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One of BIG4 Holiday Parks’ founders, Desmond Watts, has been recognised for his outstanding
service to the tourism accommodation sector with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).Mr Watts, whose influence in the field extends more than 40 years, received his award as part of the
Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List, announced today.

The caravan industry stalwart is one of a quartet credited with establishing the BIG4 brand, now
regarded as Australia’s leading holiday park group.

BIG4 began in 1979 when four Ballarat-based independent caravan park owners united to form a
cooperative that has since grown to become a nationwide network of 100-plus holiday parks.

During a four-decade-strong career, Mr Watts has shown unwavering determination and dedication to promote and strengthen the wider caravan and camping industry and, additionally, has been a prominent figure in the Ballarat community.

The former policeman has been highly active in the domestic tourism sector, taking on several
voluntary positions and other roles alongside his professional work.

These include as BIG4 Chairman and board member as well as long-time involvement with various
caravan industry associations and regional tourism organisations.

This has led to Mr Watts receiving various distinguished industry honours. These include the Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s most prestigious award, the annual Eric Hayman Award for Excellence (1993), as well as the Victorian Caravan Parks Association’s (VicParks) Legends Award
(2009). This is in addition to Mr Watts receiving BIG4 Holiday Parks Life Membership in 1995.

Among other industry initiatives, Mr Watts was instrumental in designing early cabin accommodation as well as promoting the Australian caravan park industry abroad on tours to Europe and the USA. He is also a former councillor with Ballarat City Council and was on the board of the Ballarat speedway club during the 1970s.

BIG4 Holiday Parks CEO, Steven Wright, said ‘The award was befitting of an individual who is
universally respected in the tourism industry and viewed by many as a mentor.’

‘Des’ influence has long extended far beyond the BIG4 network – he is held in the highest regard by
so many in caravan and camping circles and has worked valiantly for a significant part of his life for
the betterment of the entire industry,’ Mr Wright said.

‘His vision set the framework for an organisation that is still underpinned by its formative values,
including providing guests with a quality and memorable holiday experience. And for more than 40
years, Des has strived to uphold those standards and encouraged others to excel.’

The Watts name remains active in the industry. Mr Watts and his wife, Margaret, currently own three BIG4 parks – located in Melbourne, Ballarat, and Renmark – which have racked up various major tourism awards.

Today, three generations of Watts are involved in the running of those holiday parks, where a
progressive mindset remains.

In late 2018, their popular Renmark site was the first in Australia to open a sensory room specifically
dedicated to guests on the autism spectrum.