Booking Systems

LET’S NOT GO VIRAL!

Posted on February 10, 2026

One of the increasing risks facing all businesses is cyber-crime. Computers now sit at the centre of almost every commercial activity, enabling consumers to find what they want quickly, pay for it, and have it delivered next day or even same day. The holiday industry is no different. Consumers search for destinations, read reviews, compare prices and then book and pay online.

Computers and the internet are intrinsic to 21st century trading. As an insurance professional, one of the most challenging products to sell to a customer has been Cyber Insurance. Ten years ago, when the cover was relatively inexpensive, we couldn’t give it away — there was absolutely no interest. Fast forward to today and the environment has changed dramatically.

Cyber-crime frequently hit the headlines and claims are rising. Major companies such as Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Jaguar Land Rover have all been affected. Even government departments have suffered from cyber-attacks.

These attacks can lead to serious business interruption, significant costs in identifying and removing malware and further investment in security to prevent recurrence. On top of this, businesses may have to face ransom demands to regain control of their systems and, if found to have inadequate security, fines imposed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

WHAT HAS ALL THIS GOT TO DO WITH HOLIDAY PARKS?
Cyber-crime is on the rise, and in the online world no one is immune. It is easy to assume that only large companies are targeted because those incidents make the news - but they are just the tip of the iceberg.

Small businesses are frequently targeted due to;
Perceived Vulnerability: Attackers often see SMBs as easier targets with weaker security.
Data Value: Even small businesses hold valuable customer data useful for identity theft and fraud.
Supply Chain Access: Small businesses can be used as entry points into larger digital supply chains

Holiday parks typically operate websites, booking systems, computerised accounts and billing. It’s surprising how much customer data is held, and if you hold customer data, you are responsible for protecting it.

SO, WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS?
• Financial Costs: Direct losses from theft, ransom payments, recovery costs (IT forensics, data restoration), legal fees, and potential fines.
• Operational Disruption: Ransomware and other attacks can halt business operations for days, leading to lost income and productivity.
• Reputational Damage: A data breach can undermine years of trust and goodwill.
• Data Loss: Compromise of sensitive customer and business data, including intellectual property.
• Business Failure: A significant number of small businesses never recover from major cyber-attacks
• What exactly are cyber-attacks or cyber-crime?
• Phishing: Fake emails tricking employees into revealing credentials or installing malware.
• SQL injection: An SQL injection happens when a cyber-criminal embeds harmful code into a webpage or application to access data.
• Malware/Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment for their release.
• Denial-of-Service attacks (DoS): Flooding a system with traffic to make it unusable
• Man-in-the-Middle attacks: During a man-in-the-middle cyber-attack, a cyber-criminal will intercept conversations, transactions, and the transfer of data between the victim and a service they’re trying to use.
• Social Engineering: Manipulating people through fake emails, calls, or messages to gain access.

WHAT COVER IS AVAILABLE?
There are many providers of Cyber Crime or Cyber Liability cover which keeps the market competitive. Most will offer a comprehensive cover including:
• Data breach
• Security failure
• Illegal threat
• Cyber attack

The precise scope of cover will depend on the insurer and the policy wording. If a cyber-attack strikes, policies may also help with:
• Additional business expenses
• Data recovery costs
• Public relations costs

The consequences of cyber-crime are serious for both the business and their customers. The ICO can impose fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of a firm’s annual global turnover, whichever is higher. British Airways were fined £20M for a data breach and Marriott Hotels £18.4M. The ICO has teeth and isn’t afraid to use them!

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0276
compassparks.co.uk

LAND LEISURE & TOURISM SHOW REVIEW

Posted on February 10, 2026

We Look Back at the Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2025...

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show returned in November 2025, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the holiday park, attraction, resort, farm business and wider hospitality and tourism sectors. Across two busy days, the show once again proved itself to be a key industry meeting point, bringing together forward-thinking operators keen to explore new ideas, discover practical solutions and gain insight from experts shaping the future of leisure.

