Pampered Campers

Posted on September 9, 2014

Pampered Campers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Holiday Bookings Enjoy Seasonal Boost

Posted on September 3, 2014

Holiday Bookings Enjoy Seasonal Boost

High July temperatures have boosted domestic holiday figures, across the UK, with operators reporting strong demand and an increase in last-minute bookings.

Sustained hot weather provided a boost for the country’s holiday businesses, as holidaymakers lapped up the good weather with a seemingly unquenchable thirst for last minute domestic breaks.

Hoseasons reported a sharp rise in bookings boosted by the beautiful weather, recording an 11 per cent increase in bookings for the school summer holidays compared to last year’s figures, with a reported rise also in last minute holidays as people decided to make the most of the sunshine.

“These figures clearly demonstrate the continued appeal of the domestic holiday among UK consumers,” said Simon Altham, managing director of Hoseasons. “The convenience and ease of just being able to pack up the car and go and grab a late deal seems to be an ever more attractive trend amongst Brits.”

WARM SUNSHINE

Temperatures for July and August were above average across the UK, reaching a scorching 32.3 °C in Kent in mid-July.

Simon continues: “The warm sunshine obviously helps when it comes to the ‘book and go’ culture, but the weather was good last year so it’s not the only factor. We firmly believe that continued innovation in the quality and range of accommodation styles available is also playing its part alongside the growing investment in major UK tourist attractions which combined are making the UK a convenient and hassle-free choice for many Brits this year.”

Record numbers of Brits took to the beach this summer, with Cornwall, Blackpool and Brighton proving to be popular hotspots. Pic: VisitBritain

Bookings across Butlins resorts have also been up this season, and the company has been operating at nearly 100 per cent occupancy through the summer period. Butlins spokesperson James Silverstone commented: “We always see an increase in demand during good weather and this year has been no different. However, all our resorts are geared up for all seasons, so even if it does rain we can still accommodate our guests without spoiling any fun!”

As record numbers of British holidaymakers chose to stay at home for their summer break this year, coastal locations such as Cornwall, Blackpool and Brighton were especially popular, as well as city breaks in London, Edinburgh and York.

Beverley Holidays and Whitehill Country Park, two sister holiday parks in Paignton saw a rush in bookings as visitors flocked to the English Riviera to revel in the heat wave. Numbers were up at both parks by more than 10 per cent compared to the previous year, and the parks were also benefitting from the news that the area is fast becoming the top seaside destination in the UK.

Claire Jeavons, head of marketing for Beverley Holidays and Whitehill Park, is thrilled with how the businesses are performing: “How customers choose and book their holidays has changed dramatically over the years. We have invested heavily in digital marketing with online channels such as social media campaigns and e-blasts, and this has really paid off.”

Claire added: “The recent hot weather looks set to stay and our outdoor and indoor pools are proving very popular among those looking to bask in the Great British sunshine, with plenty more visitors expected.”

Further good news for the industry is that tourism spend is up by 6 per cent on last year, according to the latest research by VisitEngland.

Family Values

Posted on August 29, 2014

Family Values

Park directors Phillip and Becki Osborne collected Polmanter’s Campsite of the Year for 2014 award at the recent AA awards.

With views of the Cornish coastline from St Ives Bay to Trevose Head, Polmanter Touring Park has been a popular destination for families and couples looking for a base from which to explore the West Cornwall peninsula for more than four decades.

“We are fortunate to have an enviable location within walking distance of the stunning seaside town of St Ives, with sea views from many pitches,” says Phillip Osborne, director at Polmanter. “This, coupled with the high standards of the park ensures that a significant proportion of our visitors return year after year.”

Park owners, John and Sheena Osborne, have always been supported in running and developing the site by their four sons, of which Phillip and his wife Becki now run the site, living there with their two young children Kerenza and William.

Phillip provides day-to-day site management and continues to develop the park, with the aim of maintaining the high standards set by his parents. He comments: “We have a great team of permanent and seasonal staff who enjoy their work and provide a great level of service to our customers.”

