GemaPark

THE UK’S BIGGEST TOURISM & LEISURE EVENT RETURNS

Posted on November 4, 2025

Taking place on 5-6 November 2025, NEC Birmingham...

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the UK’s largest event dedicated to holiday parks, leisure, attractions and rural businesses. Welcoming over 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the show provides a creative space where you can gather ideas and learn from other experts in the field.

Whether you’re an established industry professional seeking fresh concepts or a newcomer looking to maximise your land’s potential, this event provides a unique platform for networking, learning, and innovation.

A HUB FOR INDUSTRY GROWTH AND INSPIRATION
This year’s show brings together three sectors under one roof, Holiday Parks, Family Attractions and Resorts, and Hospitality, creating an unmissable opportunity to explore the latest trends, connect with leading suppliers, and discover innovative solutions to enhance your business.

Plus with the Farm Business Innovation Show running alongside, farmers and landowners can access even more expert guidance on diversification and land optimisation.

EXPERT-LED SEMINARS & INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES
Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels. The show’s keynote, Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, will open with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector, rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment.

Expect thought-provoking discussions, covering key issues, trends, and opportunities that will shape the future of land, leisure, and tourism. This unique platform provides both professionals and newcomers in the industry the opportunity to network, learn and explore new opportunities.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels.

NEW FOCUS ON HOSPITALITY & VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
For 2025, we’re placing an even stronger emphasis on hospitality offerings, helping holiday park operators and rural businesses expand their services and increase profitability.

Expect tailored insights into enhancing guest experiences, adding premium facilities, and implementing effective marketing strategies to drive success.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT & GROW
Whether you’re looking to source new products, gain expert advice, or network with industry leaders, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the must- attend event to take your business to the next level.

Join us on 5-6 November 2025 at NEC Birmingham and be part of the UK’s most influential event for the tourism sector.
Scan the QR code to register for your free ticket today!

SPEAKERS NOT TO MISS!

MEADOW BAY VILLAGES REIMAGINING THE UK HOLIDAY PARK EXPERIENCE
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, opens the Land Leisure Tourism Show with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector.

Discover how Meadow Bay is rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment and explore the opportunities shaping the future of holiday parks and rural leisure.

THE REAL COST OF ENERGY METERING - HEAR FROM PARKS WHO HAVE MADE THE SWITCH
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Join industry leaders and park owners as they share their real experiences with energy metering.

From reducing costs to improving guest satisfaction, hear first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and how.

HOW GULLIVER’S WORLD IS SHAPING TOMORROW’S ATTRACTIONS - JULIE DALTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR - GULLIVER’S THEME PARK RESORTS
06 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

In this opening address, Julie Dalton, Managing Director of Gulliver’s Theme Parks and Resorts group, which includes Gulliver’s World, shares the journey of the independent, family-run theme park group as it adapts to shifting visitor expectations and industry challenges.

From launching immersive events and unique guest experiences to navigating changing leisure trends, Julie offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Gulliver’s has evolved its offer while staying true to its core values of affordability, accessibility, and family-first fun.

THIS YEARS MUST-SEE EXHIBTORS INCLUDE: TOP TEN

 

 

PARK MANAGEMENT

Posted on November 4, 2025

PARK MANAGEMENT

GemaPark offers, an all-in-one system to manage your park on a day-to-day basis, as well as providing instant access to data and tools for analysis and charting.

Online booking widgets make it easy to sell accommodation and activities on your website or through our integrated partners via our channels Unlimited user accounts ensure that GemaPark can adapt to your changing business.

GemaPark
01983 282 420
www.gemapark.co.uk

A DIGITAL UPGRADE

Posted on July 31, 2025

In today’s digitally driven world, guest expectations are evolving fast — and holiday parks, campsites, and glamping sites across the UK are rising to meet the challenge. From the initial booking to the end-of-stay farewell, the entire holiday experience is increasingly shaped by technology.

And for park owners and managers, embracing smart systems like online bookings and mobile guest apps isn’t just about keeping up — it’s about staying ahead. Whether you’re managing a family-friendly caravan park, a luxury glamping retreat, or a coastal touring site, digital tools have become essential for delivering the seamless, personalised service that modern travellers now expect.

Let’s take a closer look at how guest apps and online booking systems are transforming the industry — and how three companies are helping UK parks lead the charge.

FROM GLAMPING TO OWNERSHIP, CampManager’s Guest App supports every step of the guest journey.

YOUR PARK. YOUR BRAND. YOUR APP.
The team at CampManager understand that guests want convenience — and they want it on their phones. That’s why they’ve launched a powerful new Branded Guest App, tailored specifically for holiday parks, glamping sites, and touring parks. At its core, the app is about putting your brand in your guests’ pockets.

Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app features your colours, logo and messaging — giving you an identity that stays with your guests from booking to check-out, and even beyond. “It’s not just a tool, it’s an extension of your park’s experience,” says the CampManager team.

Guests can use the app to check-in digitally, explore site maps, access Wi-Fi codes, browse menus, and view local attractions or on-site events. For your team, that means fewer repetitive questions — and more time spent delivering great hospitality. But the functionality doesn’t stop there. The app becomes your central communication hub, with built-in messaging linked directly to CampManager’s system.

CUSTOM-BRANDED GUEST apps from CampManager keep your identity front and centre.

Whether a guest wants to ask about dog-friendly walks or amend a reservation, all messages are routed to the right team member and logged securely — no missed emails, no phone tag. From a revenue perspective, it’s also a powerful sales channel. Guests can book add-ons, pay balances, or rebook future stays at the tap of a screen.

