guest retention

WASHROOM REVIVAL

Posted on May 14, 2025

Elevating Toilet, Shower & Washroom Facilities on your site...

As UK holidaymakers continue to prioritise comfort, cleanliness, and eco-consciousness during their travels, the humble washroom has emerged as a key player in shaping guest satisfaction.

For owners and managers of holiday parks, caravan parks, campsites and glamping sites, upgrading toilet, shower, and washroom facilities is no longer a luxury – it’s an essential component of modern hospitality.

With new innovations in design, functionality, and sustainability, there’s never been a better time to invest in next-generation facilities.

BILLING AQUA DROME supplied and fitted by Total Cubicles.

WHAT GUESTS EXPECT IN 2025
Today’s Park guests seek facilities that are not just functional, but pleasant and hygienic. The days of draughty, dimly lit, and poorly ventilated toilet blocks are long gone. Visitors now expect washrooms to reflect the same quality they enjoy at home – if not better.

This shift has seen a boom in the popularity of cubicle systems that are durable, waterproof, hygienic, and visually appealing. Total Cubicle Solutions, a leading manufacturer and supplier in this space, is helping transform tired facilities into bright, modern, and stylish spaces.

Their cubicles, lockers and vanity units have enhanced sites like Park Holidays Ltd’s Sand Le Mere and Par Sands parks, and Billing Aqua Drome’s outdoor shower units, setting the bar for premium site amenities. “Our systems are built not only for durability and hygiene but also to help operators inject real style and identity into their washroom areas,” says a spokesperson from Total Cubicle Solutions.

“Each cubicle is customisable, making it easy to match existing branding and elevate the entire guest experience.” With high footfall throughout peak seasons, easy maintenance and longevity are just as important as aesthetics. Solid-grade laminate options provide a long-lasting, vandal-resistant solution that remains easy to clean and resilient in all weather conditions.

SAND LE MERE SINK and basin
supplied and fitted by Total Cubicles.

TACKLING THE WATER CRISIS HEAD-ON
Another major consideration for park operators is sustainability – particularly water conservation. With the UK facing mounting pressure on water resources, efficiency is now critical. One company at the forefront of water-saving technology is Cistermiser, which has welcomed Ofwat’s new £100 million Water Efficiency Fund as a pivotal move towards sustainable progress.

“We strongly support the fund and its potential to drive meaningful reductions in water usage,” says Richard Braid, Managing Director of Cistermiser. “But innovation doesn’t have to be complex. Our infrared urinal controls and sensor-activated WC dual flush systems are smart, effective, and proven to deliver real savings.”

Cistermiser’s EasyflushEVO, a leak-proof siphonic dual flush valve, is a standout example of this innovation. By eliminating below-waterline seals prone to wear and scale build-up, it provides a reliable solution to the UK’s 1.5 million estimated leaky toilets – each potentially wasting up to 400 litres of water a day.

Such technologies don’t just help holiday park operators cut water bills; they also ensure compliance with growing sustainability regulations. As the hospitality industry evolves to meet eco-friendly targets, adopting efficient washroom systems has become both a financial and environmental imperative.

The days of draughty, dimly lit, and poorly ventilated toilet blocks are long gone.

AWARD-WINNING STANDARDS IN GUEST FACILITIES
Holiday parks that go the extra mile in their washroom facilities are gaining recognition, too. The Loo of the Year Awards continues to celebrate the best in British washrooms, including caravan and camping sites.

The 2024 awards, held at the National Motorcycle Museum, honoured Bryndu Caravan Park’s Eva Tamaz-Szora as the UK’s top washroom technician. Her win underscores the importance of dedicated maintenance and high standards in ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

Becky Wall BEM, organiser of the awards, highlighted the broader impact: “Toilets and washrooms are an essential part of customer service. Celebrating those who prioritise cleanliness, accessibility, and care shines a light on what modern guests truly value.”

The awards’ rigorous 101-point grading system covers everything from signage and accessibility to hygiene and decor, inspiring operators to keep pushing standards higher.

WATER BILLS on the rise advise Cistermiser.

FUNCTION MEETS FLAIR
Washroom design is undergoing a renaissance. Whether it’s stylish vanity units, nature-inspired interiors, or enhanced lighting schemes, design is being used to both impress and serve.

Seamless surfaces, sensor taps, and contactless flushing all support hygiene while elevating the visual and tactile guest experience. Operators are now also investing in private shower pods, family-friendly washroom suites, and even accessible Changing Places facilities to accommodate visitors with complex needs.

The latter, championed by Martin Jackaman – recent recipient of the Loo of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award – are rapidly expanding across the UK, ensuring inclusivity for all.

DESIGN AND PRACTICALITY in abundance for this outstanding facility at Flamingo Land.

INVEST TO IMPRESS
Ultimately, upgrading washroom facilities isn’t just about style or environmental responsibility – it’s about guest retention and reputation. In a world where online reviews can make or break a destination, providing clean, modern, and well-managed washrooms is a business essential.

For those managing campsites, holiday parks, or glamping getaways, these upgrades can lead to happier guests, better reviews, and stronger bookings season after season.

With support from forward-thinking suppliers like Cistermiser and Total Cubicle Solutions, and the visibility offered by initiatives like the Loo of the Year Awards, there’s never been a better time for park owners to raise the bar.

