In a bold decision to take destiny into its own hands, Kingston District Council, South Australia, acquired the town’s only caravan park – a poorly run, disreputable and unsightly offering – and created a thriving tourist destination, stimulating the local economy with an increase in annual occupancy at the Park from 45-60 percent.
The venture has earned Council a Local Government Professionals SA Leadership Award for Excellence in Local Economic Development for its ‘Accommodation starts here’ submission.
This purchase and upgrade of the Kingston Caravan Park complemented an existing RV Park maintained by Council, which has also experienced a 25 percent growth in ticket sales.
All RV Park revenue is now channelled into the Caravan Park creating an additional income stream and providing funds for continuous asset improvement.
The significant increase in visitor numbers and duration of stays has seen local businesses thrive, with many stating that the last two years had been the busiest and most profitable on record.
A comprehensive makeover and service review has seen upgrades to the kiosk, camp kitchens and improved maintenance to amenities blocks and cabins.
Underpinning the re-development has been a strong focus on the provision of quality customer service through the application of Council’s customer service standards and recruitment of local staff who know the region and are dedicated to improving the reputation of the Caravan Park.
This innovative solution to a tourism roadblock has ticked off several project goals: achieving an immediate operating surplus, re-investing income from the Council managed RV Park, employment creation, economic stimulus and most
importantly, financial autonomy, causing no upward pressure on a tiny ratepayer base.
By offering a variety of accommodation styles for the caravan, camping and RV market, from no charge, through to powered sites and cabins at the Caravan Park, Kingston appeals to a wide range of travellers from backpackers to grey nomads to families.
Re-branding and re-naming have seen transformational change continue with the installation of new signage and the launch of a website and social media platforms.
