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MIND-BENDING CHALLENGES

Posted on March 12, 2024

MIND-BENDING CHALLENGES

Reporting from the Hoseasons Owners Conference & Awards...

THE ANNUAL HOSEASONS awards were presented at a glittering Gala Awards ceremony.

Hoseasons, one of the UK’s leading self-catering accommodation specialists, with more than 30,000 British destinations in coastal and countryside settings, gathered for its much-anticipated annual conference and awards event recently. From lodges and parks, to boats, cottages and apartments, the Hoseasons brand offers the widest available range of self-catering holidays in the UK accommodating 2.1 million holidaymakers and more than 170,000 pets every year and is part of Awaze - Europe’s leading managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business.

More than 600 delegates gathered at the prestigious Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales, in November and were rewarded with a packed conference programme and supportive trade exhibition. Many of the conference presenters were from the Awaze in-house team with an impressive injection of expert business and motivational speakers - all topped-off by a star appearance from comedian Tom Allen who co-hosted the Awards presentations.

Lead presenter, Daisy McAndrew, talked about the ‘mind-bending’ challenges holiday park operators had faced in the past ten years following Brexit, the pandemic, war in Ukraine, or five Prime Ministers and the cost-of-living crisis. She set the stage with Hoseason’s Simon Altham. Catherine Smith and Kris Penny gave an insightful talk on revenue management emphasising the importance of effective revenue management strategies for maximising revenue.

SPECIALLY SELECTED TRADE suppliers at the Hoseasons conference including Compass Insurance.

Andrew Goward and Luke Hansford shared key insights and industry trends that are shaping the industry’s future. Daniel Hulme (PhD), an AI and tech expert, shared mind-blowing insights into the future of AI technology before Martin Rovsing and Blake Carroll Fulford-Brown showcased innovative product designs and future technology that will enhance customer experiences. John Crosby’s presentation on Hoseasons’ marketing achievements highlighted the impactful campaigns and strategies Hoseasons have implemented.

Guest presenter, Tori James took delegates on an incredible journey of resilience and determination. Her storytelling was captivating and reminded us of the power of perseverance. Jamaine Campbell from Elite Dynamics, the Headline Sponsor, shared valuable insights on how the company’s partnership has truly elevated holiday park experiences. Adam Boulton, a renowned political broadcaster, discussed the impact of politics on the tourism industry.

His analysis shed light on the challenges and opportunities we may face. Rupa Patel, Laura Smith, and Dan Taylor provided an update on regulatory changes affecting our industry. Their work shapes the new rules to benefit our owners. The business development team discussed innovation and industry trends. They highlighted the importance of collaborating with Hoseasons for new developments.

THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Panel is a popular part of the annual Hoseasons Conference programme.

Jason Fox inspired delegates with his session on resilience and overcoming challenges. He reminded us that the right mindset can conquer any obstacle before the impressive day-long programme was round-up by Hoseasons CEO, Henrik Kjellberg. Delegates included Gregg Mumford, Chief Executive of Richardsons Group that offers varied accommodation at its Hemsby Beach Holiday Park as well as holidays afloat on a fleet of over 200 boats on the Norfolk Broads.

Greg said they offer a combination of direct bookings and bookings through Hoseasons with slightly more coming through Hoseasons for the dry holidays and 60 per cent booking directly for boats. He confirmed “One of the main things you get working with Hoseasons is that you get the overall picture of the domestic tourism market including insights, such as which accommodation types are booking and how well they will yield,” Greg shared when he talked to Holiday Park SCENE magazine.

“The Conference enables everybody to come together and share your insights individually and there is always a great line up of presenters.” Hemsby Beach Holiday Park will offer close to 400 units this year following the addition of pet-friendly lodges with hot tubs. The resort also offers a popular Clubhouse, a show bar that seats 420 people, restaurant and family entertainment centre. The Hemsby team also work with Hoseason’s Go Active scheme offering climbing walls, and high ropes.

