hospitality industry

THE SMART HOT TUB FOR HOLIDAY PARKS

Posted on November 11, 2025

The Urban Cedar Sport Deep is the ultimate hot tub solution for holiday parks — combining the natural beauty of a traditional wood-fired tub with the convenience and efficiency of a modern electric spa. Designed specifically for the hospitality industry, it offers a perfect balance of aesthetics, durability, and intelligent control.

Each unit is handcrafted from premium Western Red Cedar, featuring sculpted acrylic seating and finished with our signature stainless-steel bands. The result is a timeless design that complements any outdoor setting while delivering a five-star spa experience your guests will love.

Unlike traditional wood-fired models, our hybrid electric system eliminates the hassle of cleaning stoves or waiting for long heat-up times. The Sport Deep maintains its target temperature, ensuring it’s always ready for guests.

The Balboa Control MySpa WiFi module, fitted as standard, allows operators to manage and monitor each hot tub remotely via smartphone or tablet — adjusting heating, filtration, and timing settings from anywhere in the world. This smart control system is also tamper-proof, preventing guests from altering key settings or causing costly maintenance issues.

By scheduling heating cycles through the app, park operators can significantly reduce overnight energy costs, keeping tubs warm and efficient without wasting power when not in use. With seating for 4–6 adults, 22 adjustable massage jets, and 17 LED mood lights, the Urban Cedar Sport Deep delivers relaxation, comfort, and luxury in one beautifully crafted unit.

At Urban Cedar, we combine over 20 years of craftsmanship with exceptional aftercare and support — because reliability and service are just as important as design.

Urban Cedar
01934 833844
www.urbancedarhottubs.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

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.

SMOOTH AND INTEGRATED GAME CHANGER

Posted on October 24, 2023

SMOOTH AND INTEGRATED GAME CHANGER

Holiday destinations are being urged to switch Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to Maxxton Software. Maxxton Software has emerged as a true game-changer in the hospitality industry by changing traditional but out-dated ERP systems into an integrated, all-in-one software solution.

Through its superior technology, Maxxton software keeps empowering businesses with comprehensive software solutions that optimise operations, enhance guest experiences, and maximise revenue potential. With a strong focus on innovation, customer success, and data-driven insights, Maxxton continues to redefine the possibilities within the industry, shaping the future of hospitality one success story at a time.

Holiday destinations looking to make a significant difference to their business with one strategic decision are being invited to switch their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to Maxxton Software.

KEY STRENGTHS
One of the key strengths of the Maxxton system is its ability to integrate and seamlessly link various operational areas within the holiday business. Whether it’s reservation management, housekeeping, maintenance, guest communications, or financials, an integrated ERP system enables smooth coordination across departments.

Maxxton Software provides a joined- up solution that serves as the ultimate one-source solution for organisations and stands out for its customer-centric approach. By closely collaborating with holiday parks, such as Roompot, Landal UK, Vacansoleil, and Europarcs, Maxxton has gained deep insights into the industry’s challenges, pain points, and evolving trends.

This understanding has allowed Maxxton to develop an ERP system tailored specifically to the needs of holiday parks, ensuring optimal functionality and operational efficiency. Every part of your holiday destination business is included in a process that is simple, smart, and connective.

SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM
The centralised reservation management is an integrated system that simplifies the booking process for holiday parks. Park operators can efficiently handle reservations, availability, and pricing, ensuring accurate and real-time information. The Content Manager enables holiday park owners and managers to efficiently create, organise, publish, and update content across multiple channels.

You have the option to link media, descriptions, available channels, rentable conditions, add-ons etc. for editing or adding the content to dashboards. The Revenue Manager is an integrated and real-time data-driven solution. The Revenue Manager integrates powerful revenue optimisation tools that enable businesses to set dynamic pricing strategies, maximise occupancy, and increase revenue.