App-exclusive offers, flash deals, and push notifications can drive repeat business, direct bookings, and seasonal occupancy boosts, all without relying on OTAs. For parks with holiday-home ownership, the app even acts as a digital showroom, showcasing your available stock and feeding warm leads straight into CampManager’s CRM.

And it’s not just for guests. Holiday-home owners can log in to request maintenance, gas refills or cleaning, with every task tracked in CampManager’s integrated Jobs & Tasks system. The result? A fully integrated, branded, end-to-end experience — for guests, owners, and teams alike.

SMART INTEGRATIONS from GemaPark help deliver modern, sustainable service.

GEMAPARK & PEMBREY’S SMART EVOLUTION
Down in Carmarthenshire, the award-winning Pembrey Country Park Family Caravan & Camping Park is showing just how impactful the right technology can be. Nestled in 500 acres of woodland and coastal beauty, Pembrey has long been a favourite with families seeking adventure and tranquillity.

A long-standing user of GemaPark, Pembrey recently elevated their guest experience with two digital upgrades: Pay-as-you-go electric pitches and a fully branded Guest App. Thanks to GemaPark’s integration with E-Pitch, guests can now pre-purchase electricity during the booking process and top-up from their phones or the hardware itself.

No queues, no meter readings, no lost credit — just seamless, real-time control that enhances convenience while supporting sustainability. As Mags Pullen, Commercial & Facilities Manager at Pembrey, explains: “The ability for guests to manage bookings, electric usage and activities in one place has greatly improved the experience. Our new app adds a personal touch while reducing our reliance on paper and physical resources.”

The app, developed in collaboration with Holidaymaker and fully integrated into GemaPark, gives guests instant access to all their booking details, payment history, activities, and now — even their electricity usage. It also allows for real-time notifications, updates on local events, and a completely paperless arrival and stay experience.

GemaPark’s forward-thinking, open API strategy means that these kinds of smart integrations are only becoming more common and more important. As Dawn Bee, Director of GemaPark, puts it: “We’re committed to connectivity. With our plug-and-play integrations, parks can pick the best tools for their needs and know it will all work together — simply and smoothly.”

AT PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK, guests top up electricity and manage bookings right from their phone.

DIRECT-TO-GUEST MARKETING
While the digital experience is evolving, the goal remains the same: great hospitality. As Allana Tigwell, Head of Marketing at Holidaymaker, points out: “Technology should enable, not replace. It frees up your team to spend more time with guests and less time on admin.”

Holidaymaker’s Direct-to-Guest (D2G) Marketing™ approach helps parks build a connected journey — starting from the moment a potential guest sees a lodge on social media. Through apps, screens and messaging tools, D2G keeps guests engaged throughout their holiday, delivering relevant content, reminders, and offers at just the right time.

Forward-thinking parks like Waterside Holiday Group and Freshwater Beach Holiday Park are showing what’s possible. From in-app AI chat, activity booking and real-time rebooking nudges, to on-site Seeview screens with local info, guests are kept in the loop, without needing to ask at reception. And importantly, this helps bring guests back into your ecosystem.

Instead of relying on OTAs or third-party platforms, branded apps and content help guests stay connected to your brand, long after they’ve left. Whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint with paperless check-ins, or encouraging in-stay upgrades with personalised offers, D2G tech turns one-time visitors into loyal fans.

HOLIDAYMAKER APPS, screens and AI chat helping guests stay informed, entertained and connected.

A SMARTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
One of the most significant advantages of online bookings and apps is their contribution to sustainability and operational efficiency.

From reducing paperwork and streamlining check-in, to cutting down on power waste with smart metering, these tools support both environmental goals and bottom-line savings. More importantly, they support a more human experience. By automating repetitive admin tasks and enabling better communication, they free your team to do what they do best: create welcoming, memorable stays.

Today’s guests aren’t just booking beds, they’re booking experiences. And digital tools, when used right, make those experiences smoother, richer, and more connected.

D2G TOOLS KEEP GUESTS in the loop without pulling staff away from the front line.

YOUR PARK, EVOLVED
The future of holiday park management is not about replacing people with screens — it’s about supporting people with smart, flexible tools.

Whether you’re looking to:
• Reduce OTA commission and increase direct bookings
• Deliver five-star communication from pre-arrival to post-check-out
• Provide smarter on-site services with less manual admin
• Or just bring your brand to life in a guest’s pocket

...then CampManager, GemaPark and Holidaymaker have the technology and expertise to help you get there. As the UK staycation trend continues to grow, the parks that will stand out are those that blend modern tech with traditional hospitality, creating experiences that are personal, seamless and brilliantly memorable.

Ready to bring your park into the palm of your guests’ hands?
Explore these leading providers:

CampManager
www.campmanager.com

GemaPark
www.gemapark.co.uk

Holidaymaker App
www.holidaymakerapp.co.uk

THE LAND LEISURE & TOURISM SHOW 2024…

Posted on February 12, 2025

The Land, Leisure & Tourism Show 2024, held at Birmingham’s NEC from November 5th to 6th 2024 this show is a B2B event for the tourism, leisure, hospitality, and rural industries. Drawing thousands of attendees and featuring more than 400 exhibitors, the show provided a dynamic platform for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and explore innovative solutions.

The event’s comprehensive agenda included over 50 seminar sessions, addressing key industry topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and design innovations. Notably, discussions on eco-friendly practices and the integration of technology to enhance guest experiences resonated with many participants.

