On The Menu

Posted on November 28, 2014

From high-class restaurants to family-friendly pizza cafes, the choice on offer at many locations is vast.

On The Menu

WITH millions of British holidaymakers heading for holiday parks in the UK this year, one of the major attractions for most visitors was that the cooking would be done for them.

Catering is the vital ingredient of the holiday park business menu. From high-class restaurants to family-friendly pizza cafes, the choice on offer at many locations is vast. Quality food and good surroundings are key to the restaurant enjoyment factor with staff service and excellent menus par for the course in these competitive times.

Butlins pride themselves on top-quality restaurants with a total of 58 eating and drinking outlets and venues at their three seaside locations – Bognor Regis (West Sussex), Minehead (Somerset) and Skegness (Lincolnshire). These range from pubs, bars, buffet-style restaurants, ice cream parlours, pizza and pasta restaurants, fish and chip restaurants and even a restaurant run by TV chef Brian Turner.

Hendra Holiday Park’s takeaway was named ‘Seasonal Fish & Chip Operator of the Year’ at the Seafish National Fish & Chip Awards earlier this year.

As with other resorts, holidaymakers book either self-catering holidays or the option to buy a dining package, which allows guests breakfast and dinner in their buffet restaurants. With 1.5 million guests a year, around 600,000, equating to 45 per cent, choose to buy the dining plan option. “Catering is an area of the business that we’re investing in heavily,” says James Silverstone of Butlins. “Character meals are available at all resorts – for example breakfast with Billy and Bonnie Bear.”

Haven Holiday Parks, part of Bourne Leisure, have worked hard to make the restaurant experience a memorable one across their locations. Fish and chips shares a quintessentially strong association with the seaside, so with a great level of investment in their fish and chip shops, Haven have increased the quality and experience of its venues to help celebrate the seaside and the UK’s favourite dish. Theme events have also been added to provide choice. Haven’s mid-week and weekend carvery is very popular, whilst Curry Night and Steak & Grill evenings provide added variety.

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A Hidden Gem

Posted on November 28, 2014

Situated in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, guests use Bluestone as a base to explore the surrounding countryside and coast.

A Hidden Gem

One of Wales’ best-kept secrets, Bluestone National Park Resort lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, next to the Preseli mountains.

Accredited with a five star rating by Visit Wales, Bluestone is an all year, all weather short break holiday destination offering freerange fun and relaxation for its guests.

Bluestone opened in July 2008 and has nearly 300 luxury lodges, cottages and studio apartments, designed in the traditional Welsh style and set in 500 acres of countryside. The park has plans to expand with a further 60 luxury lodges in the near future, as part of a third phase expansion.

“Our ultimate goal is to be the UK’s most loved short break destination,” says Bluestone’s CEO William McNamara. “At the moment we’re one of Wales’ best-kept secrets so one of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that we are consistently spreading the word about Bluestone and all it has to offer.”

With over 100 activities for guests to choose from, Bluestone has got every angle covered - from 4x4 adventures and beast hunts for the adventurous holidaymaker, to relaxing spa treatments and live music sessions for those that prefer a more chilled-out break. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Blue Lagoon waterpark, which features an indoor wave machine, a rapids river ride and two enclosed flume rides. The lazy river exits the building to an outdoor bubble pool, with two interactive wet play areas.

Earlier this year the park also introduced a range of new activities and facilities to further enhance the guest experience, including a sky wire zip course, rock climbing and a new village treehouse and play area.

William explains: “There’s no typical break at Bluestone. It’s all about giving the guests choices, while urging them to find their ‘wild thing’. Whether its families wanting to get together, couples wanting a romantic escape, or guests just simply wanting to get away and do something different - we cater for all.”

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Demand Soars For Family-Run Holiday Park

Posted on November 4, 2014

The expansion of Wayside Holiday Park represents a £450,000 investment that will lead to the creation of 38 new lodges.