“The significant growth of the Roompot organisation in recent decades has partially been made possible by Maxxton,” shares Jurgen van Cutsem, CEO of Netherlands-based Roompot. “We have been working together for many years to set the standard within the hospitality industry and to remain at the forefront. As a result, our collaboration and progress with Maxxton is going very well.

“ Responding quickly to changing conditions, adequately implementing newly acquired parks, and always able to translate the latest developments in our industry into software solutions in agreement. The specialised Maxxton software consultants always ensure innovation and renewal. If you want to make a difference for your organisation then make your first move by logging on to www.maxxton.com

TOP MARKS FOR UK CAMPSITE

Posted on February 15, 2023

TOP MARKS FOR UK CAMPSITE

AA caravan and camping award winners...

 

LEADING CAMPSITES AND CARAVAN PARKS in the UK have been confirmed and are featured in the AA Caravan and Camping Guide

 

The leading campsites and caravan parks in the UK have been confirmed and are featured in the AA Caravan and Camping Guide 2023, out now from AA Publishing. Amongst those celebrating is Silverdale Caravan Park in Lancashire, the AA Campsite of the Year for England and this year’s overall winner.

A rise in eco-friendly camping has shown holidaymakers are looking for environmentally friendly destinations. Camp Katur, winners of the AA Glamping Site of the Year, focuses on upcycling materials with fire pits created from washing machine drums and galvanised bucket washbasins.

Among the regional winners is Beaconsfield Holiday Park, winner of AA Campsite of the Year Heart of England, a purpose-built, family-run park on farmland in open countryside which offers quality in every area. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media says: “With people spending their holidays in the UK and exploring the great British countryside, we are thrilled to celebrate the UK’s best campsites for 2022.

“This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality, high levels of customer care and fantastic facilities which meet customers’ growing expectations. “With UK staycations continuing to prove popular among holidaymakers, the AA Caravan and Camping Guide offers an invaluable guide to holidaymakers choosing to stay in a tent, caravan, motorhome, or glamping site.

We hope this new guide inspires people who are set to embark on new journeys.” AA Media connects the UK with travel ideas and rated places to stay and visit. It includes AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, which rates and publishes information about the hospitality industry, including hotels, guest accommodation and restaurants.

They introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and have inspected restaurants for the Rosette award since 1956. Ratedtrips.com showcases all AA-rated places to stay and visit, and they publish a well-established range of lifestyle publications such as their camping and restaurant guides.

 

MORE HOLIDAYMAKERS are looking for environmentally- friendly locations to pitch their tents and caravans.

 

BEST SELLER
Britain’s best-selling caravan and camping guide provides the very best places for people to take their tent, caravan, or motorhome across the UK. This guide enables travellers to discover over 580 sites from five Pennant premier parks to more affordable options. Now in its 55th edition; being in the guide means the sites have been professionally inspected by the AA’s highly experienced inspection team, it also features AA award-winning parks and.

Top sites with gold and platinum pennants across as well as AA’s Campsite of the year. The guide consistently sells year on year, which demonstrates a loyal readership. Just one or two bookings via the guide covers the outlay of the assessment fee. Inspectors look for best in class in any given region, where the owners and team have created a top-class experience within their site’s grading level.

All winners will feature in the 55th Edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide. All the destinations featured in the guide have been inspected and rated by AA professional inspectors, grading sites from one to five Pennants, based on their facilities and hospitality.

Each entry within the guide includes location, ratings, contact details, directions, prices, opening times, facilities, and a description to help holidaymakers select the right site for their needs. Mirroring the increasing popularity of luxury camping, this year’s winners include glamping facilities, including yurts, shepherd’s huts, and vintage caravans. The winners include a focus on family friendliness, eco-friendliness, fishing, best views and sites for lake lovers.