A highlight of the show was the recognition of excellence through various awards. The Farm Diversification of the Year award, sponsored by NFU Mutual, was presented to The Silly Sheep Fibre Company, applauded for its resource maximisation and community spirit.

WHEN VISITING the LLT show you discover new products and services, explore investment prospects and network.

Additionally, Padstow Holiday Village in Cornwall received the Gold award for Holiday Park of the Year, commended for its commitment to environmental practices and achieving B Corp status.

The show also emphasised the importance of future planning and asset management, with seminars like “Futureproofing your assets through strategic review” underscoring the need for strategic and collaborative approaches in the industry.

Overall, the Land, Leisure & Tourism Show 2024 successfully facilitated meaningful conversations, showcased industry innovations, and celebrated achievements, reinforcing its pivotal role in shaping the future of the leisure and tourism sectors.

The 2025 Land Leisure & Tourism Show will take place on 5th & 6th November 2025, register your interest today.

Land Leisure & Tourism Show
www.lltshow.com

PICTURE POSTCARDS FROM THE SHOW…

A HIGHLIGHT OF THE SHOW WAS THE RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE THROUGH VARIOUS AWARDS

HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR

Recognises holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across static vans, touring pitches and more.

CAMPING OR GLAMPING SITE OF THE YEAR

Recognises camping and glamping sites that provide exceptional guest experiences across tents, touring pitches, shepherd’s huts and more.

DIGITAL DESTINATIONS

Posted on August 7, 2024

In an era where the digital landscape continually reshapes our everyday experiences, the realm of holiday bookings for parks, caravan parks, campsites and glamping sites are no exception. As the tourism and hospitality industries continually adapts to technological advancements, online booking systems and apps have become indispensable tools, revolutionising how holidaymakers plan and secure their outdoor escapes.

Traditionally, booking a holiday involved a series of phone calls, emails, or even in-person visits. This method, while effective in its time, was often cumbersome and time-consuming. The advent of the internet and the expansion of smartphones have dramatically transformed this process, offering seamless and efficient booking solutions that cater to both operators and customers.

Modern online booking systems and apps streamline the reservation process, providing a host of benefits that enhance the overall holiday experience. These digital platforms offer real-time availability, instant confirmations, secure payment gateways, and personalized services, ensuring that both the holidaymaker and the operator can manage bookings with ease and confidence.

Today’s leisure guests have higher expectations than ever of the hospitality venues they visit – and there’s no doubt this extends to their stays at holiday parks too. Guests are looking for convenient, completely stress-free experiences, and technology that can help facilitate seamless experiences, including booking tools and apps, will be key to meeting these expectations. By digitalising booking processes across the site, holiday park operators will be able to improve the guest experience, leverage these tools to help boost revenue, and free up valuable staff time, allowing them to focus their attention on guests.

BOOSTING ON-PARK SPEND
A user-friendly booking system makes it effortless for guests to explore and reserve on-site experiences. Making it easy for guests to book activities, dine at restaurants, and enjoy other amenities will maximise their enjoyment, as well as generate revenue.

By streamlining the booking process, guests are also less likely to seek alternative entertainment off-site. Online booking systems also offer avenues for strategic upselling. The booking journey can be designed to naturally nudge guests towards additional items during a reservation process. For instance, the system might suggest pairing dinner with pre-arrival cocktails or a celebratory bottle of sparkling wine on arrival at the on-site restaurant.

This strategic approach can increase revenue and can enhance the overall dining experience According to our research, nearly half of holidaymakers are interested in loyalty programmes which presents a clear opportunity to incentivise additional spending and encourage longer stays.

By having a digital booking system in place, operators can leverage their booking system data to craft targeted promotions and packages based on guest preferences or past booking history. This can be anything from offering discounts on activities enjoyed during a previous stay to enticing deals on extended getaways. Having all this tech fully integrated – from bookings to loyalty schemes – also makes it easier for staff to manage and for guests to use.

THIS STRAIGHTFORWARD usability not only streamlines daily tasks but also reduces training time.

BEYOND REVENUE
The right technology can go beyond just boosting revenue, it can also contribute to creating a truly exceptional guest experience. Table reservation technology, for example, empowers guests by putting control at their fingertips. With the right platform in place, guests can not only reserve a table at their favourite on-site restaurants but also browse and book exciting activities, amenities and events.

This level of control over the customer journey caters to individual needs and saves precious holiday time. Such systems also eliminate guest frustrations such as having to queue for a table and ensures a smooth dining experience. With digital booking systems, both staff and guests are also able to view live table availability – this helps manage guest expectation whilst helping teams better manage busy periods.

Meanwhile ordering technology, such as click-and-collect or order-and-pay apps, can help boost revenues by enabling guests to pre-order meals for convenient pick-up or in-accommodation delivery. In fact, research shows a strong preference for services like breakfast delivery and on-site takeaway, highlighting areas where holiday parks can cater to guest convenience.

At Zonal, we worked with Shorefield Holidays to develop a branded, feature-rich customer app, fully- integrated with their EPoS, to give guests more control over their dining experience during their stay, complete with deliver-to-location functionality to enable meals to be delivered straight to their accommodation. Not only does the guest experience improve, but booking technology integrated with other park systems can significantly reduce pressure on staff.

For example, an integrated booking and table management system eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving staff time and minimising errors. This allows staff to focus on providing exceptional guest service and creating a welcoming atmosphere. By implementing such strategies, you can create a win-win situation for your holiday park – happier guests and boosted profits.

