TOP MARKS FOR UK CAMPSITE

TOP MARKS FOR UK CAMPSITE

AA caravan and camping award winners...

 

LEADING CAMPSITES AND CARAVAN PARKS in the UK have been confirmed and are featured in the AA Caravan and Camping Guide

 

The leading campsites and caravan parks in the UK have been confirmed and are featured in the AA Caravan and Camping Guide 2023, out now from AA Publishing. Amongst those celebrating is Silverdale Caravan Park in Lancashire, the AA Campsite of the Year for England and this year’s overall winner.

A rise in eco-friendly camping has shown holidaymakers are looking for environmentally friendly destinations. Camp Katur, winners of the AA Glamping Site of the Year, focuses on upcycling materials with fire pits created from washing machine drums and galvanised bucket washbasins.

Among the regional winners is Beaconsfield Holiday Park, winner of AA Campsite of the Year Heart of England, a purpose-built, family-run park on farmland in open countryside which offers quality in every area. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media says: “With people spending their holidays in the UK and exploring the great British countryside, we are thrilled to celebrate the UK’s best campsites for 2022.

“This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality, high levels of customer care and fantastic facilities which meet customers’ growing expectations. “With UK staycations continuing to prove popular among holidaymakers, the AA Caravan and Camping Guide offers an invaluable guide to holidaymakers choosing to stay in a tent, caravan, motorhome, or glamping site.

We hope this new guide inspires people who are set to embark on new journeys.” AA Media connects the UK with travel ideas and rated places to stay and visit. It includes AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, which rates and publishes information about the hospitality industry, including hotels, guest accommodation and restaurants.

They introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and have inspected restaurants for the Rosette award since 1956. Ratedtrips.com showcases all AA-rated places to stay and visit, and they publish a well-established range of lifestyle publications such as their camping and restaurant guides.

 

MORE HOLIDAYMAKERS are looking for environmentally- friendly locations to pitch their tents and caravans.

 

BEST SELLER
Britain’s best-selling caravan and camping guide provides the very best places for people to take their tent, caravan, or motorhome across the UK. This guide enables travellers to discover over 580 sites from five Pennant premier parks to more affordable options. Now in its 55th edition; being in the guide means the sites have been professionally inspected by the AA’s highly experienced inspection team, it also features AA award-winning parks and.

Top sites with gold and platinum pennants across as well as AA’s Campsite of the year. The guide consistently sells year on year, which demonstrates a loyal readership. Just one or two bookings via the guide covers the outlay of the assessment fee. Inspectors look for best in class in any given region, where the owners and team have created a top-class experience within their site’s grading level.

All winners will feature in the 55th Edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide. All the destinations featured in the guide have been inspected and rated by AA professional inspectors, grading sites from one to five Pennants, based on their facilities and hospitality.

Each entry within the guide includes location, ratings, contact details, directions, prices, opening times, facilities, and a description to help holidaymakers select the right site for their needs. Mirroring the increasing popularity of luxury camping, this year’s winners include glamping facilities, including yurts, shepherd’s huts, and vintage caravans. The winners include a focus on family friendliness, eco-friendliness, fishing, best views and sites for lake lovers.

 

AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

Jane Herbert on well-spent investment in washroom facilities…

THE CUBICLE CENTRE’S Cairngorm range is the perfect solution for high traffic areas such as Pillaton Hall Farm.

As the UK staycation boom continues, the focus has never been so intense on the need for holiday park and campsite operators to provide top quality facilities. Footfalls are higher but the customers also ever more discerning, as the industry attracts a new level of clientele. Lee Robinson of Yorkshire based Cubicle Centre who have manufactured, supplied and installed many thousands of bespoke washroom cubicles all over the UK.

Lee advises: “Robustness and longevity of product is key to ensuring your washroom stays in tip-top condition throughout the season. “The smallest rooms in the building really can lead to the biggest frustrations,” Lee explains. “The main pitfall we see in washroom design is when someone has chosen an unsuitable material for cubicles and they end up being completely unfit for purpose.” The Cubicle Centre’s Cairngorm range is the perfect solution for high traffic areas and the ideal choice for many busy campsites, such as Pillaton Hall Farm in Staffordshire.