Demand Soars For Family-Run Holiday Park

A holiday park in North Yorkshire is expanding onto a new ten-acre lakeside site after demand for its luxury holiday homes soared by 20 per cent over a three year period.

The Wayside Holiday Park in Wrelton has recently enjoyed a spell of dramatic growth, leading to the sale of all its 154 plots on the existing site.

Now, a £450,000 investment by the park owner Mark Goodson will see the addition of 38 new lodges to the picturesque lakeside setting, as well as the creation of four new jobs.

Mark is the third generation of his family to own and run Wayside Holiday Park, which combines five star static caravan holiday homes with a small AA four star-rated touring site.

Mark comments: “We’ve worked hard to ensure that we’re marketing our products effectively and it has really paid off, sending demand for our holiday homes through the roof and prompting us to expand onto a new site.

“Most of our customers live within a two-hour radius of Wrelton because they love the convenience of being able to head over here on a Friday, have a full weekend enjoying some of the best countryside Yorkshire has to offer and then still be back in time for work on Monday morning. Armed with that knowledge, we’ve been able to get our marketing mix just right and it has really paid off.”

Hoseasons Unveils Specialist Range Of ‘Bouja’ Breaks

Posted on October 28, 2014

Hoseasons has added a touch of class to its holiday offerings with the new Bouja breaks.

Domestic holiday operator Hoseasons has launched a new range of luxury holidays, designed to appeal to holiday park customers looking for that little bit extra.

Due to launch at the start of next year, Bouja will offer families, friends and couples affordable luxury getaways at six countryside and coastal locations across Devon, Wales and Hampshire.

With hot tubs at each location and every holiday home featuring a deck, patio or private garden, as well as a flat-screen TV with iPod docking station, Hoseasons managing director, Simon Altham, says Bouja breaks will set a new quality standard when it comes to great value UK holidays.

“We are incredibly proud of Bouja – not just because it’s the latest addition to our ever-growing specialist breaks portfolio, but also because it underlines our commitment to developing innovative new holiday products that give our customers that little bit extra.”

Top quality towels, linens and mattresses come as standard on a Bouja break, as do contemporary interiors, chunky outdoor beanbags and games consoles. Barbeques are also included where available, and all Bouja customers will receive a complimentary welcome pack and personal greeting.

“Bouja really is a breath of fresh air,” adds Simon. “Whether it’s a relaxing family holiday, a relaxing romantic escape or a beachside break with friends, Bouja has something for everyone.”

Campaign Calls For Tourism VAT Cuts

Posted on September 22, 2014

Findings by the Cut Tourism VAT campaign reveals that the UK’s tourism industry would be significantly better off if VAT was reduced from 20 per cent to five per cent. Pic: VisitBritain.

Campaign Calls For Tourism VAT Cuts

Pressure is mounting on the government to cut VAT on UK tourism, after thousands of businesses and politicians signalled their support for a nationwide campaign.

The Cut Tourism VAT campaign believes the industry would be £4bn a year better off, and lead to the creation of up to 120,000 new jobs, if Britain fell into line with Europe and reduced the levy from 20 per cent to five per cent.

A cut in VAT would also increase the appeal to visitors from overseas already struggling with a strong pound, campaigners claim, helping the British tourist industry to compete with low-taxed European and American attractions.

Graham Wason, chairman of the Cut Tourism VAT Campaign, said: “This new research is the economic proof the Treasury has asked for to prove what every other country in Europe knows – that cutting VAT on holidays is profitable for governments.

“Many of our coastal towns are ignored but cutting VAT would help them thrive. More than 60 cross-party MPs have signed our parliamentary motion and more than 1,000 companies and groups are backing the campaign.”

Campaign supporter Dermot King, managing director of Bourne Leisure commented: “As the pound continues to strengthen against the Euro, the gap in price competitiveness between the UK and her European partners widens. Outside of the London bubble, UK tourism continues to try to compete with not just one but increasingly two arms tied behind its back.”