ROBERTS GROUP has once again demonstrated their commitment to excellence by incorporating GemaPark.

SUCCESS STORY
Nestled along the serene banks of the River Glaslyn in the heart of Snowdonia, Cae Du Caravan and Camping Park has beautiful panoramic sea views. Known for their family-run charm and numerous scenic sites across North Wales, the Roberts Group has once again demonstrated their commitment to excellence by incorporating GemaPark as the park management and booking system for Cae Du.

We spoke with Rachel, the new manager at Cae Du, to uncover the reasons behind this strategic choice and its impact on their operations. Rachel, brimming with enthusiasm about the new system, shared her insights. “Other sites within the group were using GemaPark and had nothing but good things to say about it. Coming from a completely different system myself, I wanted a system that was easy to use, would save time when making bookings, and provide easy access to make changes.

I also wanted check-in to be as easy as possible and by using GemaPark, this has definitely been a big upgrade.” Her emphasis on user-friendliness and efficiency underscores the critical needs of a busy holiday park like Cae Du, where smooth and quick operations are essential for both staff and guests. Transitioning to a new system can be a daunting task, especially for a site as large as Cae Du.

Rachel highlighted how GemaPark met their specific needs. “Due to us being such a big site, GemaPark makes us feel in control of our park at all times, which is exactly what we need. Especially with it being our first year at the park, we are learning so much about it.” GemaPark’s ability to provide control and adaptability has clearly been a success for the new management team, ensuring a strong operational foundation from day one.

WITH GEMAPARK you benefit from updates as they happen so the system you are using is never outdated.

A significant advantage of GemaPark is its ease of use, a factor that Rachel greatly appreciates. “GemaPark is a very efficient system which I have found very simple to train office staff on. The help guide is a brilliant addition and always there as a reminder. I like the process of making bookings as it is easy to explain how to use, and everything is very clear on the screen.”

This straightforward usability not only streamlines daily tasks but also reduces training time, allowing new staff members to quickly get up to speed. Rachel also praised the support network provided by GemaPark. “GemaPark are certainly there when you need them and it’s a great relief to know they are when you have a problem. Every ticket I have raised has been dealt with quickly and efficiently.

As everything was brand new to us there were a lot of questions so I raised a lot of tickets. Really happy with everything, it’s a great support network.” The prompt and effective support from GemaPark ensures that any issues are swiftly resolved, enabling the Cae Du team to maintain high standards of service. GemaPark is an internet-based park management and booking system designed to cater to a variety of needs, from self-catering and glamping to touring, camping, holiday homes, storage, and long-term lets.

Its comprehensive features and user-centric design make it an ideal solution for managing diverse holiday park requirements. With the adoption of GemaPark, Cae Du Caravan and Camping Park is well-equipped to offer a seamless and enjoyable experience for all its visitors, reinforcing the Roberts Group’s reputation for excellence in hospitality across North Wales.

With a growing Cloud booking system such as GemaPark you benefit from updates as they happen so the system you are using is never out of date. Making the most of the new features can also require your input. At the end of each season it is important to check out what new features have been added and seeing if you want to work them into your system.

GEMAPARK IS A VERY EFFICIENT system which I have found very simple to train office staff on.

For example for 2024/25 GemaPark has added Dynamic pricing, Group bookings, Gift Vouchers, Additional accounting features, Full two way Hoseasons integration, ePitch integration, TXGB to name but a few. GemaPark offer a free online review meeting to all our clients whenever they want it to ensure they are getting the most out of the system.

The digital revolution has undoubtedly transformed the way holiday parks, caravan parks, campsites, and glamping sites manage bookings and engage with customers. Online booking systems and apps offer a plethora of benefits, from increased efficiency and customer satisfaction to valuable data insights and enhanced marketing capabilities.

While challenges exist, the ongoing advancements in technology and the increasing demand for convenient, personalized experiences ensure that these platforms will continue to play a pivotal role in the tourism and hospitality industries. For operators, embracing this digital transformation is not just an option but a necessity.

By investing in robust online booking systems and staying abreast of emerging trends, they can remain competitive, attract a global audience, and deliver exceptional holiday experiences. As we look to the future, the possibilities for innovation and growth in this sector are limitless, promising exciting times ahead for both operators and holidaymakers alike.

Cae Du Farm
01654 711234
www.caeducampsite.co.uk

GemaPark
01983 282 420
www.gemapark.co.uk

Roberts Group
01758 719417
www.robertsgroup.wales

Zonal
0800 131 3400
www.zonal.co.uk/holidayparks

UNLOCKING YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL

Posted on October 24, 2023

UNLOCKING YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL

Looking forward to an unmissable event...

HOLIDAY PARK & RESORT INNOVATION visitors can explore showcases offering an extensive range of products and services.

If you’re eager to stay ahead in the industry and unlock the latest trends, innovations and strategies to take your business to new heights, then mark your calendar for November 15th and 16th and set your SAT NAV to Birmingham’s NEC! The countdown is on to Holiday Park & Resort Innovation, the UK’s premier event for holiday park and resort professionals at the NEC Birmingham this November 15th and 16th.

The event will once again run concurrently with three other shows – Farm Business Innovation, Family Attraction Expo, and Leisure Food & Beverage Expo. Together, the four shows form the largest event for businesses in the fields of land, leisure, and tourism.

Whether you’re a seasoned industry player, or exploring the idea of starting your own business, join Holiday Park Innovation to discover cutting-edge products, strategies and insights to stay ahead in the leisure, hospitality and tourism industry.