The Cubicle Centre designed the waterproof, hardwearing and easy to clean cubicles and matching vanity units, made from CGL (Compact Grade Laminate). The facilities at Pillaton were also made to be child-friendly, with low profile wash basins and urinals. “We were pleased with the completed washrooms in our new facilities block. Our customer feedback since the opening has been amazing,” says Pillaton Hall Farm owner, Dave Pearce.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Appealing to everyone in the family, as well as the needs of less able visitors, is an increasingly important design consideration. According to Lee, washrooms are now much more likely to include family facilities, as well as privacy screens. Having a specific dry area within shower cubicles is also a necessity. “Our washroom panels at a recent caravan park installation in Snowdonia are a good example of dry area provision within a shower cubicle,” says Lee. “The design includes custom bench seating within the units for both practicality and cleanliness.” Dorset-based Commercial Washrooms offer a full turn-key washroom refurbishment and cubicle installation service.

Managing Director, Andy Seddon, highlights their refurbishment of the washrooms at Oakdene Holiday Park in Dorset as an example of how design excellence means combining key functionality with aesthetics. “The main entertainment building at Oakdene is a busy environment with a high footfall,” explains Andy. “The owners were conscious that the new washrooms must be durable, hard wearing and easy to clean, but also knew how important it was to make these washrooms a warm and inviting space.” “Products must be robust and long lasting, whilst at the same time offering a top end look and feel. With large volumes of users in a short amount of time, cleaning, maintenance and replenishment of consumables are all key factors in washroom planning and design.”

HYGIENE ALERT

A consequence of the Covid pandemic has been the huge increase in awareness and standards of hygiene in all public (and private) spaces. “The biggest uplift we have seen is the use of sensor taps and flush controls in order to make washrooms “touch free” and thus more hygienic,” says Andy. “Sensor taps are becoming more prevalent, and with the majority of these now being available as battery powered, they can easily be retrofitted into existing washrooms as an upgrade, without the need for electrical feeds to be installed.”

Commercial Washrooms were also responsible for a recent refurbishment project at Cofton Holiday Park in Devon. A dedicated shower and changing area was needed for non-resident guests using the outdoor swimming pool. New easily-maintained shower enclosures were installed with hygiene and waterproof performance taking prime consideration. The design features sensor flush controls on the toilets and urinals, sensor taps, and a sensor operated hand dryer.

A new PIR lighting system with low energy LED lighting was also installed. Removing touchpoints helps improve hygiene but as Andy explains, the use of sensor operated equipment also delivers other benefits too. “Sensors only let the water or electricity flow for a set period of time; this eliminates the risk of taps being left on, preventing flooding and accidental water wastage, and therefore generating huge water savings.”

ENERGY EFFICIENT

As energy bills increase and we look for ways to save both money and the environment, eco-efficient and energy saving products are becoming more prevalent. Small changes can reap big dividends in washrooms, without the need for a complete refurbishment. Smarti Environmental, the UK’s leading waterless urinal provider, is urging holiday parks to play their part in the battle against water wastage.

The company is offering large organisations with 100 or more urinals, a free washroom trial for 3-months, including free installation of its retro-fit waterless valves. Smarti Environmental’s research shows that there are currently around 3.5 million water-supplied urinals in the UK, which collectively waste 217 billion litres of water each year, equivalent to 87,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. To put this into an individual perspective, Smarti Environmental says its waterless urinal valve cuts the annual cost of running a water flush urinal by more than 50%, even before plumbing costs associated with blocked pipes and floods caused by calcium build-up are taken into account.

Made from fully recyclable materials, the valves fit 98% of standard urinals with no need to change urinal bowls, and reduce the annual running cost of a typical three bay urinal by between £630 and £1,230 a year. Kimberley Hill, Sales Manager at Smarti Environmental, comments: “Businesses have a key part to play in reducing needless water waste, and one of the simplest and most cost effective steps is to switch to waterless urinals. This not only saves 100,000 litres of water per urinal, per year, but it also cuts related costs by more than half, and CO2 by 105kg per urinal. If all urinals in the UK went waterless, that would be the equivalent of removing 100,000 diesel cars from the road.”

ECO-CREDENTIALS

Eco-credentials are becoming an increasingly important differentiator for modern holiday makers, as well as for those organisations who assign quality ratings and awards. Managing Director of The Loo of the Year Awards, Becky Wall, says that she has noticed a trend for both eco facilities and an increased level of hygiene provision in award entrants. Encouraging the highest possible standards across all ‘away from home’ washrooms throughout the UK and Ireland has been the objective of the annual Loo of the Year Awards since they began in 1987.