Tourism is one of the UK’s largest industries – employing over 3.1 million people and generating £127bn for GDP in 2013 – and campaigners say a cut in VAT would give a vital boost to regional businesses and economies reliant on the industry.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association said: “As the driving force behind our recovery, it’s vital we help smaller firms grow. No one denies the cut would dent tax revenues initially but only briefly, so this is a chance for politicians to prove they are really in it for the long by making an investment in an industry which is the UK’s biggest employer of young people.”

Pampered Campers

Posted on September 9, 2014

Pampered Campers

The camping pods at Woodovis Park in Devon have had a positive impact on the business.

The glamping phenomenon, or boutique camping as it is also becoming known, has inspired a new generation of holidaymakers looking to combine a grass roots camping experience with a few home comforts thrown in for good measure.

Made popular by celebrity fans and fuelled by the UK's staycationers, an increasing number of switched on park owners are cashing in on the glamping concept; offering luxury camping accommodation options alongside their existing caravans and lodges.

For those parks that have taken the glamping plunge, business is booming. The Caravan and Camping Club has seen a 42% increase in the number of bookings for its glamping accommodation in the last five years and pitch night bookings are up by nearly 5% compared to this time last year.

The Caravan & Camping Club has reported a significant increase in glamping bookings in the last five years.

Rob Ganley, communications manager at The Camping and Caravanning Club comments: “The Club has enjoyed strong site occupancy this year so far, and our booking stats confirm that camping and caravanning continues to be one of the nation’s favourite pastimes.

“With many camping and caravanning brands investing in new technology plus the option of fixed on-site glamping accommodation, camping and caravanning can be a luxurious experience making it a more attractive and accessible holiday option to the wider travel market.”

Kate Paulwell of camping accommodation website Unique Sleeps agrees: "For businesses that are unsure whether to venture into the glamping market, it is not too late to jump on the bandwagon. Glamping is as popular as ever, and its future looks secure and set to continue."

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Vauxhall Half Century

Posted on July 3, 2014

The indoor water world and outdoor splash zones are the most popular leisure facilities at the family friendly Vauxhall Holiday Park.

Vauxhall Half Century

Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, Vauxhall Holiday Park remains one of Norfolk’s most popular holiday resorts.

Offering family holidays and short breaks to suit all budgets, the five star park is a firm favorite among holidaymakers looking to visit Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads.

The family owned park was founded by the late Stanley Biss in 1964, and his sons Wayne and James Biss now deal with the day-to-day running of the park. Both are supported by general manager Roger Finney and a 50-strong team of on-site staff.

Amy Woodyatt, marketing manager at Vauxhall says: “We are very proud to have recently achieved the number one spot on Tripadvisor in our category, and a certificate of excellence award.

“Our loyal customers are great ambassadors for the park, often returning a few times a year. We actively encourage feedback from guests, as we find that word of mouth and customer reviews often attract new holidaymakers.”

As one of the first parks in the country to offer caravans with running water and electric in the 1960s, Vauxhall’s accommodation options have come a long way in the last 50 years. The park now accommodates approximately 430 bespoke holiday homes, including 48 chalets, plus 200 standard camping pitches and 13 super pitches.

There is also an ongoing investment strategy to replace older holiday homes to keep at the forefront of comfort and design. This year the Vauxhall team have introduced a new and exclusive owners site, following requests from returning customers, as well as investing in a new range of holiday homes and glamping mega pods.

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Increased Demand For High End

Posted on July 3, 2014

An increasing number of holidaymakers are seeking luxury lodge holidays in the UK’s most scenic locations.

Increased Demand For High End

The Hoseasons Autograph Lodge Holidays brand is attracting an increasing number of holidaymakers looking for high end getaways in some of the UK’s most scenic locations.

Typically attracting a younger, more affluent customer profile, all of the lodges within the Autograph collection are stylish and contemporary and feature the comforts of home, with cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and luxury toiletries.