The 2023 event promises to be the best yet, with visitors getting the opportunity to explore exhibition space spanning two halls that showcases an extensive range of products and services essential for building successful holiday businesses, as well as getting valuable updates and inspiration from the show’s insightful speaker programme.

TOURISM SECTOR
With new innovations reshaping the UK tourism sector by improving the planning and booking process, enhancing customer experience, promoting sustainability, and providing valuable insights to businesses, technology is a key theme through the exhibition halls and seminar programme.

Immerse yourself in a world of pioneering innovation, with 420 exhibitors across the four shows showcasing tailored products and services designed to meet your unique needs.

Confirmed exhibitors include Swift – the UK’s largest manufacturer of touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes, Hoseasons, TouchWood Play, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, Tiny House Pro, Creative Play, Dale Leisure Supplies, Cubicle Works, Clear Sky Safari Tents, Innovative Leisure, Volta Compliance and Go Low Carbon.

Every aspect of providing a first-class holiday experience will be covered – from planning consultancy and booking management software, to safari tents, outdoor play equipment and washroom solutions.

THE HOLIDAY PARK & RESORT Innovation event covers every aspect of providing a first-class holiday experience.

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS
The extensive seminar schedule across both days of the show features experts from a wide range of specialisms sharing top tips and advice for start-ups and existing businesses. Across both the Keynote Theatre programme – sponsored by Cottages.com and Hoseasons – and the Seminar Theatre - sponsored by Maxxton – you can hear from dozens of industry experts across 90 sessions.

Tom Clark is General Manager of Brit Stops, and will host a seminar at the show. “From a small family business and passion project, we have grown Brit Stops into an established and recognised brand within the motorhome industry. At the show we’ll share our focus on driving innovation and expansion at Brit Stops and supporting the next chapter of UK motorhome tourism.”

Gillian Hare and Brodie Farrow of Pitchup.com will reflect on post-pandemic trends. “Rather than representing a one-off peak, the pandemic kickstarted a legacy of outdoor holidaying that will continue to benefit the industry for years to come,” says Gillian. “We’ll talk about emerging trends and provide tips on how you can successfully ride the new wave of outdoor tourism, including case studies from those that have been there and done it.”

WITH LONGER OPENING TIMES this year, Holiday Park & Resort Innovation looks to be the best ever.

NEW ZONE
New for this year is ‘Great Taste of the Country’ a dedicated zone for independent food businesses which will feature live culinary demonstrations, providing an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products in action. The line-up includes popular food brands Hello Fresh, Devil’s Bridge Rum, and My Gyros.

Verity Hyland, Events Director for Agriconnect, said “As the UK tourism industry continues to thrive, many business owners are looking to invest in their businesses with new innovations and diversification options,” she said. “Holiday Park & Resort Innovation provides a unique platform to learn from a diverse range of experts, connect with like-minded rural entrepreneurs, and acquire actionable takeaways to enhance the profitability and sustainability of your business.”

With longer opening times this year from 9am to 5pm on day one and 9am to 4pm on day two, entry to Holiday Park & Resort Innovation, and the other three events, is free of charge.

HOLIDAY PARK & RESORT INNOVATION provides a unique platform to learn from a diverse range of specialist suppliers.

REGISTER FOR TICKETS HERE

 

 

IRRESISTIBLE COMBINATION

Posted on February 15, 2023

IRRESISTIBLE COMBINATION

Pictures and reports from the unmissable Holiday Park & Resort event...

THE HOLIDAY PARK SCENE team has gathered information and contact details for some specialist suppliers who stood out for the Holiday Park SCENE team.

 

The hotly-anticipated Holiday Park & Resort Show proved to be an irresistible combination as visitors from across the sector flocked to the NEC in Birmingham. November’s two-day business show received a positive response from visitors, speakers and exhibitors alike.

Complementary shows of Farm Business Innovation, Family Attraction Expo and Leisure Food & Beverage ran alongside Holiday Park & Resort, combining their pulling power for an irresistible draw.

Free to attend, more than 11,000 visitors were recorded across the show offerings, with many visitors opting to attend a choice of 140 seminars, 500 hand-picked exhibitors, industry-leading experts and unrivalled networking with a wealth of business development opportunities.

 

BROAD SPECTRUM
The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show provides you with the unique opportunity to network with 5,257 of the biggest names in the industry. Exhibitors maximise the opportunity to showcase products and services to an array of industry experts and buyers, directly from the holiday destination market.

Exhibitors responded to the current economic climate with an array of advice and information on new income sources, cost savings and ways to increase business efficiency. One of the key ingredients were ways for holiday park and resort owners to diversify and innovate their businesses and operations.

The combined event business awards are a celebration of ideas that are pushing the boundaries in design and service, recognising those that combine an unprecedented blend of innovation, creativity and uniqueness to its user. This year’s competition winners included a cocktail machines that serves up excellent quality cocktails at the touch of a button. Daisy Vending were awarded for their provision of milk and milkshakes featuring its premium milk vending machines.

Inch Perfect Trials saddled up to be first passed the innovation line as an on-line retailer for new and used trial bikes with the added offering of training and experience days The sustainability award celebrated NexGen Heating for its innovative heating solution for applications across multiple industry sectors. Plan your 2023 visit early for the event that returns to Birmingham’s NEC on November 15 and 16. Holiday Park Scene will once again work with the show organisers as a preferred media partner for the event. Autumn issues of the magazine will be distributed at the show.