A Loo of the Year Award is an established benchmark of washroom provision and compliance to national standards. The Loo of the Year Awards has 61 different categories and the Holiday Parks division is always well-supported with many entrants taking part year after year. Many of the parks have been receivers of the higher grades within the Awards, and according Becky, as new grades have been introduced, the parks have replied by providing even better standards.

THE TEAM FROM PENCELLI CASTLE Caravan and Camping Park with their certificate at the Loo of the Year Awards.

TOILET TWINNING

“In the 2021 Awards, 5.5% of the entrants were from holiday parks and they all received the higher grades - 79% Platinum and 21% Diamond grade,” says Becky. “The 2021 National Category Award Winners for Holiday Parks was won by Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park for England, Llanberis Touring Park for Wales and Ord House Country Park for Scotland. The National Awards for Baby Changing Facilities in England and Wales were also won by Holiday Parks - Ludlow Touring Park and Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park respectively.

Pencelli went onto win the overall UK trophy too.” Entrants for the 2022 Awards have until 31st July to throw their hat in the ring. Park or site owners wishing to further distinguish themselves, could follow in the footsteps of parks such as Broadhembury and consider Toilet Twinning. This charitable venture raises funds to provide clean water, safe toilets and hygiene training in some of the poorest communities in the world. In return for a £60 donation, toilets can be twinned with a family’s household loo in a vulnerable community overseas. Twinners receive a certificate to display, and the satisfaction of helping transform the lives of those in need.

Cubicle Centre
01924 930854
www.washroomcubicles.co.uk

Commercial Washrooms
01202 650 900
www.commercialwashroomsltd.co.uk

Loo of the Year Awards
01531 640715
www.loo.co.uk

SMARTi Environmental
01392 311 202
www.smartilimited.com

Toilet Twinning
0300 321 3217
www.toilettwinning.org

THREE REASONS TO ACT STRATEGICALLY TO ENSURE HOLIDAY PARK FIRE SAFETY

THREE REASONS TO ACT STRATEGICALLY TO ENSURE HOLIDAY PARK FIRE SAFETY


Fire constitutes one of the biggest risks to the total loss of a park home, and with many sites often at lower capacity or closed during off-season, upgrading site safety and efficiency should be a top priority for site managers. Tom Ambler, sales manager for leisure at Ramtech, shares the three reasons to consider more strategic site safety management, as sites reopen for the busy spring/summer season.

Safeguard parks and people

Winter and spring is the ideal time to review a site and prepare it for the busier Easter and summer period. This should vitally include fire safety standards - as once peak season is here and the warmer weather attracts more visitors, the heat, coupled with popular campsite activities such as fires and barbecues, can be a real melting pot in terms of park accidents.
Recent fire reports provide a stark warning to site owners, including how fire crews battled a large blaze at a Dorset holiday park, showcasing the chaos that fire can wreak. Fortunately, no more than property damage was the outcome on this occasion, but investing in the appropriate safety measures ahead of time, can help to reduce fire risk and help to stop a blaze quickly with the right detection in place.
Preparing a site in advance of opening, by checking that the current fire safety system is working, is advisable. Any faulty wiring or machinery - particularly relating to power generators for homes or common buildings - as well as the threat of arson and vandalism should be front of mind all year around.

Meet regulations with confidence

Currently, holiday park site owners have a legal obligation to manage fire safety under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (“the FSO”). The act applies to all non-domestic premises including certain types of parks, such as those with common areas in leisure complexes, restaurants and guest houses. With park residents often mingling in these types of campsite community buildings, the threat to human life is very real.
Just a few years ago, there was an incident at a leisure facility on a campsite near Newquay, which resulted in extensive damage to several communal buildings including a swimming pool, sauna and gym. So, not only is protecting against fire a requirement under the FSO, it is also vitally important to avoid the financial implications, which can be huge. A fire forces site owners into a massive rebuild operation, potentially putting them out of action for a season for more.
A system, like Ramtech’s WES3, places the power in site owners’ hands. It’s an EN54-25 compliant connected device, that can be deployed at various points across holiday parks on stands. It acts as an emergency response system, with automatic smoke and heat detectors responding to site incidents and maintaining 24/7 coverage through the CONNECT unit, otherwise known as the brains of the system.
The WES3 is also IP55 rated, which means they are suitable for outdoor areas and won’t be affected by varying weather conditions. What’s more, the CONNECT system ensures off-site notifications can also be enabled, informing site owners and even alerting emergency authorities.