With more than 250 exhibitors on the show floor, the event showcased a diverse mix of products and services. Global brands such as Mars Wrigley sat alongside established sector suppliers including Gemapark, leading online booking systems specialist, Outdoor Living Hot Tubs and PIB Insurance Brokers.

Attendees were able to explore everything from interior furnishings and landscaping equipment to booking systems, guest experience technology and high-impact entertainment attractions. Alongside the exhibition, a packed programme of seminars, workshops and panel discussions provided valuable insight into the trends, challenges and opportunities facing today’s leisure and tourism operators.

The show was officially opened by Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, whose keynote set the tone for the event. Smith highlighted the importance of innovation rooted in a deep understanding of the guest. “If you can make the park compelling, an experience that feels like an escape, then why wouldn’t people keep coming back?” he said.

OUR OWN BETH CONNOR was at the event distributing the latest issue of Holiday Park Scene Magazine.

He encouraged operators to focus on the fundamentals: understanding who their customers are, creating a welcoming environment, serving great food and providing opportunities for people to spend time together. Efficiency, Smith stressed, should always be tied to guest value. Wellness tourism was another recurring theme.

Simon Wright, Managing Director of Walter Geering, reminded audiences that wellbeing begins the moment guests arrive. “True wellness starts with how you feel when you arrive at your destination. It’s not an add-on – it sets the tone for the entire stay,” he explained. Branding and authenticity also took centre stage.

Derry Green, Founder of Secret Garden Glamping, noted that guests remember experiences rather than aesthetics, while Natalie Green, Head of Performance Media at Sykes, emphasised the importance of trust and storytelling in building meaningful brand connections. Operational resilience was explored by James Sinclair, Founder and CEO of Fabadousa, who spoke candidly about managing seasonality and cash flow.

Event specialist Sam Beech of Laughing Bulldog Events closed with practical advice on creating standout experiences, from competitor research to influencer partnerships. With its blend of innovation, insight and collaboration, the 2025 Land Leisure & Tourism Show once again reinforced its status as a must-attend event. The show will return in 2026, promising even more exhibitors, expertise and opportunities for operators to thrive.

Please pre-register to join us again in 2026 to explore the future of land, leisure, and tourism.
Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2026
www.lltshow.com/pre-register-2026

AWAY RESORTS

Posted on November 12, 2025

Redefining the UK Holiday Park Experience...

In an era when the staycation has become not just a necessity but a lifestyle choice for millions, few operators have done more to reimagine the British holiday park than Away Resorts.

With a fast-growing portfolio of twenty-five locations stretching from Scotland to Cornwall, the brand has become synonymous with creativity, innovation, and a spirit of difference that sets it apart from the competition.

From quirky themed accommodation and digital innovation to sustainability initiatives and an ethos grounded in care, Away Resorts is positioning itself not just as a provider of holidays, but as a disruptor changing the way the UK thinks about leisure breaks.

STANDING OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET
What makes Away Resorts unique? In a crowded sector, the company has developed a reputation for “discover different,” their core brand ethos.

Rather than simply replicating the tried-and-tested caravan or lodge model, Away Resorts has created a portfolio of imaginative accommodation options that delight guests and surprise even seasoned holidaymakers.

From luxury lodges with hot tubs to glamping tents and classic chalets, there’s a style to suit every budget and taste. Standout offerings include Rockstar-themed accommodation with retro touches adding a playful, immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

This sense of creativity and character has become a hallmark of the operator, proving that innovation and fun are as important as convenience in attracting today’s holidaymakers.

ADVENTURE PLAYGROUNDS, POOLS, and activities keep all ages entertained.

VALUES THAT INSPIRE
The company’s vision is simple yet powerful: “to inspire everyone to holiday in the UK.” This vision is underpinned by Away Resorts’ guiding values of being Amazing, Attentive, and Lovers – principles that are woven through every aspect of their parks.