 

 

UNMISSABLE OPPORTUNITIES

Posted on October 26, 2022

UNMISSABLE OPPORTUNITIES

Four shows in one at Birmingham's NEC...

 

FOUR SHOWS IN on, promises to be a crowd pleaser at Birmingham’s NEC.

Combining industry-leading exhibitors with the latest products and services for the holiday park sector, with a healthy splash of networking and discussion opportunities from its inspiring speaker programme, Holiday Park & Resort Innovation returns to Birmingham’s NEC this November 2nd and 3rd Together with Farm Business Innovation, Leisure Food & Beverage and the Family Attraction Expo, Holiday Park & Resort Innovation creates an unmissable opportunity to be inspired and equipped to develop your business in 2022 and beyond.

More than 500 exhibitors will showcase their offerings across the two days of the event. Amongst them is Greenspan Projects, whose team is excited to be back at the event. “This is a show that pushes the boundaries of holiday park and resort innovation,” said Greenspan’s Michaela Rowland. “There are always fascinating exhibitors and special guest speakers which leave us feeling inspired and excited to see what we can deliver next for similar clients.

THE SHOW PRESENTS an unmissable opportunity to be inspired and equipped to develop your business.

EXCITING PROJECTS
“This year, we will be talking about our most exciting projects involving zip coasters and high ropes currently underway in the USA, Canada and the Mediterranean, as well as a world first – adventure golf in an underground cavern, recently launched in partnership with ZipWorld.”

CampManager will also be returning to the event to showcase its cloud-based management and booking system. “We recognise the value and quality of Holiday Park Innovation and have made a dedicated effort across several years to attend the show,” said Thomas Drake. “We are itching to get out of the office and in front of potential and existing customers for a good chat.

With over 16 years’ experience in the industry, we are excited to share our top tips with the UK’s growing community of holiday park and campsite owners.” The keynote theatre programme – sponsored by Maxxton and CampManager – includes Luke Hansford from Hoseasons who will discuss the importance of consumer insights in creating valuable holiday experiences for guests and in helping operators maximise revenue.

 

MORE THAN 500 EXHIBITORS will showcase their offerings across the two days of the event.

 

Sustainability will be the main theme for Michael Holding of Visit Inverness Loch Ness as he explains how the area became the first carbon neutral business improvement district (BID) in the UK. Other confirmed speakers include Jonny Baird of Bluefield Houseboats and Richard Carroll of Landal Green Parks. Andrew Jones, winner of Diversification of the Year in the British Farming Awards, will be talking about his journey from farmer to glampsite owner and what he has learnt along the way.

David and Felicity Brown of Hoe Grange Holidays will discuss how winning awards helped raise their business’s profile. Sheena Corry of The Forge will explore the business opportunities of wild swimming and retreats. Look for full details of the speaker programme are available on the show website Holiday Park & Resort Innovation returns to the NEC Birmingham this November 2nd and 3rd. Tickets are free and available now at www.holidayparkshow.co.uk

HOLIDAY PARK & RESORT Innovation promises an inspiring speaker programme.

YOUR A-Z OF MUST-SEE EXHIBITORS

 

JOINED-UP THINKING

Posted on August 2, 2022

JOINED-UP THINKING

A complete park management and booking system...

Visitors to Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire’s award-winning tourist attraction of 30 years, often commented that you needed two days to do everything on offer. With 100 acres of land to the North of the attraction, the team listened to their visitors and set about creating their own Folly Farm Holiday Park. Offering a wide range of accommodation for the family market to suit all budgets, to date Folly Farm boasts a 43 pitch-touring park, a 20-pitch campsite, four Showman’s Wagons and six fairground themed luxury lodges with hot tubs. A further eight luxury lodges and six safari tents will open soon.

 

 

LOCKDOWN LAUNCH
“We were confident there would be huge interest in our accommodation offering from our strong and loyal customer base but then the pandemic hit and we found ourselves launching our touring park after the first lockdown in July 2020 with just three weeks’ notice,” explains Zoe Wright, Head of Marketing “We achieved a 76 per cent occupancy rate that first August and followed that in August 2021 with 94 per cent.” Ease-of-use was top of the list when Folly Farm was selecting a booking system so the team partnered with the highly recommended GemaPark . GemaPark has exceeded our expectations in terms of a booking system for our touring park and campsite,” confirms Zoe.

“In fact, we also import into GemaPark partner bookings for accommodation we don’t sell directly, because it provides top line booking, arrivals and performance information in a much more user- friendly way than our booking partners’ systems,” she adds. GemaPark is used by many members of the team at Folly Farm. Holiday park wardens use it to generate arrivals reports and to check if customers are returners so they can welcome them back. Office staff confirm all the bookings and chase payments while the marketing team can easily upload or change tariffs and run property performance reports and push any availability. The finance team can easily reconcile payments, run spend-per-head reports and financial forecasts.

EASE OF USE
“Every member of staff finds it easy to use and it’s one of the few software systems we use that the staff don’t moan about,” says Zoe. “Reporting was a key consideration as we’d little to no experience of running accommodation so to be able to easily query occupancy rates, property performance for our different accommodation options and check financial performance has been pivotal to the future development of the holiday park,”

Zoe continues. “CRM was also important as we were building an accommodation audience from scratch. “We would happily recommend GemaPark to anyone looking for a booking solution for their touring site or campsite and the fact they can easily integrate with leading booking partners is a bonus.”