Get real time data to protect and improve your park

While sites must ensure that fire safety is robust, other park management features that support the efficient and daily running of the park, are also welcome. This is where technology has evolved to help answer these added value requirements at the same time as emergency response needs.
WiSE, for instance, is a reliable business information and monitoring platform providing real time alerts, data and information about security coverage. For holiday park operators, WiSE can also extend your existing security and fire system coverage, reducing the complexity and cost of enhancing your risk management systems.
The WiSE wireless security solution gives you peace of mind that your holiday park business and on-park properties are being securely monitored 24/7. Powered by long-life batteries and connected to a reliable radio technology, the system allows thousands of devices to be linked to a central base station that creates an instant alert via email, text or pager. WiSE is not dependent on SIM or WiFi to function, which is great for sites with little or no data or internet coverage.

For more information on how Ramtech’s solutions can help protect holiday park sites, visit https://ramtechglobal.com/

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

AA unveil latest national destination gongs…

 

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND regional champions were Swiss Farm Touring & Camping, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

 

Returning for the first time since 2019, the AA has unveiled its UK’s top campsites and caravanning UK destinations with the announcement of the 2021 Caravan and Camping Award winners in a virtual ceremony.
This year’s Campsite of the Year for England, and Overall Winner, was revealed as South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park, Poole, Dorset. Brighouse Bay Holiday Park, Brighouse Bay, Dumfries & Galloway took the prize for Scotland and Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park, Brecon, Powys won the top award for Wales.
In addition to regional campsite categories, other awards included Holiday Centre of the Year, which was awarded to Park Foot Caravan & Camping Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria and Glamping Site of the Year, which went to Concierge Glamping, Chichester, West Sussex, which previously won Regional Campsite of the Year South East in 2019.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of the Caravan and Camping Awards 2021 and have the opportunity to celebrate those sites offering holidaymakers the highest quality camping and caravanning experiences,” Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media.

 

 

“As the hospitality industry has reopened over the past few months, we have seen British tourists exploring the UK more than ever, enjoying incredible campsites and caravan parks across the country. We hope that our latest Caravan and Camping Guide helps them discover even more fantastic holiday destinations, including our wonderful winners.”
All Caravan and Camping Award winners are featured in the 54th edition of the AA Caravan and Camping Guide 2022, the ultimate guide to the UK’s best camping and caravanning destinations.
Each site included in the guide have been visited by one of the AA’s experienced Campsite Inspectors, grading sites from one to five Pennants, based on their facilities and hospitality.
Only the parks of the very highest standard are awarded the coveted Platinum Pennant award. Each entry within the guide includes location, ratings, contact details, directions, prices, opening times, facilities and a description to help select the right site for your needs.

 

Top Of The Camping Pods Award winners in the annual camping and glamping awards….

Top Of The Camping Pods Award winners in the annual camping and glamping awards….

A selection of popular camping and glamping sites across the UK have picked up gongs in the latest Campsites.co.uk camping and glamping awards. Yorkshire came top with more awards than any other county, followed closely by Cumbria.

The Best Holiday Park national award went to stunning Cofton Holidays in Devon, closely followed by commendations for Wooda Farm Holiday Park in Cornwall and Highlands End Holiday Park in Dorset.

Cofton’s extensive camping facilities include grass, hard standing and fully serviced pitches with newly-refurbished toilet and shower blocks. Nearby, the camp shop stocks everything campers need from freshly baked croissants to tent pegs.

Facilities include a heated indoor pool with a splash pad area and hydrotherapy loungers, a gym, restaurant, pub, steam room, sauna, fitness studio, soft play area, playground, sports wall, outdoor pools and much more. Guests also have access to five coarse fishing lakes, miles of cycle paths and nature trails that take visitors through woodland to the golden sands of Dawlish Warren beach and nature reserve.

 

ABOVE: Attractions at Cofton include both an indoor and outdoor
swimming pool.

TIRELESS WORK

Helen Scott, Director at Cofton Holidays, is thrilled with Cofton’s success, saying: “Starting 2020 off with this prestigious accolade is a very positive sign for things to come, building further on the success of last year.” Helen added: “The Cofton team work tirelessly throughout the year to deliver an unforgettable experience to all of our guests, and being recognised independently for that is testament to our fantastic staff.” Cornish site Hendra Holiday Park has received the Popular Choice national award for 2019.

