosted accommodation investment supported by the NSW Government. 

Reflections reinvests all profits back into the parks and Crown reserves it manages on behalf of the people of NSW, and is the only holiday park group in Australia that is a certified social enterprise.

It has invested $18 million in new accommodation this financial year (up $3 million from last financial year), doubled its spending on park improvements (from $2 million last financial to $4 million this financial year), and expects to spend $6 million next financial year on existing assets.

Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Small Business, Steve Kamper, visited Reflections Corindi Beach near Coffs Harbour, where two new cabin ensuites costing $125,000 are planned alongside a $500,000 new amenity block slated at nearby Reflections Urunga.

Park infrastructure upgrades are being supported by the NSW Government with a $28 million loan to Reflections Holidays through Crown Lands, to support regional tourism and communities.

Mr Kamper welcomed the park investment, adding that affordable accommodation was important to families, the tourism industry and small business.

“Reflections Holidays operates 40 holiday parks and cares for 45 nature reserves on Crown land so it’s great to see their profit-for-purpose business model delivering a range of accommodation for visitors who in turn spend in our regional communities,” Mr Kamper said. 

“While new accommodation is welcome to meet demand from local and international visitors, it’s important that existing accommodation including unpowered and powered camping sites are maintained so budget options are available for all.”

The forecast rise in Reflections’ tourist accommodation revenue comes after the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW released data that shows a record-breaking 5 million visitor nights were recorded in the state in the 12 months to September 2023.

Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker said the organisation had invested in new accommodation, ranging from premium family and accessible cabins to tiny homes and glamping tents, and upgraded facilities in its coastal and inland parks to ensure the NSW public continued to enjoy accommodation options and modern park facilities. 

“This has included sustainability initiatives and solar panel installations, electrical switchboard replacements, upgrading water treatment plants and sewer treatment systems, refurbishing guest amenities, installing new BBQ dining deck areas, and installing a swimming pool at Reflections Jimmys Beach,” Mr Baker said.

“In partnership with Byron Bay council, we also invested in providing hot water for the showers in the amenity block at Banner Park Reserve in Brunswick Heads to provide access to basic amenities for those sleeping rough in the region.”

Mr Baker said Reflections Holidays had injected $121.5 million in economic benefit into the NSW visitor economy in the 12 months to 31 January 2024.

Reflections Holidays has recently partnered with OzFish to help recreational anglers and communities improve the health of their rivers, lakes and estuaries.

The organisation will open its parks to ‘voluntourism’ and invite OzFish, the only fishing conservation charity in Australia, to run programs to restore local fish habitats, remove rubbish from waterways and educate the next generation on being a sustainable angler.