DAISY MCANDREW set the stage with Hoseason’s Simon Altham.

“One of our biggest challenges is predicting the market year on year and Hoseasons are great with statistics and advice on this,” Greg adds. “The external speakers are very good but it is equally important to hear from the Hoseasons team and I value the panel discussion they have.” Sarah and Jeremy Barber, now working alongside son-in-law Richard Broome, began diversifying their 357 acres of rolling farm land in 2016 adding just three holiday lodges and evolving up to a current stock of 16 holiday lodges with hot tubs.

“We have only booked through Hoseasons right from the start,” said Jeremy. “Although they book through Hoseasons, we like to offer the personal touch and make an effort to give each lodge plenty of space and a friendly greeting on arrival,” he continued. “We did not come to the conference at first because we did not release how much was on offer,” he said. “We have really appreciated the Hoseasons involvement and the return on holiday lodge investment has been colossal,” he added.

Love2Stay owner, Mark Debb, of Salop Leisure was an enthusiastic supporter: “The Hoseasons reach is phenomenal,” says Mark who says the stand-out resort still manages to retain its individuality while benefitting from the multi-million Hoseason reach. “We want as much return as possible to reinvest as much as feasible,” says Mark who says with raw materials increases it is now taking two and a half years to see a return on investment of a £45k lodge compared with 12 months pre-pandemic.

DELEGATES MINGLED with a host of selected trade suppliers for a complimentary exhibition.

BEST IN BRITAIN
A prestigious roll of honour at the evening awards presentations heard Henlle Hall Woodland Lodges, near Oswestry, had scooped the Best in Britain Award for the Small Park category for the second year in a row. The park was also named Best Small Lodge Escape destination in the Heart of England.

Commenting on the park’s success, Cosmo Lloyd and Keeta Thomas, Joint Owners of Henlle Hall Woodland Lodges, said: “We were really pleased to be recognised with the regional award, but being named Best in Britain for the second-year running has really blown us away! In the end it all comes down to the hard work the team puts into looking after our guests. They do a fantastic job when it comes to providing excellent holiday experiences and that’s why we have so many happy customers.”

Henlle Hall Woodland Lodges is part of Hoseasons’ Magnificent collection – encompassing six locations across the UK featuring the highest level of luxury accommodation, service and innovation. Another hat-trick winner was Selsey Holiday Park, named Best in Britain for the quality of its food by staycation specialist Hoseasons. The park also won the Customer Choice Food Award for Family Fun Destinations as well as the award for the Best Family Fun Destination in the South of England.

HOSEASONS SURPRISED party-goers as top comedian Tom Allen co-hosted the recent awards.

Andrew Sheerin, Sales & Marketing Director at Cove UK, the parent company of Seal Bay, said: “Winning three awards in one night, including one for being the Best in Britain, has really blown us away! In the end it all comes down to the hard work and dedication the team puts into looking after our guests. They do a fantastic job and that’s why we have so many happy customers.”

Speaking after presenting the awards in front of more than 600 operators, industry suppliers and members of the Hoseasons team, Luke Hansford, Senior Vice President - Supply at Hoseasons, said: “It takes something special to be named Best of Britain at these awards, particularly when you consider the quality of the competition.

PARK OWNERS SET TO SCALE 200 PEAKS

Posted on March 12, 2024

PARK OWNERS SET TO SCALE 200 PEAKS

Two Lake District holiday park owners are joining forces this year in a bid to climb all 214 Wainwright fells, and to land a windfall for Cancer Research UK. David Jackson of Castlerigg Hall near Kenwick, and Daniel Holder of The Quiet Site near Ullswater, are dedicating their marathon effort to the memory of their fathers.

Both men lost their dads to cancer at a young age – David when he was 22 and Daniel when he was just 16. The pair have set themselves the target of raising £5,000 over twelve months through a Just Giving page called Fells for Our Fathers (www. justgiving.com/page/fellsforourfathers).