CORNISH DELIGHTS

Located in glorious countryside just outside Newquay in Cornwall, with 80-acres of landscaped parkland, Hendra welcomes from approximately 1,000 to over 3,500 people a night during the peak season, in a range of accommodation options, including camping, touring, glamping, holiday homes and lodges.

The super deluxe Shepherds Hut Retreat was the winner of the national award for Best Glamping Site 2019. Its lakeside hot tub and sauna are the perfect finishing touch to its high end glamping. Grooby's Pit took home the Best Caravan Park award 2019 at national level (winner) and is in the Skegness area. Its 5 star pitches are adult only, hard standing, serviced and set beside a stunning lake. With excellent facilities and great fishing, it’s an ideal touring base for the sights of the coastline.

Family friendly Umberslade Adventure near Hockley Heath was awarded Best Family Campsite national winner 2019. Most Unique Site 2019 went to The Private Hill, a stunning set of boutique geodomes tucked into the Yorkshire Wolds, with an experience that’s far from the norm.

ABOVE: Hendra welcomes between 1,000 and 3,500 people a night during the peak season

BOOKABILITY

Launched in 2015, Campsites.co.uk makes it easy to find and book great camping and glamping sites. The platform allows users to filter their search depending on their requirements, as well as search for the best camping holiday deals. The Sussex-based company currently lists more than 2,500 camping, glamping and touring sites across the UK and its Campmate iPhone app is one of the most popular camping apps on the App store. Martin Smith, founder of Campsites.co.uk said: "Every one of our winners has brought their best to the table this year and they deserve every success that comes their way."

ABOVE: Hendra welcomes between 1,000 and 3,500 people a night during the peak season

POPULAR CHOICE AWARD

NATIONAL WINNER: Hendra Holiday Park, Cornwall Found in tempting countryside just a short distance from Newquay's buzz, beaches and surfing, this family-owned 5-star park makes a cracking base for your next break. With award winning facilities, landscaped parkland and indoor and outdoor pools (complete with water flumes!), a holiday here is sure to make a splash.

ABOVE: Hendra's Oasis indoor fun pool boasts three flumes, a rapid ride, water cannon, waterfall and toddlers’ pool and an outdoor heated pool.

BEST GLAMPING SITES

NATIONAL WINNER: Shepherds Hut Retreat, Somerset These shepherd's huts are a whole new level of decadence. With stunning nature to enjoy alongside the plush accommodation, the lakeside hot tub and sauna is the icing on the cake. Each of the huts has had an interior designer work their magic on its vintage decor – and it shows - and guests rave about the luxurious details. An ideal base for couples to explore the Jurassic Coast.

ABOVE: Best Glamping Site went to the Shepherds Hut Retreat.

BEST CARAVAN PARK

NATIONAL WINNER: Grooby's Pit, Lincolnshire It's five star all the way with a waterside pitch at Grooby's Pit, perfect for a spot of fishing. Enjoy the peace of the adult only park, rod in hand, or use the site as a well maintained base for trips along the Lincolnshire Coast. The amenities are immaculate and there's plenty of space. From seaside Skegness to the seals at Mablethorpe, it's a caravanner's dream

ABOVE: The deluxe camping pode at Grooby’s Pit helped earn them the Best Caravan Park award

BEST FAMILY PARKS

Take the kids camping and make some memories that'll last your family a lifetime. Whether it's the fun of playing in the fresh air, building a den with new friends or toasting a treat in the glow of the campfire, these sites have mastered the art of family friendly breaks.

NATIONAL WINNER: Umberslade Adventure, Warwickshire 50 acres of glorious space should be enough for even the most active little ones, and this site adds its own adventure park with 140 foot zip wire, commando course and 4x4 off roading experience. Talk about a cure for the school holiday doldrums! You and your little 'uns can camp out under the stars or try a spacious bell tent, then enjoy getting some sausages a-sizzling on the BBQ.

ABOVE: Top family-friendly accolades for Umberslade Adventure.

BEST COUPLES’ CAMPSITES

You'll soon forget traffic and city streets in favour of endless sunsets, pretty countryside and some quality time together.

NATIONAL WINNER: Greendale Farm Caravan and Camping, Rutland It's an adult only zone at this peaceful site, so pick a spot and soak up the relaxing vibes. Start with a dip in the pool, or wander to the local village pub and cosy up with that special someone. Nearby Rutland Water is truly romantic at sunset and any good cheese lover will find a few nibbles in Melton Mowbray hard to resist.