Polmanter boasts 295 camping and toring pitches, accommodating 11,000 guests each year.

With almost 300 spacious pitches on site, all with individual hedges and many with a sea view, Polmanter pride themselves on providing a quality camping and touring experience for their guests.

Philip adds: “We offer the opportunity for returning guests to book a specific pitch, and the online ‘pick a pitch’ facility on our website allows less familiar visitors to select their preferred pitch before arrival – which has proven to be an effective marketing tool for us.”

The Osborne family first moved to Polmanter in 1968, when the site was predominantly a dairy farm, which had offered basic camping facilities for the previous six summers. In the early days the family ran the farm and campsite simultaneously, selling milk produced by the dairy herd to campers in the on-site shop.

In 1982 the family decided to sell the dairy herd and focus solely on the touring business. Improvements were made to the amenity blocks, two tennis courts were added, and shortly afterwards a swimming pool with changing facilities and a sun terrace were constructed in the old farmyard.

Net Gains

Posted on August 29, 2014

Net Gains

The caravan and holiday park sector is recognising the value of cashless card systems like Embed.

Startling figures from internet giants, Google, show that more than 80 per cent of Brits use the internet to research their holidays.

With more holidaymakers than ever then going on to book their holidays; from holiday and touring parks to caravan and campsites.

Sharp and effective websites with user-friendly online booking systems, search engine optimisation, e-blasts, apps and cookiebased promotion – the e-marketing revolution is here and is ignored at your peril.

“In today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever that park operators keep pace with technology – especially when it comes to maximising online bookings and sales,” urges Niall Norris of management software CampManager.

E-marketing is not just about selling holidays, but also about user-friendly booking systems.

“There are basic principles, which if adhered to can really make a difference to a park’s online booking service,” Niall adds.

For a visitor to the website, the online booking system should be straightforward and easy to use, and clearly provide the visitor with all the information they need to book their stay. It must be logical, with quality pictures and descriptions so that customers can make their preferred selection.

“Customers like to feel comfortable and secure as they navigate around the website booking pages. Having the booking page designed in the same style as the website and having the payment taken directly from the website page considerably helps this, and directly increases the number of online bookings made,” advises Niall.

MAKING IT EASY

Equally, the system should be just as simple for the reservation team to use, making it easy for them to carry out tasks such as taking payment, amend bookings, calculate tariffs, generate arrival and departure reports and undertake online marketing initiatives.

“A common mistake that park owners make is using a system more suited for hotels,” says Niall. “A more flexible booking system is required for campsites and caravan parks, as the accommodation options are far more complex, plus all of the added extras available.”

“A key advantage of having a web based booking system that operates from one platform, is that when an online booking is made it immediately goes into the management system, therefore avoiding mistakes and errors.”

CampManager is fast becoming a popular choice for campsites and caravan parks looking for a complete management and booking system that is efficient and easy to use.

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Best In Show

Posted on August 29, 2014

Best In Show

Up to 7,000 leisure professionals from across the country are expected to visit LIW at the Birmingham NEC.

Autumn is shaping up to be a busy season for the holiday park industry, with not one but three not-to-be-missed trade shows in the pipeline.

The popular Leisure Industry Week (LIW) will return to Birmingham’s NEC and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Up to 7,000 leisure industry professionals are expected to visit the three day show from 30th September to 2nd October, spanning across six core sectors including Pool & Spa, Play, Health & Fitness, Eat & Drink, Leisure Facilities and Sport.

New for this year is the hotly anticipated Pool & Spa Advice Clinic, providing a comprehensive swimming pool and spa information centre at stand W440. Representatives from four of the industry’s leading pool and spa companies will be on hand to offer advice on all aspects of design, installation and maintenance. From planning a new pool to refurbishing an old one, or deciding which wellness options will generate the most revenue, the panel of industry experts have got it covered.

The Landscape show features contemporary, cutting edge technologies and methods, and is supported by a comprehensive free seminar programme.

CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTS

Next up is the well-established Landscape show, which focuses on the design, build and maintenance of indoor and outdoor landscaping projects.