David and Daniel discovered their shared losses last year during a conversation following one of their outings together on the fells. Said Daniel: “We both really enjoy tackling high level trails in the Lake District, and the subject came up when we were talking over a beer after one of our climbs. “We thought it would be great if our outings were able to make a difference to the work of Cancer Research and the many ways in which they support those affected.

“Bagging all of the Wainwrights in one year appealed to us both a challenge, and we’ve been delighted at all of the donation pledges that have so far rolled in,” he said. Alfred Wainwright (1907–1991) hand wrote and illustrated a series of seven volumes describing the ascents and views from the summits of 214 Lakeland fells.

The parks owned by David and Daniel attract many guests keen to explore the Lakeland fells, and each provides a range of accommodation from camping pitches to luxury glamping. Both are long-established family businesses and have achieved a number of awards – including five-star tourist board grades – for their quality standards and care for the environment.

GOLDEN GLOW FOR PARK HOLIDAYS UK

Posted on March 5, 2024

GOLDEN GLOW FOR PARK HOLIDAYS UK

WITH 56 PARKS across Britain, Park Holidays UK is consistently offering outstanding standards.

Major parks group Park Holidays UK has earned two top quality awards, thanks to guests who say that they consistently enjoy gold standards of service during their stays. The first accolade was the prestigious 2024 Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award which puts Park Holidays UK among a small elite of Britain’s most outstanding holiday providers.

Feefo is one of the world’s most trusted review websites, and its gold award goes only to companies which achieve exceptionally high scores from customers throughout the year. In 2023, said Feefo, almost all guests delivering their verdict on Park Holidays UK gave it a rating of 4.5 or 5 – the maximum score – based on their experiences.

Feefo also gave a special award to Park Holidays UK for delivering 10 years of consistent service excellence. Brad May, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Holidays UK – which operates 56 parks across Britain - said that all members of the staff team deserved to take a bow: “These awards are a fantastic achievement of which everyone at the company can be proud, not least because of what customers are saying in their reviews,” he said.

“Our high quality standards always earn praise from customers, but guests are just as keen to comment on the relaxed atmosphere, friendliness, and hospitality they enjoy. “Making this happen is entirely down to the enthusiasm of our loyal and hardworking teams – and many reviewers say what a great difference our staff make to their stay.

“It’s always our aim to provide guests with the best possible holiday memories, and we are delighted to be exceeding their expectations in so many different ways,” added Brad. Bookings for 2024 have got off to an extremely strong start, he reports, and ownership of holiday caravans and lodges are continuing to grow in popularity.

SCOTTISH ACQUISITION FOR PURE LEISURE

Posted on March 5, 2024

SCOTTISH ACQUISITION FOR PURE LEISURE

PURE LEISURE GROUP has taken over ownership of the Shin Falls Visitor Centre.

Award-winning holiday park operator, Pure Leisure Group, has announced the acquisition of Falls of Shin Visitor Centre in Lairg, Scotland, marking the first investment of this kind for the company. The Visitor Centre boasts a unique salmon viewing platform – one of the few remaining in the Highlands, a selection of woodland walks, a children’s playpark, as well as a soon to be reopened restaurant.

Located just a short distance from Pure Leisure Groups exclusive Gledfield Highland Estate, comprising 47 lodges set amongst 5,000 acres of woodland, it’s expected that holiday home owners, guests and members of the community alike will benefit from the takeover and the current renovations underway.

Commenting on the visitor centre announcement, founder of PLG, John Morphet said: “It’s potential to be a community hub is huge, as well as a go-to destination for tourists visiting the area year-round so we are confident this will provide a boost to tourism a well as supporting the local economy.

“We’re also investing in our Gledfield Highland Estate, with works in motion for a new bar, restaurant, swimming pool and leisure complex that will be accessible to the local community whom we want to support as much as possible, while also increasing staycations and holidays to this beautiful part of the world.”

