SimplySwim
SimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…
read moreIn a move that will see the creation of Australia’s largest network of holiday parks, Discovery Parks has announced its acquisition of the Top Parks brand.
Explaining how the combined group creates a network of more than 220 parks and a loyalty base of over 140,000 camping enthusiasts, making it the single largest group of caravan, holiday and resort parks in the country, Discovery Parks Chief Executive Grant Wilckens explains “it’s the logical next step for Discovery.
“Our customers travel all over Australia and we want to offer them great places to stay and loyalty rewards, even where we don’t own our own parks.”
Top Parks Chairman Richard Emerson said the agreement would position Top Parks members for strong future growth, with clear synergies between the groups around culture and customer experience.
Emerson advised “it will create a leading market industry member group that can deliver great benefits both to the park owners and our customers.”
Under the agreement, both the Discovery Parks and Top Parks brands will be retained, allowing for differentiation between the company owned and licensed parks. In addition, using an innovative licensing model, Top Parks member parks will remain independently owned while forming part of the growing Discovery Parks network.
Wilckens says the deal will provide licensed parks with access to Discovery Parks’ greater purchasing power as Australia’s largest park owner-operator, as well as its digital marketing expertise.
Top Parks and Discovery Parks members will have access to a new customer rewards program, G’DAY Rewards, which is being launched today at the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show - part of a suite of customer-orientated systems and technology.
Wilckens added “you might not think about holiday parks as innovative digital service providers but that’s where Discovery Parks is heading. We are investing significantly to be able to provide a better customer experience.
“Just as we are using digital technology to turn on the lights at home, do our shopping and manage our security, our holiday parks will be tapping into this technology to deliver a range of new and innovative services to customers in the near future.”
Wilckens, who is also Federal Chairman of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, said the deal would make Adelaide the national hub for the caravan and camping industry, worth $19 billion to the national economy.
Discovery has bucked the 5% downturn in the national caravan and camping market in 2017 , growing revenue by nearly 14% year on year. The Adelaide office grew by 30% last year, prompting a move to larger premises.
The company has spent more than $11 million in key parks in South Australia and $30 million at parks nationally this financial year.
Wilckens concluded “with the backing of our majority owners, Sunsuper, we are expecting to continue this strong growth into 2018 as we are able to use our customer data to innovate and continuously improve the customer experience.”
Discovery is more than 90% owned by Brisbane-based Sunsuper (with $50 billion funds under investment) which sealed its majority shareholding four years ago when the company was valued at about $240 million.
Image: Richard Emerson and Grant Wilckens celebrate Discovery Parks' acquisition of the Top Parks brand.
1st January 2018 - CARAVAN AND CAMPING SECTOR POSITIVE ABOUT INTERNATIONAL VISITOR GROWTH
10th December 2017 - NEW FEDERAL CARAVAN BODY CHAIRMAN LOOKS TO UNIFICATION TO DRIVE INDUSTRY GROWTH
28th October 2017 - LARGEST AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAY PARK OPERATOR STEPS UP SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL BODY
26th September 2017 - DISCOVERY PARKS INVESTS $14 MILLION ACROSS SIX PROPERTIES
22nd September 2017 - GROWTH ONGOING IN AUSTRALIAN TOURISM AS SPENDING EXCEEDS $103 BILLION
20th June 2017 - NRMA EXPANDS HOLIDAY PARK OPERATIONS WITH ACQUISITION OF AUSTRALIAN TOURIST PARK MANAGEMENT
5th April 2017 - WINE INSPIRED SPLASH PARK OPENS IN THE BAROSSA VALLEY
26th October 2016 - CARAVAN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS WHY HOLIDAYS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
21st August 2015 - BIG4 HOLIDAY PARKS PREPARE FOR CHINESE CAMPERS
Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
SimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…
read moreWe live for media production and global events, providing real-time networks for video, audio, data and communications.
read more@leisure is a team of experienced leisure, aquatic and sports facility managers and planners, with market modelling, sports management, recreation planning, business and GIS qualifications. We have…
read moreTicketSearch is focused on providing businesses, organisations, and venues with affordable, efficient, and powerful self-managed ticketing solutions. The organisation has offices in Australia, New…
read moreParkequip is an approved supplier under the NSW LGP Contract 308 for a range of products including play equipment, shade, shelters, safe fall, park furniture and school outdoor seating. All materials…
read moreBODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
read morePrincipal Consultant Simon Weatherill has spent the last 20 years developing the world renowned Melbourne Sports Hub, as former Chief Executive Officer of the State Sports Centres Trust…
read morePlayrope Aqua-Fun, are the Australian & New Zealand exclusive distributors for Vortex Aquatic Structures International, the world leader in aquatic playgrounds and urban water landscapes.…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!