Holiday Park Industry

AI FOR HOLIDAY PARKS, CAMPSITES AND HOLIDAY RENTALS

Posted on November 10, 2024

Staff at holiday parks, campsites and holiday rentals now have increasingly more advanced reservation and property management at their disposal that help them process and streamline operations and management.

However, most of the decisions they need to take regarding pricing, booking, or recommendations are still based on their own insights. Maxxton, the enterprise platform for accommodation providers, has been developing data-driven features to support staff in making these decisions.

By integrating a data science team within its core development group, Maxxton is laying the groundwork for business intelligence insights and machine learning. They are also creating intelligent features based on customer needs and insights from various industries.

One notable advancement is dynamic pricing, already utilized in sectors like airlines, rental companies, and retail. This model allows businesses to adjust prices based on customer demand and market conditions. For example, during high-demand periods, prices may increase, while discounts might be offered during slower times to encourage bookings.

By adopting dynamic pricing, companies can enhance revenue compared to fixed pricing models. Maxxton has implemented AI-driven dynamic pricing to determine the optimal rates for different types of accommodation. Its tool forecasts future demand based on actual bookings.

This demand forecasting, combined with a price elasticity engine that measures how sensitive demand is to price changes, helps identify the best pricing strategy—whether the goal is to maximize occupancy or increase revenue. Rates are then automatically updated based on these insights.

The results have been impressive, with RevPAR and ADR both rising by over 11%. But Maxxton is doing so much more with smart features, it automatically reallocates accommodation units to maximise occupancy, driving more bookings while increasing the proportion of preferred reservations.

Additionally, it recommends add-ons based on stay dates, travel party, and accommodation type. Maxxton’s platform has always aimed to enhance staff collaboration. Now, with the integration of advanced intelligence, it empowers both staff and management to make more informed decisions.

Maxxton
020 4578 1490
www.maxxton.com

 

MP DISCUSSES TOURISM TAX

Posted on November 8, 2024

OUTSIDE ONE OF THE PARK’S luxury woodland lodges are (from left) John Lamont MP, park manager Scott McDonald, and park owner Edward Maitland-Carew.

MP John Lamont visited Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park in the Scottish Borders this August to assess the summer tourism season. As the shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Lamont engaged with park owner Edward Maitland-Carew, site manager Scott McDonald, and Sarah Allanson, Scottish Director of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

The park, popular for its luxury woodland lodges equipped with hot tubs and al-fresco dining, was reported to be having a busy year. Lamont toured the grounds, noting the park’s sustainability efforts, including a ground source heat pump and solar energy for heating and hot water, as well as native tree plantings to support local wildlife.

During his visit, Lamont addressed issues facing Scottish holiday parks, including the proposed “tourism tax,” which would add an extra nightly charge for visitors. The British Holiday & Home Parks Association has strongly opposed this levy, citing concerns about its impact on tourism growth. Maitland-Carew expressed appreciation for Lamont’s visit, highlighting the park’s contributions to local employment and businesses in nearby Lauder.

He emphasized their commitment to providing a memorable guest experience and their plans for future expansion. After the visit, Lamont reiterated the importance of supporting local tourism businesses and urged the Scottish Government to reconsider the tourism tax proposal, warning it could harm the sector.

Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park
www.thirlestanecaravanpark.co.uk

COMPASS INSURANCE HAS PARTNERED UP WITH HOLIDAYMAKER PARK APPS

Posted on November 7, 2024

Compass Insurance has partnered with Dorset-based technology start-up, Holidaymaker, to support its mission to bolster the holiday park and hospitality industry with cutting edge guest engagement technology.

As part of this partnership, content from Compass will feature across holiday park apps powered by the Holidaymaker platform. Providing guests with reliable information on holiday home insurance, and holiday parks with the reassurance of accurate and validated guidance from an FCA regulated business.

In 2020, the Holidaymaker guest experience app was created to drive revenue, boost brand loyalty, and increase repeat business for hospitality brands. The founding aim of Holidaymaker was to develop a technology that revolutionises the way businesses in the sector connect with guests.

Karen Stacey, Managing Director at Compass Insurance, explained: “We are delighted to partner with Holidaymaker to strengthen the relationship between us and holiday parks across the UK. By providing support and advice on insurance related content on holiday park life hosted within the Holidaymaker app, Compass is demonstrating how dedicated it is to helping parks build loyalty and trust with their customers”

Commenting on the partnership, David McRobbie, Co-Founder of Holidaymaker, said: “Trusted partnerships with leading and respected businesses within the hospitality sector is a vital part of growing the Holidaymaker platform for the benefit of all our clients. By working with experts, we can continue to ensure the best possible products and services.

The partnership with Compass, furthers Holidaymaker’s mission to create a supportive platform for the industry, that not only provides technology such as guest, staff and owner apps, digital screens and kiosks and flexible sales channels but shares knowledge and insights that drive the whole sector forward.

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0276
www.compassparks.co.uk

MENTORING PROGRAM FOR FUTURE PARK CHIEFS

Posted on November 5, 2024

BH&HPA HAVE A NETWORK of some 4,800 park people, pooling resources and sharing experiences.