• Amazing: Constantly surprising and delighting guests with new experiences, from themed breaks to exciting park entertainment.
• Attentive: Ensuring the details matter – whether through responsive customer service or well-maintained facilities.
• Lovers: A passionate commitment to their people, customers, and the environment.
• This values-led culture has allowed the operator to foster strong loyalty, not only among guests but also among its workforce of 1,000+ employees.

LUXURY LODGES WITH A TWIST, from hot tubs to themed décor, accommodation is designed to delight.

A DIGITAL-FIRST APPROACH
Holiday parks are no longer places where guests expect to switch off completely from technology. Instead, visitors increasingly demand digital convenience at every stage of their journey – and Away Resorts has risen to the challenge.

More than 65% of bookings are now made online, reflecting the brand’s commitment to ensuring the booking process is as seamless as possible. Significant investment has also been channelled into the Away Resorts App, designed to give holidaymakers real-time access to everything they need during their stay.

From booking activities and checking entertainment schedules to ordering food and drink, the app serves as a digital concierge in your pocket.

AWAY RESORTS’ imaginative approach keeps visitors coming back year after year.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
Modern holidaymakers are increasingly conscious of sustainability, and Away Resorts has taken proactive steps to reduce its environmental footprint.

Initiatives across all parks include:
• Recycling bins and bags provided in every accommodation unit.
• Plastic-free drives, reducing single-use plastics across food outlets and retail areas.
• Broader commitments to energy efficiency and eco-friendly operations (more details can be found at awayresorts.co.uk/about/sustainability).

By embedding sustainability into everyday operations, Away Resorts is not only meeting guest expectations but also aligning with long-term environmental goals that benefit communities across the UK.

THE UK HOLIDAY MARKET TODAY
The rise of the staycation has been one of the defining travel trends of recent years, and Away Resorts has been at the forefront of this surge. The UK holiday market has seen excellent volume growth, with bookings up by 12%, reflecting an appetite for breaks closer to home.

Interestingly, the company notes that last-minute bookings are arriving later than ever, a sign of the changing behaviour of today’s consumers. Flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to demand are crucial, and Away Resorts’ diverse accommodation portfolio and tech-driven booking systems place it in a strong position to capitalise on these shifts.

LEADING THE WAY – With innovation, values, and a playful spirit, Away Resorts is shaping the future of UK staycations.

AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Away Resorts remains committed to its role as a disruptor in the UK holiday park sector. The company’s short and long-term goal is clear: to continue innovating and delivering amazing experiences for customers and owners alike.

From a single holiday park business to one of the UK’s fastest-growing operators, Away Resorts has carved out a distinctive space in the market. With twenty-five parks nationwide, a clear ethos of “discover different,” and a passion for pushing boundaries, it is redefining what the British holiday park can be.

By blending imaginative accommodation, sustainability, and digital innovation with strong values and attentive service, Away Resorts isn’t just offering a place to stay – it’s creating experiences that guests can’t wait to repeat. And with the staycation trend showing no signs of slowing down, the future looks bright for this bold and imaginative operator.

Away Resorts
0330 053 7000
www.awayresorts.co.uk

Holiday Snaps – Niall Norris

Posted on November 6, 2018

Holiday Snaps - Niall NorrisHoliday Snaps

Niall Norris is the sales director at CampManager

(www.campmanager.com), a company that provide Park Management and Booking Systems to campsites and holiday parks throughout the UK & Ireland.

What was your career path?

Having spent 29 years in sales within corporate banking, developing client relationships and providing added value solutions for their businesses, the opportunity arose to leave the banking world and work with my brother in CampManager. That was 10 years ago, and the business has grown to have over 400 campsites and holiday parks using the CampManager software solution.

What changes have you seen?

10 years ago, most bookings were being made via the telephone. We have seen significant growth in the number of online bookings, with some of our customers receiving up to 90% of their bookings online. With CampManager you take commission-free bookings on your own website, saving staff valuable time, automating the booking process, and generating more bookings for your business.

