Leisure Facilities

Return on Investment

Posted on September 8, 2015

Return on Investment

Caraconnect carry out comprehensive safety inspections of caravans, lodges and holiday and park homes

Caraconnect carry out comprehensive safety inspections of caravans, lodges and holiday and park homes

September heralds the start of the autumn and with it brings the opportunity to take stock of the busy summer season that precedes it.

As the bustling crowds begin to disperse and peace begins to return somewhat to parks across the country, now is the time to think about investing, upgrading and making plans for the year ahead.

At the top of many park owner’s lists will be the assessment of the on-site facilities as they strive to make improvements to stay ahead of the competition.

“Guests have more choice than ever in where to stay and the holiday market is exceptionally competitive,” comments Andy Seddon of Commercial Washrooms.

“Well maintained facilities such as washroom facilities are exceptionally important in both attracting and retaining customers.”

Andy continues: “Clean and well-looked after washrooms are the bare minimum a guest will expect, and regular cleaning of a washroom will provide a certain level of maintenance benefit in itself.”

Rolec Services provided a bespoke hook-up solution for West End Farm Caravan Park in Weston-Super-Mare.

Rolec Services provided a bespoke hook-up solution for West End Farm Caravan Park in Weston-Super-Mare.

Elsewhere on the park, keeping the accommodation up to standard is a top priority. As any caravan park owner knows all too well, the incessant wear and tear caused by a combination of heavy usage and that famously dire British climate can wreak havoc on a holiday caravan.

Ian Bloomfield, director at Caraconnect comments: “We have spent many years in the holiday home and holiday park industry and are fully aware of any problems that can occur with caravans over time.”

Listing their four main trades as gas, plumbing, carpentry and electrical, Caraconnect carry out comprehensive safety inspections of caravans, lodges and holiday and park homes, ensuring that they meet all current gas and electrical safety regulations and reliably identify any problems that may be affecting the units.

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Pool Cover Cost Savings

Posted on June 26, 2015

Pool Cover Cost Savings

Hoburne Holiday Parks has saved thousands of pounds on its gas bills, following the introduction of Heatsavr liquid pool cover in the indoor pool at its site in Torbay.

Hoburne Holiday Parks has saved thousands of pounds on its gas bills, following the introduction of Heatsavr liquid pool cover in the indoor pool at its site in Torbay.

Evaporation control within the pool hall remains a challenge for many pool operators. While a pool cover will insulate your pool to a degree, it is the slowdown in evaporation that is key to saving money.

It is estimated that a pool running at 55% humidity with a pool temperature of 30C and an air temperature of 31C will lose approximately 2 cubic metres of water per day with no cover in place.

Heatsavr biodegrades naturally into water and carbon dioxide within 72 hours and can be added to any type of pool. Using Heatsavr will not stop evaporation, but it will certainly slow the rate of evaporation, working in conjunction with an effective dehumidification and ventilation system.

“One of our clients has been closely monitoring their water top up following a Heatsavr installation and reports that they are now saving 20m3 of water per month,” reveals Peter Marshall of Brenntag.

“The first obvious saving relates to the water top up required and not only in the cost of the additional water but more so in the energy required to raise the temperature of the incoming water to that of the pool.”

Brenntag
Tel. 01133 879200
www.heatsavr.co.uk

 

Splash Landings

Posted on June 26, 2015
The effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests. Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

Above: The effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests.
Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

Splash Landings

With the fun factor at the top of visitor wish lists, it is vital for holiday parks operators to continuously not just meet but exceed expectations for safe and fun aquatic play.

While major swimming pool investment can sometimes be ruled out on the basis of budget, splash pads and water play areas offer an attractive value for money alternative. From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family entertained for hours.

“When families are selecting a holiday park more often than not the on-site facilities on offer will be a major factor, second only to location with an on-site pool being one of the most popular draws,” comments Matt Clark of Country Leisure Fibreglass.

“However these days swimming alone is not enough to keep kids entertained for long. Slides, flumes and an assortment of water features not only liven up the pool environment but keep children occupied for longer and wanting to return again.”

Ernie Hemming of Ustigate Waterplay agrees: “Without doubt, the effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests. “By using a range of colours, sensations of water and sleek designs, there won’t be any member of the family who will be able to resist taking a dip in the water play area.”

From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Pic: Certikin.

Above: From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family
entertained for hours. Pic: Certikin.

Ustigate Waterplay advises on a zero-level water play installation which prevents the buildup of water in the play area, therefore eliminating the need for a lifeguard and providing accessibility to all, including wheelchair users. The company’s product index consists of over 300 standard aquatic structures containing items designed to meet all specifications and budgets.

“We advise our clients on creating water play installations which caters for a range of age groups to increase its play value and popularity,” says Ernie. “Carefully selected combinations and positioning of structures and features will attract the target audience to the relevant areas of the park, toddler, teen or family sections which will result into more visitors, because it is suitable for all of the family.”