Visitors to the show at Battersea Park will have the opportunity to view cutting edge products and technologies geared towards improving their property, including hot tubs, paving options, specimen trees and planting, containers and decking. The Holiday Park Scene team will also be in attendance on stand A37 – stop by to pick up your free copy of the magazine and discuss how you can get involved in future issues.

The show will be open to the public from 10am – 6pm on Tuesday 23rd September, and 10am – 5pm on Wednesday 24th September. Tickets are free of charge and available by registering on the website.

RANGE OF BUSINESS IDEAS

If you’re looking for new ideas for your camping or caravanning business, be sure to visit the Farm Business Innovation exhibition and conference when it returns to Olympia London on 27th-28th November.

Don’t let the name fool you – you don’t need to be a farmer to benefit from a day at the show. The combination of suppliers, seminars and workshops covers a range of ideas that any forward-thinking camping or caravanning business owner will find invaluable in maximising the revenue potential of their business.

The schedule of seminar and workshop topics includes tourism, glamping, retail and marketing, with expert advice on how to identify the opportunities that are right for your business.

Dog-Friendly Park Appeal

Posted on July 3, 2014

Woodovis Park in Devon is welcoming guests and their dogs with the introduction of a new meadow at the site.

Dog-Friendly Park Appeal

Woodovis Park in Devon has introduced a number of dog-friendly initiatives to appeal to families and couples looking to bring their four-legged friends on holiday.

Most recently the park has opened a large meadow, adjacent to the site, allowing guests and pets to roam freely. Add to this the wooded walk for strolling on lead and the dog wash facilities and guests have all the trappings for contented canines.

Park owner John Lewis said: “This part of the world, with Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley on the doorstep, is incredibly popular for holidaymakers with dogs. Not to mention the South West’s beautiful beaches nearby, many of which are dog-friendly. We are blessed with some amazing walking country as well as a number of places to eat where dogs are welcome.

“We wanted to extend our offering so that there is space for every member of the family to have a good time on holiday, and the lower meadow makes the perfect spot for dogs to roam free.”

The park has also drawn up a programme of family activities and excursions in the surrounding area which allow pets, including dog-friendly National Trust properties, pubs and restaurants, dog shows and events.

Holiday Snaps: Simon Altham, Hoseasons

Posted on July 3, 2014

Simon Altham, Hoseasons

Holiday Snaps: Simon Altham, Hoseasons

Having been with Hoseasons for eight years as director of lodges and parks, Simon took over the role as managing director in March last year. His responsibilities include overseeing the ongoing growth of the company’s UK portfolio, travel trade relationships, contact centre operations and new product development...

How do you see the UK holiday industry at the moment?

Demand for UK holidays remains high thanks to monumental investment by holiday park owners in accommodation, facilities and food and beverages. This has kept satisfaction levels high and secured repeat customers as well as attracting lots of new ones too.

What are the main challenges facing the industry?

In a world of social media, when we occasionally do get it wrong, it is imperative that issues are resolved as quickly as possible to avoid any reputation damage. Conversely, when customers receive outstanding service they are also quick to promote and recommend.

What is the most crucial aspect to the success of your business?

Recruiting and retaining the right people has to be up there as the most important aspect of our business. We invest heavily in ensuring Hoseasons is a great place to work and that our team is motivated, energised and committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers.

What has been your stand out experience in the industry?

We have a sister company based in Holland, Landal Green Parks, who now operate over 70 parks across Europe and I have been very fortunate to spend time out with the team in the field learning how they manage their parks. There is a lot we can learn and that will translate into the UK market.

What does a typical day in the office for you entail?

I am an early riser so I tend to get in at 7am which gives me chance to plan out my day and most importantly review the previous days’ trading. I like to spend an hour a week with my direct reports so a large proportion of my day can be spent in meetings, but the thing I love most about working in travel is that no two days are the same and you never really know when you walk through the door what the day is going to entail.

To read more of the interview with Simon, please subscribe online.

And to find out more about Hoseasons, visit their website here.