How do you predict things will change in the next five to ten years?

Customers are tending to go away on breaks more regularly but for shorter periods and are booking last minute. The Glamping market has seen considerable growth with a great selection of luxury and different accommodation types attracting the younger generation.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given and by whom? My first sales director said, “Sales are important, but customer retention is more important.” Customers will remain customers if you provide a quality product which is competitively priced, with excellent customer service and always be available to speak to them.

What do you most like to spend your time doing out of working hours?

A good walk in the countryside followed by a few pints of Guinness. I enjoy good food, having the ‘craic’ and spending time with my family (4 children and three grandchildren).

Your dream dinner guests?

Jack Reacher and his creator, the thriller author Lee Child and Keith Floyd a restaurateur and food writer. I love his humour and alternative approach to cooking. Do you have any claims to fame? Sat beside and chatted to Faye Tozer on a flight from London to Belfast nearly 20 years ago and only realised when I got home and saw them on TV that she was in the band Steps. My daughter didn’t forgive me for some time for not getting her autograph.

Where do take your holidays?

I love the outdoors and have been tenting for over 40 years – nothing better than heading off with my wife in the car with our tent and going where the mood takes us. If I need to get away to the sun – Majorca in the mountains with a good bottle of red wine.

Web Wise

Posted on September 1, 2017

Web Wise - Online Bookings

The sense that many potential customers are just looking, not booking is common. Web visitors often just want to get a picture of what’s available. At other times they’re unable to commit to plans until they’ve settled on exact dates with friends and family.

Whatever the reason, conversion rates in the travel industry are surprisingly low, and that’s why it is crucial for holiday park owners to get the booking process right. More people are using the web to shop around for holidays than ever before, and this WEb Wise 1means they’re only a swipe away from comparing prices with a competitor.

Research has shown that 37 per cent of consumers abandon travel purchases at the last minute because they want to do further research or find a cheaper price. But when margins in the industry are low, competing on price is difficult. Instead, holiday park owners should focus on delivering a streamlined shopping experience and a fuss-free checkout process. With so many holiday options on offer, it’s vital that potential customers don’t vanish at the finish line.

Choosing the most appropriate booking system requires park owners and managers to match their needs with the features of a product. But no two holiday parks are identical and it might seem difficult to find a system with all the necessary functions and flexibility. This is why CampManager, a leading Park Management Software provider, assists more than 300 campsites and caravan parks throughout the UK and Ireland with an online booking solution suited to the individual parks’ requirements.

“There are many different booking systems in the market, some of which have been adapted from hotel booking systems, which may not provide you with the pricing functionality that you require,” says Niall Norris of CampManager. “It’s important to select a booking system which is specifically designed to manage all your different pricing requirements – season dates, minimum stays and set arrival dates – and all your different rental accommodation and touring pitch characteristics.”

However, park owners should realise that the best solution may not come right out of a box. Sometimes choosing a booking system is more about modifying an existing offering to fit a park’s individual specifications. For Dafydd Lawrence, head of information systems at Bluestone National Park Resort, an award-winning retreat in the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside, it was important to create a bespoke solution that would fit with the park’s existing digital infrastructure. WEb Wise 2

“Having a web API in our main booking system allowed us to write our own online platform that talks directly to our booking system,” Lawrence explains. “Any system that makes you use an ‘off-the-shelf’ website or their own web booking engine can severely limit how much you can customise the experience for your guests.” The most obvious step to making booking on your site easy is to ensure that it works well on mobile devices.

To read more about getting 'Web Wise' please subscribe to Holiday Park Scene here.

COMPANY CONTACTS

CAMPMANAGER - Tel. 02081 331 005 -  www.campmanager.com
GEMAPARK -  Tel. 01983 282 420 - www.gemapark.co.uk
PITCHED - Tel. 01726 418 118 - www.pitched.co.uk