The Next Generation Network (NGN), part of the British Holiday and Home Park Association, has introduced a mentoring scheme to support members advancing in their park careers. This initiative offers aspiring park leaders free one-on-one mentoring to prepare for their next steps, connecting them with experienced professionals in the holiday and residential park sectors.

NGN Chair Sarah Kemp, involved in her family’s park business, believes this self-service initiative will equip members with essential skills and confidence while fostering a supportive community. With around 40 mentors available, including senior industry figures specializing in marketing, management, sustainability, and business growth, members can find guidance tailored to their needs.

Kemp expressed excitement about the interest generated since NGN’s launch, noting that many members are ready to play a larger role in their family businesses. She highlighted the success of previous member gatherings, emphasizing a shared commitment to preparing for future challenges. While sessions are informal, the NGN website offers guidance on maximizing their benefits.

For more information about the Next Generation Network, including mentoring opportunities and free membership, visit British Holiday & Home Park Association www.bhhpa.org.uk/next-generation-network

NEW PASSENGER VEHICLE FOR PARK LIFE

Posted on November 4, 2024

The latest electric passenger vehicle for holiday parks has arrived in the UK, bringing with it a focus on quality and comfort.

From turfcare manufacturer Toro, the Vista passenger vehicle is available with seating options for four, six or eight passengers, and is already being noticed on the UK racing scene as the passenger vehicle of choice to travel the British Touring Car Championships circuits with MB Sports driver Jake Hill and his team.

Holiday park owners will particularly like its smart look, quiet operation and speed. It can travel up to 16 miles per hour and there’s the option to place the vehicle in eco or performance mode at the flip of a key switch. As Jake says: “It’s nippy, fast and streamlines operations. Being able to accommodate eight passengers means we don’t need to leave people standing at the gate for as long.”

The Vista boasts a sturdy frame design, ample storage, cargo-enabled fold-down rear seats and a lightweight cargo bed for luggage and independent suspension. And there are several accessories available to further enhance comfort, including an optional canopy for weather protection and a folding windscreen.

The display scene clearly shows the hour metre, battery level indicator, estimated charge time, gear indicator, speedometer, and diagnostic fault codes. But what is particularly appealing about the Vista is its HyperCell battery system, which has been designed with an integrated Battery Management System to extend life and allow the batteries to communicate with each other for the utmost efficiency.

And you don’t need to remove the batteries to charge them, there are onboard chargers, so all you need to do is plug in to the nearest wall outlet.

Reesink UK Ltd
01480 226800
www.reesink-evehicles.co.uk

CELEBRATIONS FOR FAMILY’S FIFE HOLIDAY PARK

Posted on November 4, 2024

Above: THOMAS AND MAGDALENE WALLACE with their sons Alan and Tommy with their impressive celebration cake.

Forty years of providing first-class holiday experiences in Scotland were celebrated in July by members of the Wallace family, owners of Pettycur Bay Holiday Park in Kinghorn, Fife. Thomas and Magdalene Wallace with their sons Alan and Tommy together acquired the 47-acre site - with its sweeping views across the Firth of Forth - in 1984.

Since then, the family has invested much time and energy into creating a highly acclaimed park destination providing a host of top-quality visitor attractions. Their reward has been to see year-on-year increases in visitor numbers to the park’s 600 privately owned and rented holiday caravans, plus many regional and national tourism awards.

The park also includes the four-star Bay Hotel, and all guests have use of facilities such as a modern leisure centre with pool and sauna, restaurant, and extensive children’s activities. Pettycur Bay has also become very well known to viewers of BBC Scotland which for three years has made the park the star of its observational documentary “Life on the Bay”.

The popular series captures the spirit of happy holiday life at the resort from the perspectives of everyone involved, including the Wallace family and their staff and guests. The park’s anniversary year will see further new facilities and attractions introduced, including the development of eleven luxury holiday apartments in its grounds.

Pettycur Bay Holiday Park
www.pettycur.co.uk

CUMBRIA COUPLE CELEBRATES VISITENGLAND’S TOP 100 RECOGNITION

Posted on November 4, 2024

Rachael and Ian Gowing from Kirkby Stephen are thrilled after their holiday business, Pennine View Park, was named one of Britain’s top accommodation providers by VisitEngland. The park received this year’s ROSE award, recognising exceptionally high quality standards.

The accolade was presented by Lady Victoria Borwick at a special ceremony in Newbury, Berkshire. Rachael, a former Red Bull events organizer, launched the park in 2017, with Ian leaving his construction job to join her. They transformed a former railway yard into a premier holiday destination. Pennine View Park has achieved a five-star grading from VisitEngland and is shortlisted for Cumbria Tourism’s Holiday Park of the Year in 2024.

The park, which includes 80 pitches for campers and touring caravans, has also added cozy timber glamping pods. The couple opened The Engine Shed, a family bar converted from an old railway goods shed, featuring outdoor seating and a street-food inspired menu with live music events.

