Hoseasons

Hoseasons Unveils Specialist Range Of ‘Bouja’ Breaks

Posted on October 28, 2014
bouja

Hoseasons has added a touch of class to its holiday offerings with the new Bouja breaks.

Domestic holiday operator Hoseasons has launched a new range of luxury holidays, designed to appeal to holiday park customers looking for that little bit extra.

Due to launch at the start of next year, Bouja will offer families, friends and couples affordable luxury getaways at six countryside and coastal locations across Devon, Wales and Hampshire.

With hot tubs at each location and every holiday home featuring a deck, patio or private garden, as well as a flat-screen TV with iPod docking station, Hoseasons managing director, Simon Altham, says Bouja breaks will set a new quality standard when it comes to great value UK holidays.

“We are incredibly proud of Bouja – not just because it’s the latest addition to our ever-growing specialist breaks portfolio, but also because it underlines our commitment to developing innovative new holiday products that give our customers that little bit extra.”

Top quality towels, linens and mattresses come as standard on a Bouja break, as do contemporary interiors, chunky outdoor beanbags and games consoles. Barbeques are also included where available, and all Bouja customers will receive a complimentary welcome pack and personal greeting.

“Bouja really is a breath of fresh air,” adds Simon. “Whether it’s a relaxing family holiday, a relaxing romantic escape or a beachside break with friends, Bouja has something for everyone.”

Holiday Bookings Enjoy Seasonal Boost

Posted on September 3, 2014

Holiday Bookings Enjoy Seasonal Boost

High-temps

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.”

Beach-jump

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.

Holiday Snaps: Simon Altham, Hoseasons

Posted on July 3, 2014
simon

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.

Increased Demand For High End

Posted on July 3, 2014
autograph

An increasing number of holidaymakers are seeking luxury lodge holidays in the UK’s most scenic locations.

Increased Demand For High End

The Hoseasons Autograph Lodge Holidays brand is attracting an increasing number of holidaymakers looking for high end getaways in some of the UK’s most scenic locations.

Typically attracting a younger, more affluent customer profile, all of the lodges within the Autograph collection are stylish and contemporary and feature the comforts of home, with cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and luxury toiletries.

“Demand for Autograph Lodge Holidays is rapidly increasing so we’re continuously on the lookout for more boutique locations to join the portfolio,” says Robbie Davies, head of business development at Hoseasons.

Spotting a gap in the market, Hoseasons launched the Autograph brand in 2008 with just four locations, and it has since grown into a niche portfolio of 28 locations, featuring almost 300 of the best lodges across the country.

Robbie continues: “In 2007 we saw an opportunity for a consistent and branded portfolio of high end lodge breaks, predominantly targeting couples looking to get away for a special occasion or romantic short break. Nobody else was offering anything similar, so after a years’ development and innovation Autograph Lodge Holidays was born.”

There is a tough set of criteria that the lodges must meet in order to be considered for the collection, from accommodation décor, fixtures and fittings to geographical location, but having the Autograph Lodge Holidays name attached to a lodge development signifies that it stands out from the crowd and offers something special. As such, operators can command a higher rental tariff as customers are willing to pay more for an exceptional customer experience.

To read more on Hoseasons Autograph Lodge Holidays, please subscribe online.

Holidaymakers Set Sail For Uk Getaways

Posted on March 19, 2014
holidaymakers set sail for uk getaways

Hoseasons have seen an increase in demand for UK boating holidays this year.

Holidaymakers Set Sail For UK Getaways

UK boating holidays have seen a surge in demand since the start of the year, according to self-catering accommodation specialists Hoseasons. The company has seen bookings across its boating portfolio increase by 26%, compared to the same period in 2013.

The Norfolk Broads tops the list of most popular boating destinations with sales getting off to a flying start with boatyards across the waterways up over 40% on last year. “It is encouraging to see holidaymakers already planning for 2014 and the possibility of yet another great British summer,” comments Simon Altham, managing director of Hoseasons. “Boats in particular often prove to be a popular choice following a hot summer the previous year, so we are hoping that the initial demand for a holiday on the water remains strong” he adds.

The positive start to the year is also reflected across the business with lodge and park holidays seeing strong demand, and sales with independent travel agents performing very well. Simon adds: “People still have fond memories of last year and a UK break is great value for money at a time where people are still watching their pennies and looking for a good deal. There are some fantastic boating locations, whatever the weather, and we know that come rain or shine the UK remains Britain’s favourite holiday destination.”