Ustigate specialises in splash pads and offer the full range of Vortex equipment which includes more than 140 different water play jets and above ground sprays. Not only do splash pads appeal to the kid in all of us, but they also tap today’s pressing issues of water conservation, parents’ heightened concerns for safety, the ongoing search for revenue and multipurpose usage.

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CERTIKIN INTERNATIONAL
Tel. +44 (0)1993 778855
www.certikin.co.uk

COUNTRY LEISURE FIBREGLASS
Tel. +44 (0)1980 629555
www.countryleisure.co.uk

USTIGATE WATERPLAY
Tel. +44 (0)1322 424445
www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

AQUA DROLICS
Tel. +31 499 393 540
www.aquadrolics.com

 

Chemical Leak At Haven Park

Posted on June 23, 2015
A chemical leak at Wild Duck Holiday Park near Great Yarmouth led to around 40 people needing treatment for breathing difficulties.

A chemical leak at Wild Duck Holiday Park near Great Yarmouth led to around 40 people needing treatment for breathing difficulties.

Chemical Leak At Haven Park

Almost 40 people were treated by paramedics following a chemical leak at a Haven holiday park swimming pool.
Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance crews, were called to Wild Duck Holiday Park in Belton near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
Norfolk Fire Service said vehicles including an environmental protection unit dealt with a chlorine leak. The immediate area was evacuated and a 20 metre cordon was put in place.
Casualties were taken to three local hospitals to be treated for breathing difficulties.
Superintendent Roger Wiltshire of Norfolk Constabulary said: "The incident was quickly contained and the site has now been declared safe by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. The casualties have now been transferred to hospital to be treated and there is no further risk to those staying on the site or to anyone living locally.”

Spotlight On Highlands

Posted on May 29, 2015
Scotland’s tourism minister Fergus Ewing (left) is pictured with David Key, Parkdean Holidays’ regional director for Scotland.

Scotland’s tourism minister Fergus Ewing (left) is pictured with David Key, Parkdean Holidays’ regional director for Scotland.

Spotlight On Highlands

Scotland’s tourism minister, Fergus Ewing shone a spotlight on Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park near Inverness during Scottish Tourism Week.

The minister joined local councillors on the park, which is owned by Parkdean Holidays, during the week-long tourism celebration which took place in the first week of March. Fergus Ewing and the local councillors met managers and staff at the park during the visit, and were given a tour of the many facilities.

David Key, Parkdean Holidays’ regional director for Scotland and general manager at Nairn Lochloy, said: “It’s great that Fergus and local politicians came to see why thousands of visitors choose Nairn Lochloy each year. “The park brings a lot to the local community and the Scottish tourism industry. We employ twelve permanent members of staff, and up to fifty during peak season, making this a key employer in the area.”

Fergus Ewing commented: “I welcome the opportunity to visit this impressive holiday home and caravan park. The holiday home and caravan park sectors are playing their part, in not only providing good quality accommodation for all types of visitors, but also helping to sustain employment in some of our most remote and rural areas.”

Bunn Leisure Announces Record Year

Posted on May 27, 2015
Bunn Leisure is celebrating its record-breaking 2014 results, which saw an increase in bookings, sales and turnover.

Bunn Leisure is celebrating its record-breaking 2014 results, which saw an increase in bookings, sales and turnover.

Bunn Leisure Announces Record Year

South coast holiday park Bunn Leisure has announced a record breaking year in 2014, with holiday bookings, turnover and caravan sales all reaching a new high.

The park in Selsey, West Sussex, benefited from last year’s sweltering summer and extended months of opening to post its best ever set of results. The park sold a record 420 caravans with sales up 12 per cent on the previous year. Turnover from bookings at Bunn Leisure and its sister campsite Warner Farm rose significantly, as did income from retail sales and site fees.

The company was also recognised by its industry peers with an award for 20 years of partnership from Hoseasons, a Hoseasons Diamond Award for customer service and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

John Bunn, managing director of Bunn Leisure said: “Our mission is to provide our owners and guests with a fantastic, fun and safe place to enjoy the traditional British holiday and our aim is to always exceed our customers’ expectations.

“Our success in 2014 shows we are getting the formula right – and we are continuing to invest in Bunn Leisure to grow this successful park where people love to holiday and our staff love to work.”

Exceeding Expectations

Posted on May 20, 2015
Carmenta offers the ideal solution for bespoke projects – both indoors and out.

Carmenta offers the ideal solution for bespoke projects – both indoors and out.

Exceeding Expectations

They say the trick to full occupancy in the holiday business, is knowing what the punters want…even before they do! Case in point – holiday spas and hot tubs. Once considered an unnecessary nuisance – these days, switched on marketeers, vow the addition of a hot tub will increase the likelihood of an on-line booking by 70 per cent.

Where spas and hot tubs lead, wellness now follows whetting an appetite for sauna, steam, experience showers and a host of relaxation treatments. Leading UK suppliers, Anapos, report a sharp spike in wellness project enquiries in the past nine months. “The increase in interest in the home wellness market puts more pressure, in turn, on commercial venues to constantly raise the bar but they will always look at return compared with investment.

