MELBOURNE
LEISUREFEST
CANCELLED
!
The Caravan Industry Association of Victoria
has cancelled this year’s Melbourne
Leisurefest, the second largest RV show in
Victoria, which is held each year at
Sandown Racecourse.
“As we all continue to operate in uncertain
times, there are considerable restrictions with
the Victorian government announcing Stage 3
restrictions for regional Victoria and stage 4
restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne,” CIAV
chief executive officer Rob Lucas said.
He said the association anticipated these
restrictions and other directives from the
Victorian government would not be lifted in
time to conduct Melbourne Leisurefest.
The association’s board met on August 12 to
discuss the issue.
“After considerable debate, the association’s
board felt they had no other option than to
cancel Melbourne Leisurefest for 2020,” Mr
Lucas said.
According to Mr Lucas, their decision to cancel
the show was based on “the current Covid-19
environment and the lack of clear direction
from the Victorian government as to whether
they would allow a show like Melbourne
Leisurefest to operate”.
“We know this is disappointing; however, we
must comply with the current Victorian
government restrictions to keep members,
exhibitors and consumers safe,” he said.
“The council was also mindful we were
obliged to provide as much advance notice as
possible to members and exhibitors.”
The current restrictions have led to challenges
across the RV industry.
“Exhibitors, members and consumers can rest
assured we are, and will continue to, lobby
the Victorian government to ease restrictions
for outdoor caravan and camping shows to
allow the association, members and
exhibitors to operate in a Covid-19-safe
manner,” Mr Lucas said.
“With limited and restricted international
travel for consumers, it is anticipated the
industry will see significant growth when
restrictions ease, and ensuring that businesses
in the industry can showcase and sell their
products (with Covid-safe plans in place) is
important to the future of the industry.”
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