“Demand for Autograph Lodge Holidays is rapidly increasing so we’re continuously on the lookout for more boutique locations to join the portfolio,” says Robbie Davies, head of business development at Hoseasons.

Spotting a gap in the market, Hoseasons launched the Autograph brand in 2008 with just four locations, and it has since grown into a niche portfolio of 28 locations, featuring almost 300 of the best lodges across the country.

Robbie continues: “In 2007 we saw an opportunity for a consistent and branded portfolio of high end lodge breaks, predominantly targeting couples looking to get away for a special occasion or romantic short break. Nobody else was offering anything similar, so after a years’ development and innovation Autograph Lodge Holidays was born.”

There is a tough set of criteria that the lodges must meet in order to be considered for the collection, from accommodation décor, fixtures and fittings to geographical location, but having the Autograph Lodge Holidays name attached to a lodge development signifies that it stands out from the crowd and offers something special. As such, operators can command a higher rental tariff as customers are willing to pay more for an exceptional customer experience.

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Families Claim They’re Held To Holiday Ransom

Posted on July 3, 2014

Travel and teaching associations are proposing a shake-up of the school calendar so that holidays are more evenly spaced, to relieve the demand for holidays during peak times. Pic: VisitBritain.

Families Claim They’re Held To Holiday Ransom

Holiday providers have been accused of ‘holding parents to ransom’ in a flurry of media controversy surrounding the higher cost of holidays taken during school holidays.

In a price check survey, Holiday Park Scene compared the costs between ten leading holiday parks for a family of four on a week’s break in the first week of July and the first week of August. All of the breaks Holiday Park Scene looked at were more expensive during the school holidays, with most costing between 17 per cent and 78 per cent more when taken in August.

James Silvertone of Bourne Leisure comments: “We offer a very different experience on our school holiday breaks, compared to our term time breaks. It is misleading to compare the price of a school-holiday break and term-time break without understanding that two break types are very different,” he explains.

“We design our school holiday breaks around families with school-aged children which means we can offer a greatly expanded and enhanced range of entertainment and activities. We also pride ourselves on making sure that on every break we provide a range of options to families with different budgets.”

Dismayed consumers are less than happy about the out of term increases with many taking to social media and online blogs to vent their frustrations. A complaint from Paul Cookson, a father to three, drew masses of support on Facebook earlier this year and an e-petition calling for the rule on term time holiday fines to be reversed attracted more than 200,000 signatures.

Parents trying to save money by travelling in term time have faced hefty fines from education authorities for removing their children from school. Justine Roberts CEO of online family resource Mumsnet told Holiday Park Scene: “Three quarters of our users told us they think holiday companies are exploiting parents who have no other choice about the dates they travel.

“Obviously it’s hard to refute the laws of supply and demand but equally looking at it from a cost plus basis, holiday companies seem to be happily making extraordinary profits out of families and not surprisingly many feel they are being ripped off as a result.”

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Staycation Trend To Rise

Posted on July 3, 2014

Domestic tourist expenditure is forecast to grow by 25% over the next four years.

Staycation Trend To Rise

Spending from staycationers is set to rise by around 25% over the next three years, according to a new report by Barclays.

Overall spending by UK domestic tourists is forecast to rise to £108 million between 2013 and 2017.

The forecast is based on the recovery staying on track without people immediately switching back to their pre-recessionary holiday habits with trips abroad. Barclays said the hospitality and leisure sectors will benefit most from the staycationing trend, with spend in pubs and restaurants forecast to rise 26% to £37bn as more people dine out.

UK-wide hotel and B&B spend is expected to increase by 25% to £17bn, with leisure attractions going up 27% to £15bn and shopping rising 23% to £15.6bn.

“The economy is improving and confidence is certainly growing,” commented Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays. He added: “With domestic tourism set to be big business for the UK’s hospitality and retail sectors, those with a clearly targeted strategy are set to benefit.”