 

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Posted on February 16, 2022

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

AA unveil latest national destination gongs…

 

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND regional champions were Swiss Farm Touring & Camping, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

 

Returning for the first time since 2019, the AA has unveiled its UK’s top campsites and caravanning UK destinations with the announcement of the 2021 Caravan and Camping Award winners in a virtual ceremony.
This year’s Campsite of the Year for England, and Overall Winner, was revealed as South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park, Poole, Dorset. Brighouse Bay Holiday Park, Brighouse Bay, Dumfries & Galloway took the prize for Scotland and Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park, Brecon, Powys won the top award for Wales.
In addition to regional campsite categories, other awards included Holiday Centre of the Year, which was awarded to Park Foot Caravan & Camping Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria and Glamping Site of the Year, which went to Concierge Glamping, Chichester, West Sussex, which previously won Regional Campsite of the Year South East in 2019.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of the Caravan and Camping Awards 2021 and have the opportunity to celebrate those sites offering holidaymakers the highest quality camping and caravanning experiences,” Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media.

 

 

“As the hospitality industry has reopened over the past few months, we have seen British tourists exploring the UK more than ever, enjoying incredible campsites and caravan parks across the country. We hope that our latest Caravan and Camping Guide helps them discover even more fantastic holiday destinations, including our wonderful winners.”
All Caravan and Camping Award winners are featured in the 54th edition of the AA Caravan and Camping Guide 2022, the ultimate guide to the UK’s best camping and caravanning destinations.
Each site included in the guide have been visited by one of the AA’s experienced Campsite Inspectors, grading sites from one to five Pennants, based on their facilities and hospitality.
Only the parks of the very highest standard are awarded the coveted Platinum Pennant award. Each entry within the guide includes location, ratings, contact details, directions, prices, opening times, facilities and a description to help select the right site for your needs.

 

Hospitality Most Sociable Industry

Posted on May 29, 2015
Those working in the hospitality industry are the most likely to socialise and find life-long friends with people they’ve met through their jobs.

Those working in the hospitality industry are the most likely to socialise and find life-long friends with people they’ve met through their jobs.

Hospitality Most Sociable Industry

The hospitality industry has been revealed as one of the most sociable sectors to work in with almost half of those surveyed stating that they see colleagues socially at least once a month.

According to the study of 2,792 full-time workers in the UK, those working in hospitality, construction and retail are the most likely to socialise and find life-long friends with individuals they’ve met through their jobs.

Respondents were initially asked if they considered themselves a sociable person whilst at work, with the vast majority (73 per cent) agreeing. Of these participants, 49 per cent stated that they indulge in nights out or social activities with their colleagues at least once a month, with a further 13 per cent admitting their answer was closer to once a week.

Lyndon Wood, CEO and creator of www. constructaquote.com which carried out the survey said: “Considering the fact that we spend more time with our co-workers than our partners, family members or children, it seems pretty crucial that there are individuals within a workplace that we can identify, socialise and become good friends with.

“Not only will having strong friendships within the workplace help ease any stress or pressure that might come alongside the job, they are no doubt key in ensuring high rates of staff retention."

Hospitality Industry Tackles Youth Unemployment

Posted on November 4, 2014
hospitality

300,000 new jobs will be created in hospitality by 2020.

Hospitality Industry Tackles Youth Unemployment

The British Hospitality Association has announced the creation of 6,000 new jobs for 16-24 year-olds by the end of the year, as part of a wider industry expansion.

The aim is to fill 300,000 jobs in the hospitality sector by 2020 to reflect rapid growth and market demand. 60,000 of these new jobs will be earmarked for 16-24 year olds, as the industry provides a gateway to tackle long-term youth unemployment.

It is estimated that across the UK there are some 900,000 young people not in education, employment or training. While many young people are still out of work, there are thousands of job vacancies in the hospitality industry and it’s this disconnect between jobs on offer and what young people will consider as career options which is causing particular concern for industry experts.

Speaking at the recent Big Hospitality Conversation, Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the British Hospitality Association said: “Hospitality is a successful industry with even greater growth prospects offering a vast range of job opportunities for all job seekers of any age. However, there are still widespread misconceptions amongst many outside the industry who don’t see the value in hospitality careers. We urge young people to look beyond outdated viewpoints and join our industry.”