Cistermiser
0118 969 1611
www.cistermiser.co.uk

Total Cubicle Solutions
0151 298 1509
www.totalcubicles.co.uk

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

MORE IMPORTANT THAN A COMFY BED!

Posted on May 14, 2025

Hybrid working has blurred the lines between ‘holiday’ and ‘home’ and as a direct result, connectivity expectations have undertaken a seismic upturn. Recent research showed that 78% of guests expect ultrafast Wi-Fi across the entire park with 31% considering reliable Wi-Fi as more important than a comfortable bed.

Today’s holiday park visitors don’t just want but demand the same seamless on-line access they get at home. That means delivering strong and robust Wi- Fi has become as essential as providing water and electricity. Poor Wi-Fi experiences lead to lower park review scores and reduced guest retention.

Parks that fail to deliver a strong connection risk losing out to competitors who recognise the importance of a top-tier digital experience. “The UK leisure and holiday park sector is an industry going through one of the most dynamic periods of transformation I’ve seen,” says Kendal Stacey of Wifinity UK, on the back of 25 years of specialist experience.

“It’s no longer just about delivering Wi-Fi to a static caravan — it’s about enabling a smart, digital-first environment where every touchpoint, from check-in to entertainment, is frictionless.” Founded in 2007, Wifinity has become a market leader in managed connectivity solutions, specialising in complex and hard-to-reach environments.

THE DEMAND FOR FAST, reliable Wi-Fi at holiday parks isn’t a passing trend, it’s an expectation that will only continue to grow.

Originally founded to solve connectivity issues for military personnel living in remote MOD barracks, Wifinity has expanded its expertise to a variety of industries including education, healthcare and residential communities.

Wifinity works with 4/5 of the UK’s top parks, providing internet to over 25,000 holiday let accommodation units, and holiday parks is a significant specialist area. Winning holiday destinations now need to think like both hoteliers and tech providers combined, taking a broad perspective encompassing:
• Smart energy management
• Digital signage
• EV infrastructure

Kendal reports: “Parks are investing in IoT, mobile-first guest platforms, and cloud-based infrastructure to stay competitive, meet guest expectations and optimise operations. These need a strong underpinning connectivity network to be effective. “It’s an exciting space — one that blends decades of traditional guest service with the cutting edge of tech innovation.”

Investing in the IT network and Wi-Fi is not just about investment cost but also revenue generation by future-proofing your venue as a key asset while improving guest satisfaction. By comparison, poor connectivity can lead to negative reviews, lost repeat bookings, and brand damage.

Strong connectivity and premium Wi-Fi tiers drive revenue streams. Smart point-of-sale systems, kiosks and mobile ordering rely on a robust network foundation. Better connectivity leads to more on-site spend, especially when guests can easily order food, book activities or upgrade experiences via an app.

Smooth operation allows holiday businesses to think outside of the box with such innovations as pop-up food and beverage, retail or services and providing secure EPOS, allowing you to trade anywhere “Strong connectivity actually becomes a selling point in itself,"

Kendal points out, “Reviews go up. Word of mouth spreads. Repeat visits increase. “Parks that can market “connected luxury” or “work-from-holiday” win business over those that can’t,” he points out. Guests now bring an average of 3–5 devices per family member — phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles. Investing in the network enables:
• Streaming services in accommodation
• Smart room features (heating, lighting)
• App-based bookings and real-time info

But it is not all about the guest experience. Streamlined operations is proven to reduces cost through increased efficiency as a strong IT network supports:
• Staff communication and mobility
• Smart energy management (reducing utility costs)
• CCTV and ANPR systems
• Real-time occupancy and usage tracking.

This all adds up to lower overheads and better decision-making. “Investing in a robust network keeps your business competitive,” comments Kendal. “Other parks are already doing this — those who don’t invest will fall behind.”

OPERATORS WHO INVEST in robust, future-proof solutions will not only see higher guest satisfaction but also increased revenue and operational efficiency.

“With hybrid working and workations now the norm, guests are choosing locations with reliable connectivity so they can stay longer and blend work with leisure.” Building trust through security and compliance, modern networks include enterprise-grade security, guest data protection and content filtering — protecting your brand and your guests from risks.

Especially important for family-friendly and corporate clientele including:
• Guest data protection (GDPR compliance)
• Network segmentation to protect business systems
• Content filtering for family-friendly environments

A foundation in future technology is essential for holiday venues looking to introduce features such as:
• EV chargers
• Mobile check-in
• Smart TVs
• In-park digital signage

All of that depends on a scalable and resilient network including:
• Wi-Fi 7 adoption for higher speeds and lower latency
• Edge computing at park level to process data locally
• AI analytics to understand guest behaviour and improve services
• Integration with CRM systems for personalised guest experiences
• Data driven decisions

Kendal urges: “A modern IT network is not just about Wi-Fi — it’s about creating a digitally enabled park that delights guests, empowers staff, reduces costs, and builds brand loyalty. “For park owners, it’s an investment in long-term growth. It’s a fundamental and valuable asset that every park owner would consider when buying or selling a park.”

Wifinity
020 8090 1290
07376 053094
www.wifinity.co.uk