Netguides/GemaPark
T: 01983 282420
W: www.netguides.co.uk
W: www.gemapark.co.uk

CURTAIN RAISER – Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show 2021

Posted on October 28, 2021

CURTAIN RAISER

 

A ONE-STOP HUB of business inspiration, the Holiday Park Innovation show makes a welcome return this November.

CURTAIN RAISER

You will need to plan ahead to maximise the potential of your visit to The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show which makes a welcome return.
The not-to-be-missed event will be opening its doors at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday November 10 and 11.
Europe’s leading event for the most ambitious holiday park and resort owners, the show runs alongside the Farm Business Innovation Show, Family Attraction Expo, Leisure Food & Beverage Expo, Leisure Toy & Gift and the Leisure Transport Show.
With over 1000 exhibitors, 500 seminars and an outstanding schedule of keynote speakers, it will be benefcial to know exactly what to expect from the show and plan ahead, so if you want to make the most out of the two days, keep reading!
The show offers a unique opportunity to see the latest industry products in action in the Live Demo area. Be sure to make some time to visit this area and possibly even get involved yourself! You can see the live demo timetable on the website under ‘What’s On?’.
This year, the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show is launching its frst series of panel debates, where the leading industry experts will be discussing the latest industry topics. This will give you the opportunity to finally ask your burning questions and hear the answers live and in person. From renewable energy to marketing tactics to enhance your holiday park or resort, you do not want to miss this opportunity! Find the full schedule on the website under ‘What’s On?’ and look out for times to incorporate some of these incredible discussions into your day!

THE SHOW OFFERS a unique opportunity to see the latest industry products in action.

EXPERT PANEL
Industry experts from some of the biggest names and associations within the industry will be available at the show to provide their insights into the industry, knowledge, advice and tips and tricks to support you on your innovation journey. From the likes of former MP, Nick De Bois - Visit England, TV Presenter, Author & Designer, Max McMurdo, and Justin Reid from TripAdvisor, listen to the hottest topics and latest trends in the industry right now. Keep an eye out on the website under ‘Speakers’ for the full timetable, coming soon!

INNOVATION AWARDS
The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Awards will be recognising the companies who have gone above and beyond within the industry, celebrating those that are combining an unprecedented blend of innovation, creativity and uniqueness in their work and customer offering.
It is very important to pre-register for your tickets before attending the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show this year, so register for your free tickets now before they are all gone! Doing so now also means you will receive your printed show guide delivered straight to your door, as well as access to the digital show guide, which includes the floor plan, full agenda, and everything you need to know about the show.
Log on to www.holidayparkshow.co.uk to check on latest information including vital covid guidance.

HOLIDAY PARK INNOVATION has earned itself as Europe’s leading event for the most ambitious holiday park and resort owners.

TRAVELLING TO THE NEC
If you decide to drive to the NEC, it is just 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre, and there are 16,500 spaces available in the car park, including plenty of helpful signage and a traffic team to ensure you get to the right area for your event. It is also very easy to catch the train as the NEC is right next to Birmingham’s international railway station. Visit the website and click on ‘Show Info’ to see full details about travel and parking, as well as bus & coach and taxi services.

OPENING TIMES
The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show will open at 9am on Wednesday 10th November, and close at 5pm. The event will reopen at 9am again on Thursday 11th and close at 4:30pm. Make sure you go and register for your free tickets now before they are all gone and be on the lookout for your printed show guide so that you can plan ahead and make the most out of your time at the event!

A-Z OF MUST SEE EXHIBITORS

STAND 6153
Selling your Park?
BusinessesForSale.com is the world’s most popular website for buying or selling a business.
Established in 1996, the website is an international marketplace of businesses for sale. We provide a cost-effective route to market for business owners and their representatives and a one stop shop for aspiring entrepreneurs and business buyers.
The website is the world’s largest businesses for sale marketplace, attracting over 1.2 million buyers and sellers every month.
Whether you’re looking to get in, grow or get out, BusinessesForSale.com has everything you need. Come and speak to the team on the stand or browse a selection of our current opportunities at our Wall of Business.

Businessesforsale.com
www.businessesforsale.com

 

STAND 1140
Leading Wifi Provider
Reliable WI-FI is essential for your business to gain a competitive edge. It allows your guests to stay in contact with friends and family, whilst also keeping up to date with work emails whilst away. Today, your guests expect a WI-FI connection that is swift and secure. We pride ourselves on supplying effcient hard-wired WI-FI solutions and excellent customer service from our 7-day support team and our qualifed professionals with years of experience. Camping Connect ensures the provision of secure, family friendly Internet access in line with EU legislation and is a `Friendly WI-FI` registered WI-FI provider.

Camping Connect
01792 277 231
campingconnect.co.uk

 

STAND 7131
Washroom Solutions
Cubicle Centre has been manufacturing toilet cubicles, wall panels and washroom panel products for over 20 years. We offer a range of washroom cubicles and wall panel products to suit any budget from our Pennine range where function and price is a factor, through to our vandal resistant Cairngorm range.
At Holiday Park and Innovation 2021 we will be demonstrating our water proof Cairngorm range of toilet and shower cubicles along with made to measure vanity units with both recessed and semi recessed basin units.

Cubicle Centre
01484 457600
washroomcubicles.co.uk

 

STAND 5132
Futureproof Your Business
Leading provider of IT business solutions to the Holiday Home & Leisure Resort industry, Elite Dynamics, will be a specialist speaker at this year’s Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show. MD Jamaine Campbell and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Lead Consultant, Andrew Blackie will be giving the audience key insights into how to futureproof and drive forward their holiday park businesses using readily available standard Microsoft Dynamics Technologies.
The team will showcase some of the newest and most innovative technology available on the market today, all of which has been specifcally designed for our industry and to future-proof your business.