MOST UNIQUE LOCATION

Fancy something quirky, out of the box and unique? These sites are anything but run of the mill - and we bet your friends and family won't have seen anything like it!

WINNER: The Private Hill, North Yorkshire Commended: Myrtle at Larchfield Estate, County Down

Commended: Windmill Campersite, Isle of Wight

ABOVE: The most Unique Site award went to The Private Hill and its boutique geodromes.

BEST HOLIDAY PARK

From unbeatable locations to high end facilities and activities that'll keep the whole family buzzing, these holiday parks are the cream of the crop. Whether it's making a splash in the pool, boogieing to top entertainment at night, or being just moments from a popular beach, they've got you covered.

WINNER: Cofton Holidays, Devon Commended: Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall

Commended: Highlands End Holiday Park, Dorset

TOP DOG AWARD

We're a nation of dog lovers and there's no way we're leaving Fido behind to chase his tail! Fortunately these pet friendly havens will put a smile on your face and a wag in your pooch's tail.

WINNER: Polmanter Touring Park, Cornwall Commended: Meadow Falls, North Yorkshire

Commended: Welltrough Hall Farm, Cheshire

BEST NEWCOMER

Brand new in 2019, these sites have got off to an excellent start with plenty of happy campers. They've started as they mean to go on and the future's looking bright!

WINNER: Hobby Farm, Dorset Commended: Shillingridge Glamping, Buckinghamshire

Commended: Kingley Vale Campsite, West Sussex

GREENER SITE AWARD

These eco-friendly sites can't be beaten when it comes to caring for the incredible British countryside, and all without compromising on the fun of camping.

WINNER: Wild Boar Wood Campsite, West Sussex

Commended: Alderfen Marshes, Norfolk

Bigger and Better Show Promised

Bigger and Better Show Promised

ABOVE: A packed shop window of park accommodation is promised
at this year’s West Sussex event.

Following the huge success last year of the first ever World of Park & Leisure Homes ‘South of England’ Show’, the organisers have confirmed that not only will the event be returning but promises to be even bigger and better!

Held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, on Thursday April 2, from 10 am to 4 pm, the event offers free entry and free parking. Combined trade and public access will continue from Friday to Sunday, April 3 to 5.

The trade-only Preview Day provides a perfect platform to do business and find the best deals in privacy and comfort. The special day provides a unique and exclusive opportunity for park owners and operators to spend quality time discussing specific requirements and options.

On display will be an outstanding collection of the latest park homes and lodges from the UK’s leading manufacturers plus, new for 2020, visitors are invited to explore the range of ‘Pods’ and alternative leisure living ideas too.

INDUSTRY NETWORK
Complementing the range of Park and Leisure Homes, the visitor experience is further enhanced with a broader and extended range of products to discover and consider.

There are also carefully selected experts, service and product suppliers on hand, all waiting to discuss latest developments, innovations and products in a relaxed and professional environment.

Just turn up with your business card and enjoy this unique shop window, believed to be the South of England’s biggest collection of park and leisure homes on display at any one time.

Park Home and Leisure Show
Tel. 01789 491451
www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk

Thomas Cook Staff By The Seaside

Thomas Cook Staff By The Seaside

ABOVE: Thomas Cook staff and families will be provided with no-cost stays including entertainment and attractions

Park Holidays UK has invited more than 600 Thomas Cook staff and their families to enjoy a weekend by the seaside. The holiday park group will pick up the accommodation tab in fully-equipped holiday homes for up to three nights, and will lay on free entertainment. Scene of the huge reunion party will be Broadland Sands Holiday Park, near Lowestoft, which the group is opening up especially for the event from November 8-11.

Park Holidays UK marketing director Geoff Barnes said it would be a chance for staff to swap memories and let their hair down after Thomas Cook suddenly went into liquidation in September. “As members of the holiday industry ourselves, we were also deeply saddened by the news and wanted to reach out to try and soften the blow in some way. “We thought the best way to help would be to open one of our most popular parks, Broadland Sands, for a long weekend and to offer free stays to staff and their partners and children. “Within one day of making the opportunity known to Thomas Cook staff, we were delighted to have taken bookings for all of the park’s 150-plus holiday homes,” says Geoff. “It means that we’ll be welcoming over 600 guests in total for between two and three nights, and we hope it will create a truly memorable experience for everyone. “I’m sure there will be some nostalgic moments, but overall we simply want all the Thomas Cook team, and especially the children, to share a very happy time,” added Geoff. As well as the free accommodation, guests will have use of all of Broadland Sand’s leisure facilities, including a recently opened £1.6 million swimming pool complex. Charges will also be waived on some other activities usually paid for by holiday guests, such as the climbing wall, adventure golf course and Segway Scooters. In addition, Park Holidays UK will be laying on a full no-cost entertainments programme in the park’s clubhouse featuring professional family-friendly acts.