WINTER BLUES FOR PONTINS CLOSURES

Posted on March 5, 2024

WINTER BLUES FOR PONTINS CLOSURES

CAMBER SANDS WAS one of three Pontin’s resorts to close this winter. Pic. cheekylorns

Following recent closures there are now just two parks left in the Pontins brand, Pakefield Holiday Village in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and Sandbay Holiday Village in Kewstoke, Somerset. No public explanation was given by Pontins, or its owner Britannia Hotels, at the time, but employees were allegedly told via email the closure was due to a ‘decline in business’, according to multiple media reports.

No longer visible, The Sun reported a website statement that read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Pontins Southport Holiday Park. “After assessing the future viability of the park, we have come to the difficult decision to close our doors.

“Unfortunately, this means that Pontins Southport Holiday Park will be closing from Wednesday 3rd January 2024. Extracts from e-mails addressed to employees and shown to local newspapers read: “Due to business levels, Pontins Prestatyn Sands will be closing with immediate effect.

“The company have been reviewing the business levels of the park throughout the 2023 season and have concluded that continuing trading at this park in to 2024 is no longer a viable business decision. “Therefore, it is for that reason that the company have made the difficult decision to implement proposed redundancies at Prestatyn Sands.”

Some members of staff had their employment terminated with immediate effect, while others were instructed to continue working at the park until further notice. The e-mail to employees added: “The hospitality industry all suffered a dramatic downturn during COVID.

“The company continues to review the business levels for the park, and since COVID, this park has not been able to return to reasonable business levels. “Current projections are that the park will make a financial loss in the 2024 season and beyond. “The company are looking to close the holiday park to the public for the foreseeable future.”

There has been frenzied speculation on how the vast sites will be used going forward including claims, denied by the Home Office, that accommodation would be used for refugees. Britannia Hotels were approached for comment but no response was received.

UK STAYCATION TRENDS

Posted on March 5, 2024

UK STAYCATION TRENDS

Holiday bookers would rather staycation than go abroad in 2024, according to new research – but it’s a close call. When 1,000 UK holidaymakers were surveyed by Thermos, 52% chose staying close to home, while 48% would choose to head overseas this year. One in three said they had a staycation at some point in the last year (30%).

Only one in 10 (10%) said they felt a staycation wasn’t as much of a break as a holiday abroad. When asked about preferred destinations for a UK getaway, 11 per cent said they kept theirs secret from wider acquaintances, as they feared them becoming too touristy. One in five (22%) said they actively avoided tourist hot spots because they were too busy.

BEST THINGS ABOUT A STAYCATION:
1. Saves travel time – 45%
2. Supports local businesses – 39%
3. There are still lots of places I haven’t explored and want to – 38%
4. Better for the environment – 36%
5. Saves money – 33%
6. No issue with language – 30%
7. Less stressful – 30%
8. No restrictions on luggage – 25%
9. Know I will like the food – 22%
10. I can take my pets - 20%

THE TOP 10 UK STAYCATION DESTINATIONS:
1. East of England - incl. Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
2. South West England - incl. Cornwall, Devon and the Cotswolds
3. North West - incl. the Lake District
4. East Midlands - incl. Derbyshire and the Peak District
5. North East - incl. Northumberland
6. South East - incl. Oxfordshire, Kent and the Isle of Wight
7. Greater London
8. Yorkshire
9. Scotland
10.Wales

Other reasons quoted were it makes it easier to take family and friends for a group holiday (19%), and enjoying the weather more (12%). The Staycation report also revealed that generally holiday makers will be heading South – with 31% saying that would be their preferred option, whilst 19% would head North.

James Sheldon, Trading Manager at Thermos, said: “Obviously the pandemic necessitated a change in travel habits, and no one was quite sure how that would impact things longer term. It seems the trend for holidaying closer to home is going to continue into 2024, for reasons of ease, cost, the environment and the fact we’re lucky enough to have so many wonderful places in easy reach.