Elite Dynamics
0161 641 8926
elitedynamics.co.uk

 

STAND 5091
Cloud Based Solutions
GemaPark is an internet-based Booking System designed to help you manage self-catering, glamping pods, and touring and camping.
From the interactive availability chart you can see all your bookings, blackout dates, add bookings and check availability and live pricing. An arrival day dashboard shows you today’s arrivals and departures including unit clean status. Online booking and online check-in can be integrated with your website with no commission to pay. Standard customer documents and ad-hoc emails can be sent directly from the system.
Netguides ensure GemaPark is PCI compliant and GDPR compliant. Whether you’re starting out or wanting to make life easier come and see us on our stand.

GemaPark
01983 282420
gemapark.co.uk

 

STAND 7180
Bring OnThe Heat!
Visitors are invited to stand 7180 where the Golden Coast team will be on hand to demonstrate its popular heat pump for pools and hot tubs.
Delivering output up to 13 times greater than an electric heater, a Golden Coast inverter-driven heat pump operates on a low current without compromising on performance and ensures whisper-quiet noise levels as low as 25dB. It even operates in low temperatures, enabling parks to continue offering enjoyable hot tub experiences all year round.
By using less electricity, the energy-efficient heat pump can help cut a park’s carbon footprint whilst saving thousands on running costs and allowing a faster return on investment.

Golden Coast
01271 378100
goldenc.com

 

STAND 8112
Stand Out From The Crowd!
Holiday Park Scene magazine is an unmissable read for anyone involved in the management of a Holiday Park, Campsite, Caravan Park & Glampsite. At least 5,000 copies of Holiday Park Scene are distributed four times annually to key personnel in all aspects of the holiday park industry across the UK and Eire.
Offering the inside track on the latest market news and reports covering all aspects of holiday park management.
We’re not just big in PRINT we have huge online coverage through our WEBSITE, EMAIL NEWSLETTERS & SOCIAL MEDIA!
If you would like to be featured in the magazine, we would love to hear for you.

Holiday Park Scene Magazine
01353 666663
holidayparkscene.com

 

STAND: 6081

WiFi Game-Changer
Holiday Parks no longer have to put up with nightmare broadband connections thanks to the introduction of ParkLink from Vital Wifi which enables super-fast speeds ‘Direct to the Van’ at a fraction of the cost of fibre.
It uses revolutionary technology designed to deliver consistently high-quality broadband across wide open remote outdoor sites.
ParkLink from Vital Wifi is a dedicated wireless package for holiday parks that provides fibre-like Internet speeds at a significantly lower cost of ownership without the disruption of installing fibre infrastructure.
New game-changing Internet distribution technology, used by ParkLink, is making reliable, park-wide high-speed Internet affordable and accessible to campsites, caravan and holiday parks.
Come and see us on our stand for more information.

ParkLink – Powered by Vital Wifi
0333 3583 111
parklink.co.uk

 

 

STAND 9213
Park Protect Scheme
The Park Protect scheme provides commercial insurance for more than 200 caravan parks up and down the country.
Having spent 15 years building strong relationships in the caravan and holiday park market you can be sure Park Protect will give you – the park owner – the protection you deserve.
Whatever type of leisure business you operate you need to stay up-to-date with legal changes, health & safety legislation, and issues that can affect your leisure property. Our knowledge and experience as specialist insurance brokers for the leisure industry means we tailor individual solutions to protect your employees and visitors.

PIB Insurance Brokers
01422 358 525
pib-insurance.com

 

STAND 10161
Award Winning Waterplay
Established in 1966, Ustigate have specialised in the design, build and maintenance of inclusive indoor and outdoor water play facilities for 55 years and have completed over 100 aquatic play installations to date. Ustigate Waterplay is excited to introduce over 300 products that promote active play; all designed and developed by their global leading aquatic partner of eighteen years, Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc. The portfolio offers theming and an aquatic play favourite for every age and ability; incorporating climbing, sliding and multiple interactive activities via collections such as award winning Water Journey™, Elevations™ and Explora.

Ustigate Waterplay
01322 424445
ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

 

STAND 6270
Making Park Payments Easy
Make it quick and easy for your guests to pay for on-site facilities with a VMC cashless payment system. A seamless tap and go payment experience really adds value for the customer and is an opportunity to incentivise and increase visitor spend.
Our payment readers are ideal for catering and bar areas but can also be fitted to almost any unattended machine making them ideal for parking, charging, power, amusements, pool tables, laundry, bike hire, vending, and much more.
For parks wanting to incentivise and reward customers for onsite spend, VMC can also provide a private onsite payment system using branded cards, wristbands or biometrics.

VMC (UK) Ltd
01926 816400
vmcltd.co.uk

 

STAND 7242
Family Fun For Everyone!
For 50 years, World of Rides have been the leading UK manufacturer of children’s leisure rides in the United Kingdom.
From our factory in County Durham we supply major shopping centres, retailers, visitor attractions, farm parks, holiday parks, garden centres, family entertainment centres and hospitality centres both nationally and internationally, as well as leading single-site operators.
Our vast knowledge and experience ensures that every ride we manufacture and sell is rigorously tested both in the factory and on-site before being released for sale.
Come and see us on our stand for further information.

World of Rides
0191 49 20 999
worldofrides.com