The Caravan and Holiday Home Expo 2019

The Caravan and Holiday Home Expo 2019

26th September 2019

Hides Field, Beaulieu.

www.caravanandholidayhometradeshow.com

The annual Beaulieu show gives both trade and public visitors the opportunity to see the latest and best that the major manufacturers within the industry have to offer and to examine the designs and luxurious accommodation available for the new season.The show is held on the Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire where they are joined by others for the Southern Caravan Trade Show on September 26th and the public show on the three following days. This the largest show of its type in southern England and provides a great opportunity for manufacturers and parks to showcase their latest products to the many thousands of visitors.
The shows are run by HERCMA (the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Caravan Manufacturers’ Association).

Holiday Park & Resort Innovation

Holiday Park & Resort Innovation

6th - 7th November 2019

NEC, Birmingham.
www.holidayparkshow.co.uk

They say you should always save the best to last, so we finish this preview with The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show, providing leisure and resort industry professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to network and bring new revenue and diversification to their business.
This is the trade event to help holiday business owners grow, expand and evolve. The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show really is your one-stop event for industry leaders, world class speakers and 1-2-1 networking opportunities.
Show Highlights:
• 7,000 attendees of key businesses and industry decision makers • 400 industry leading exhibitors • 170 seminars from industry experts including Park Evolution, FSC UK, Wifinity and Wyldecrest Parks, plus many more!
• Exceptional networking and business opportunities including the chance\ to speak directly with business influencers • Advice and guidance on all areas of business, from marketing and PR to planning and finances

Want to know the best part? It is absolutely FREE! Free tickets to attend the show can be registered for via the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show website.

Browsing To Booking

Browsing To Booking

Examine your browse to booking system and remove any barriers. Pic. Potters Resort.

Examine your browse to booking system and remove any barriers. Pic. Potters Resort.

In today’s competitive market, holiday parks must to do everything they can to stand out from the crowd. It’s not enough just to have a website, for example – it has to be well designed, Google-friendly and optimised to drive bookings. An online brochure is so 2008. “A strong online presence is vital to success,” says Pitched Director Andrew Hampton. “It’s essential to have a website that stands out from the crowd; one that ranks well in Google for a park’s key search terms; and one that also offers a slick user experience for those browsing on a mobile phone – which is becoming ever more important.”

MIXED MESSAGES

“The aim is to get people from browsing to booking as quickly and easily as possible,” continues Andrew. “A website needs clear calls to action and a straightforward and simple booking process. Mixed messages and convoluted online booking steps are prohibitive to this – but are so often seen on holiday park websites. “Make the customer’s journey an easy one (especially on a mobile device) and you’ll see far less drop-off in the booking process.” “Don’t create any barriers to booking,” adds SuperControl’s Marketing Executive Jo Blaylock. “Be flexible with your start days and enable short breaks (even if that’s only at certain times during the year). Most people want to book and pay online, so let them, but make sure the booking and management software you choose is established, safe and secure.” Jo also stresses that it’s vital to add your prices as far in advance as possible. “If people are searching for their big holiday for 2019, they can’t book it if you haven’t entered your prices yet, so get them added. “The further away the start date, the higher you can put your prices because guests are less price sensitive when they are planning ahead.”

PRINT MATTERS

In addition to a hassle-free online experience, Andrew stresses that it’s also important not to forget the role of traditional printed material like brochures, mailers and postcards. “Sent out ahead of key booking periods, they still have a vital role to play. Where an email can be deleted, or a social media post ignored, a brochure will be picked up time and again. The key is to let your personality show through in your holiday park marketing.” Relationships are important in the holiday park business and your guests are one of your best resources. Stay in touch. Use their feedback to continuously improve, share photos and testimonials on your social media platforms, engage with them and encourage conversations. A happy guest can be your number one ambassador!

For More on This Story Subscribe Now