Martyn Wood, national sales director at Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment advises holiday park operators to think carefully about the target audience of their spa offering and recommends providing a bolt-on children’s area, to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy the spa. “A good spa facility will attract customers from far afield, so it’s worth investing to put your spa ahead of others in the area.

“The appeal of a spa is the peace and quiet, so keeping to an ‘adults only’ policy is advisable. However, on a holiday park the majority of guests will more than likely be staying with children, so I would suggest offering a children’s play area or club to keep the children amused while the adults enjoy the spa facilities.”

Holiday parks can also benefit from opening the spa up to non-residents. Offering spa day packages and spa weekend breaks can be real money spinners if charged at premium spa prices. For those that are looking to expand their spa offering, or to add a new spa, Martyn suggests offering a selection of elements that will make your spa stand out from the crowd: “As a starting point, a basic spa should ideally include a hydro pool, a minimum of three thermal cabins, around four to six treatment rooms and a nice relaxation area is a must.

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Urban Cedar Launches First Lodge

Posted on May 19, 2015
The new Urban Cedar home adds a new dimension to Urban Cedar’s already extensive product range of high quality hot tubs.

The new Urban Cedar home adds a new dimension to Urban
Cedar’s already extensive product range of high quality hot tubs.

Urban Cedar Launches First Lodge

Hot tub specialists Urban Cedar have branched into the holiday lodge market with the launch of their brand new holiday home lodge. The luxury Urban Cedar Home features a contemporary design, cedar galley style kitchen, solid oak flooring and Bosch appliances.

The first lodge is sited at The Retreats, a brand new development of just 25 lodges located at Padstow Holiday Park in Cornwall. The 40 x 12ft lodge is finished with galvanised steel and cedar decking and steel gabions filled with local Cornish stone.

Antony Perry, managing director at Bristol-based Urban Cedar explains: “A key feature we wanted to create within the lodge design was space. When the master bedroom door is open you can see from one end of the lodge to the other.

“We also decided to locate the French doors on the side so to make a clearly defined lounge area.”

The lodge design can be adapted to suit all size requirements and bespoke features can also be added.

Antony adds: “We’re excited to be launching our Urban Cedar Home which will add a new dimension to our already extensive product range of high quality cedar hot tubs. “Looking ahead, we would like to grow this side of the business by buying and redeveloping old caravan sites.”

Urban Cedar
Tel. +44 (0)1934 833 844
www.urbancedarhome.co.uk

 

Pathfinder Reaches Peak

Posted on May 5, 2015
Pathfinder Homes launched The Summit lodge at the Ideal Home Show in April.

Pathfinder Homes launched The Summit lodge at the Ideal
Home Show in April.

Pathfinder Reaches Peak

The Ideal Home Show at London’s Olympia proved to be the ideal platform for Pathfinder Homes to launch its new and highly innovative lodge – The Summit.

Visitors to the 18-day show were the first to see the new five star luxury lodge which is inspired by Alpine landscapes and the spirit of Tibet and the Himalayas. Pathfinder Homes attended the Ideal Home Show in partnership with The Dream Lodge Group and welcomed a number of television personalities to the stand to view The Summit, including Channel 4’s George Clarke and BBC’s Melissa Porter.

Oscar Absalom of Pathfinder Homes comments: “The inspiration behind the lodge came from the managing director’s trip to the Alps. Each and every last detail of the interior and exterior of the lodge was considered and scrutinised - there could be no substitute for perfection with the design.

“The response we received at the Ideal Home Show was extremely positive and we look forward to presenting the lodge at other shows during the summer.”

Pathfinder Homes
Tel. 01626 833799
W. www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk

 

Challenging Outdated Perceptions

Posted on April 20, 2015
bikes

The new Freedom To Go campaign aims to introduce a younger generation of holidaymakers to caravan and motorhome holidays.

Challenging Outdated Perceptions

The UK’s largest clubs for camping and caravanning – the National Caravan Council (NCC) and The Camping and Caravanning Club have joined forces to promote the benefits of caravans and motorhomes to a new generation of holidaymakers.

Designed to attract younger audiences to this much-loved style of holiday, the ‘Freedom to go’ campaign will draw on the appeal of the great outdoors and the freedom to explore that owning a leisure vehicle presents and will include a dedicated website plus nationwide advertising.

“A key objective of the campaign is to decrease the average age of leisure vehicle ownership by five years and get new entrants into the market,” commented Jennifer Summers, NCC group marketing director.

“In order to do that, we aim to turn the perception of camping and caravanning on its head and illustrate the appeal of this type of holiday to modern families and adventurous travellers alike. There hasn’t been a better time to convert more British consumers to this type of holiday and grow the market for all types of leisure vehicle ownership.”

The campaign will showcase beautiful British destinations and unique adventures that touring holidays make possible whilst recommending which type of leisure vehicle will suit individual needs and tastes.

Nick Lomas, director general of The Caravan Club added: “This is an important step the industry is taking. The Caravan Club is delighted to help champion this initiative.”