“Twenty per cent of respondents said they preferred a self-catering holiday, so they can choose what and when they eat. In Thermos’ 120-year history we’ve accompanied many families on a Great British getaway, and we are delighted that tradition continues. A flask of tea and fish and chips on the beach remains one of life’s great pleasures!”

EASY DOSING

Posted on March 5, 2024

EASY DOSING

Bayrol automatic water treatment systems - available through Golden Coast - use chlorine, bromine, or active oxygen methods to accurately analyse pool water, regulate pH levels, measure and dose disinfectants, and allow remote control of pool equipment.

Contact the Golden Coast team to find out how Bayrol PoolManager, PoolManager Pro and PoolRelax dosing systems can help you simplify pool maintenance, ensure proper treatment, reduce costs, and minimise waste.

Golden Coast
01271 378100
www.goldenc.com

£5M BOOST FOR IT SPECIALIST

Posted on March 2, 2024

£5M BOOST FOR IT SPECIALIST

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS SPECIALISTS, Elite Dynamics founded in 2015 by Jamaine Campbell, pictured, Nicola Campbell and Jack Vernon.

Elite Dynamics, a leading provider of software solutions to the holiday park and marina industry, has announced a £5 million investment from BGF – one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland. BGF’s investment will support the continued development of Elite Dynamics’ proprietary software, which is built on the Microsoft Dynamics platform, as well as plans to invest in sales and marketing.

In the last three years, the business has grown revenues at more than 40% per annum, with plans to triple in size and double its headcount by 2026. Founded in 2015 by Jamaine Campbell, Nicola Campbell and Jack Vernon, the North West-based business has developed a range of digital transformation solutions specifically designed for holiday parks, marinas, as well as holiday home manufacturers and dealers.

These help to improve business functions from maintenance, memberships and marketing, to reservations, sales and finance. The range is currently used in more than 350 parks, both in the UK and internationally. Commenting on the deal, Jamaine Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Elite Dynamics, said: “In the last eight years, we have built a highly successful, and profitable business through a balanced blend of strong industry experience and technical know-how.

“Our aim is to become the dominant provider of technology solutions to holiday and residential parks, manufacturers and marinas, expanding our reach both domestically and overseas. In order to achieve our growth ambitions, we needed an investment partner that recognised the potential of our business, as well as that of the sector, and was willing to take a long- term approach in helping us to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

In BGF we have found that investment partner.” The deal was led by Harry Jones and Courtney Walker, investors in BGF’s North-West team. As part of the investment, Martin Moran has been appointed to the board as non-executive chair through BGF’s Talent Network – one of the largest groups of board-level non-executives in the UK and Ireland. Martin was a founder of Salesforce.com in EMEA and has more than 20 years’ experience in SaaS and cloud computing.

Harry Jones said: “Elite Dynamics has established itself as an innovative and respected player in the parks and marina industry – created to disrupt a market saturated by archaic technology and systems. By combining the team’s intimate knowledge of how the market works, with technical expertise, Elite Dynamics is helping park operators to simplify processes, while helping to boost their bottom line.

It’s an extremely attractive proposition.” He added: “BGF has considerable experience in the holiday parks sector through our investment in Coppergreen Leisure Resorts, which we successfully exited in 2021, as well as supporting dynamic and fast-growth technology companies looking to transform markets through business improvement processes. As such, we’re delighted to be joining the team, as they embark on the next stage of their growth journey.”

HITTING THE CARAVAN ROAD SAFETY

Posted on March 2, 2024

HITTING THE CARAVAN ROAD SAFETY

MULTI-LEVELS of support is available to caravan and motorhome drivers through The Camping and Caravanning Club. Pic credit. The Camping and Caravanning Club

The Camping and Caravanning Club is offering more than 15 caravan and motorhome manoeuvring courses until September 2024 at their head office in Coventry.

The courses are designed to help both members and non-members brush up on their skills when driving and towing. Courses are available for different levels of experience, whether motorists have never towed a caravan or driven a motorhome before or if they just want to refresh their knowledge and boost their confidence behind the wheel.