Curtain Set To Rise On Landscape Show

Posted on July 3, 2014

LANDSCAPE takes place in September 2014 at Battersea Park, central London.

Curtain Set To Rise On Landscape Show

Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Battersea Park for the annual LANDSCAPE show, on September 23 and 24.

Established as the essential trade event, LANDSCAPE is dedicated to bringing the industry together by introducing its visitors to the latest products, services and techniques necessary to design, build and maintain prestigious interior or exterior landscaping projects.

Each year it attracts garden designers, architects, landscape contractors, local authority professionals, and facilities managers from all over the UK and abroad.

Visitors to this year’s show can take part in a comprehensive programme of free seminars, featuring some of the biggest names in the business. The show will be open to the public from 10am – 6pm on Tuesday 23rd September, and 10am – 5pm on Wednesday 24th September. Visitors can register online for free tickets at www.landscapeshow.co.uk.

Insurance Surgery Opens For Holiday Park Operators

Posted on July 3, 2014

Peter Heffer, of Lorica Insurance, believes it is time to provide the holiday park sector with greater clarity and certainty of cover.

Insurance Surgery Opens For Holiday Park Operators

Feeling as passionately as he does on business insurance cover, Peter Heffer, of Lorica Insurance, believes it is time to provide the holiday park sector with greater clarity and certainty of cover.

A unique ‘insurance surgery’ is being created, in conjunction with Lorica Insurance Brokers, to allow park owners and operators the opportunity to have an expert on hand. The service will launch later this year and will be available to all park owners and operators regardless of whether they are members of any trade association(s).

With over a decade’s worth of sector experience, we asked Peter, Lorica Insurance Brokers’ director of holiday parks, to provide insight into policy exclusions park owners, operators and individual holiday home owners should be alert to when purchasing insurance:

• Anything containing the words ‘warranty’, ‘condition precedent’ or variants thereof

• Other conditions requiring the policyholder to do or not to do something

• Theft of property from the open

• Theft not involving forcible and violent entry to or exit from a building

• Water or frost damage during the winter

• Theft and malicious damage during sub-letting

• Business interruption unless specifically arranged

• Caravans and the like whilst in transit and during siting and un-siting

• Buildings constructed in non-standard materials

• Package travel regulations

Many, if not all, of these exclusions are negotiable in the current climate, yet despite this he continues to see a large amount of inferior insurance products in the marketplace. A simple case of ignorance and complacency over customer need and product evolution, advises Peter, who is available for no obligation advice during normal office hours.

Thumbs Up For Popular Show

Posted on July 3, 2014

Thumbs Up For Popular Show

Last month’s World of Park & Leisure Homes Show at Stoneleigh Park drew holiday park visitors from all over the UK to see the latest leisure lodges and park homes from leading manufacturers.

In addition to the 50 lodges and homes on display, visitors also enjoyed a showcase of American touring static homes along with a range of cutting edge products and services from all areas of the leisure and park home industry.

Jo Turner, the show’s organiser said: “We felt it was the best show to-date. We received hugely positive feedback from manufacturers, exhibitors and visitors alike, and it certainly reflected the current buoyant mood within the industry.

“Demand for stand spaces at next year’s show are already at record levels,” she added.

The show got off to a flying start with the introduction of an exclusive trade preview day, welcoming trade visitors from across the country. The general consensus among exhibitors and trade visitors was positive, with many appreciative of the extra day for informal business meetings and consultations.

“We took the decision to add the trade day, following feedback from previous shows,” said Jo. “It gave park owners and operators the opportunity to spend quality time viewing the homes and discussing their requirements with the manufacturers and other trade representatives, not forgetting the chance to simply catch up with old friends.”

Exhibitor Kelly Flynn of Nuvex Ltd commented: “The extra day really made a difference and it was great to see trade customers enjoying a day out with time to catch up on what’s happening in the industry.” She added: “It was encouraging to hear how the UK holiday parks and campsite operators are feeling positive and confident about the industry as a whole at the moment.”

To read more on the World of Park & Leisure Homes Show, please subscribe online.