Now among the top 100 businesses recognised by VisitEngland, the ROSE award highlights their commitment to providing an exceptional experience for guests. Rachael expressed pride in this recognition, emphasising that it reflects not just the park’s facilities but also the warmth and hospitality of their team.

“We’re already receiving bookings for next year, with many guests returning or coming through personal recommendations,” she noted.

Pennine View Park
www.pennineviewpark.co.uk

HOLIDAY PARKS CALL FOR REFORMS IN UPCOMING BUDGET

Posted on November 3, 2024

The British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) has outlined a series of reforms it hopes the Government will address in the autumn budget, set for 30 October. Representing around 3,000 parks across the UK, BH&HPA’s proposals focus on boosting regional economies, supporting jobs, energy sustainability, and improving low-cost housing options.

In its submission to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, BH&HPA highlights four key areas where reforms could be made without financial loss to the Government, aiming for significant national benefits. Debbie Walker, BH&HPA’s Director General, emphasised the potential for growth through planning reforms that would allow holiday parks to expand and invest, while residential parks could offer more affordable housing for retirees, freeing up larger family homes.

The association is also calling for VAT reductions to help UK parks remain competitive with international tourism markets, making domestic holidays more affordable amid rising living costs. BH&HPA’s energy reforms propose expanding grid capacity to support the use of sustainable technologies, such as electric vehicle charging points and heat pumps.

Additionally, they urge the Government to address skills shortages in rural and coastal areas by providing long-term training and employment opportunities. With UK holiday parks and campsites contributing £7.2bn to the economy and supporting over 226,700 jobs, BH&HPA hopes the upcoming budget will pave the way for further growth.

Association members will have a chance to digest the implications of the budget on 4 November (12 noon – 1pm) during a webinar arranged by BH&HPA with tax advisers RSM.

British Holiday and Home Parks Association
www.bhhpa.org.uk

BEVERLEY HOLIDAYS SCORES AWARD HAT TRICK

Posted on August 13, 2024

BEVERLEY HOLIDAYS is really proud to be part of these awards which aim to celebrate and recognise all the success and talent that is out there in English Riviera’s thriving tourism business community

Beverley Holidays in Paignton has kicked off the Euros season with its very own hat trick after scoring big at Torbay Weekly’s Naturally Inspiring Business Awards 2024.

The family-run holiday park group was named Tourism Business of the Year for the third year running, while also winning the Inspiring Employer of the Year award category. Beverley Holidays proved that it remains at the top of the staycation game 66 years since it opened its doors, overcoming tough competition from a high calibre of companies across Torbay.

The award wins follow hot on the heels of an exciting series of investments throughout 2024 aimed at taking the holiday experience to the next level and recognising Beverley Holidays’ hardworking team. Earlier this year saw the launch of its largest lodge offering to date, with £250k invested in a brand-new top-of-the-range Collection Hot Tub lodge collection comprising sumptuous 3-bedroom sea-view lodges.

Furthermore, 2024 also saw the family-run holiday park group place a major focus on employees’ well-being with the introduction of a bumper benefits package and brilliant Beverley Holidays’ perks. Beverley Holidays is really proud to be part of these awards which aim to celebrate and recognise all the success and talent that is out there in English Riviera’s thriving tourism business community.

TRUSTED SITE TRANSPORTATION

Posted on August 7, 2024

In order to get the job done properly staff need the right equipment and when it comes to being fast and efficient across large sites, your team will thank you for the STAR Capella Work Machine from Reesink e-Vehicles.

This buggy is already preferred by venues across the UK, from lugging mannequins, balls and airbed walls for training, fulfilling housekeeping duties for the 46-bedroom lodge and supporting the gardens maintenance team at London’s Tottenham Hotspur campus, to the grounds maintenance of Wales’ Three Cliffs Bay’s five-acre holiday park.

It’s also trusted by Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland to carry defibrillators to provide quick potentially life-saving treatment. All this goes to show the machine’s sheer versatility. Add to that the fact that, ultimately, it’s a really solid transportation option. Three Cliffs Bay is a case in point, it now has plans for expanding the job requirements of the Capella vehicles and hiring them out to guests to navigate the site with ease for the duration of their stay.

But why, exactly, is this such a good choice for those in the leisure industry and industrial sites? It all starts with a 48v 5Kw motor and the choice of two high powered Lithium-ion batteries (charged via an on-board Lester charger). With a 450A AC Curtis controller and direct drive, the Work Machine offers a range up to 60 miles going at a maximum speed of 20mph for the ultimate productivity from an electric vehicle.

Market-leading when it comes to its towing capacity, it has a hydraulic lift rear cargo utility box with an impressive 670kg (1477lbs) carry capacity and then there’s the option to customise the body to suit the venue’s requirements and workload with a cargo box or van body, with or without a full cab.

For example, the van body is available as an insert inside the cargo tray with rear facing double doors; or a larger replacement for the tray, with drivers side double opening doors, makes it ideal for carrying refreshments, food stores, linen or goods. When it comes to providing your team with a load-lugging, easily organised and reliable method of transport, look no further than the STAR EV Capella Work Machine to get the job done fast.

Reesink UK Ltd
01480 226800
www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk