online booking

COVER THAT REALLY COUNTS

Posted on February 10, 2026

Protecting Today's Parks in an Increasingly Complex Risk...

Holiday parks and caravan sites have rarely operated in a more complex and fast-moving environment. Shifting guest expectations, digital booking journeys, extreme weather events, rising regulatory demands and increasing asset values are all reshaping how parks operate.

Against this backdrop, insurance is no longer a background administrative task — it has become a central pillar of business resilience and long-term sustainability. Today’s holiday parks look very different from those of a generation ago.

Alongside traditional touring pitches and static caravans, many sites now feature luxury lodges, glamping pods, on-site leisure facilities, retail outlets, food and beverage operations, and increasingly sophisticated online booking and payment systems. While these additions enhance guest experience and revenue potential, they also create a broader and more interconnected risk profile.

Property damage, public liability, employer’s liability, business interruption, customer-owned assets and digital exposure all intersect on a modern holiday park. Ensuring that insurance cover evolves alongside the business — rather than lagging behind it — has never been more important. Weather-related risks continue to be one of the sector’s most pressing challenges.

Storms, flooding and fire account for a significant proportion of claims, often with high severity and knock-on impacts. Climate volatility is placing greater strain on park infrastructure, drainage systems and siting decisions, while the density of caravans and lodges means that a single incident can escalate rapidly across multiple units.

At the same time, park operators are increasingly responsible for managing risk not only to their own assets, but also across hundreds — sometimes thousands — of customer-owned holiday homes on site. Damage to one unit can have consequences for neighbouring pitches, shared services and the wider reputation of the park, reinforcing the importance of coordinated, specialist insurance solutions.

Beyond physical risks, holiday parks are now firmly digital businesses. Online reservations, contactless payments, customer databases, Wi-Fi networks and automated systems bring efficiency and convenience for both guests and operators. However, they also introduce cyber risks that were barely on the radar a decade ago. Cybercrime is no longer confined to large corporations.

HOLIDAY PARKS are operating in an increasingly complex risk environment, where the right insurance cover plays a vital role in long-term resilience.

Small and medium- sized businesses are increasingly targeted, often because they are perceived as easier entry points with fewer safeguards in place. For holiday parks, a single cyber incident can disrupt bookings, compromise personal data, damage customer trust and lead to significant financial and regulatory consequences.

As reliance on digital systems grows, cyber insurance is fast becoming an essential consideration rather than an optional extra. This feature explores how specialist insurance solutions are responding to the evolving risk landscape faced by holiday parks. From protecting operators against emerging cyber threats, to safeguarding customer-owned caravans and lodges and managing complex site-wide liability, the focus is shifting from reactive cover to proactive protection.

Crucially, it highlights the importance of working with insurers who genuinely understand the realities of holiday park operations. Generic commercial policies may appear cost-effective on the surface, but they can leave dangerous gaps in cover when claims arise. Specialist providers bring sector-specific insight, tailored wordings and practical support that reflect how parks actually function day to day.

Later in this feature, Holiday Park Scene speaks directly to two leading insurance specialists who offer expert insight into different — but equally critical — areas of risk management. In the first contribution, Kevin Minnear, Head of Underwriting at Compass Insurance, examines the growing threat of cybercrime and explains why holiday parks are increasingly exposed.

He outlines common vulnerabilities, the potential impact of an attack, and why cyber insurance should now be viewed as a core component of a modern park’s risk strategy. We also hear from Gareth Walker, Head of Leisuredays Development, who focuses on the insurance of customer-owned holiday caravans and lodges.

His insight explores current claims trends, highlights the real-world impact of storms, floods and fire, and explains how proactive risk management and specialist partnerships can protect owners, operators and the wider site ecosystem. Together, these expert perspectives reinforce a simple but powerful message: insurance today is about far more than recovery after loss.

It is about preparedness, protection and peace of mind. For modern holiday parks operating in an increasingly complex risk environment, the right insurance strategy is not a cost to be minimised — it is an investment in stability, reputation and long-term success.

Please read the Cyber-Crime special by Compass Insurance here: https://www.holidayparkscene.com/lets-not-go-viral/ 

Please read the latest article from Leisuredays Insurance here: https://www.holidayparkscene.com/peace-of-mind-for-parks-from-leisure-days/

 

AWAY RESORTS

Posted on November 12, 2025

Redefining the UK Holiday Park Experience...

In an era when the staycation has become not just a necessity but a lifestyle choice for millions, few operators have done more to reimagine the British holiday park than Away Resorts.

With a fast-growing portfolio of twenty-five locations stretching from Scotland to Cornwall, the brand has become synonymous with creativity, innovation, and a spirit of difference that sets it apart from the competition.

From quirky themed accommodation and digital innovation to sustainability initiatives and an ethos grounded in care, Away Resorts is positioning itself not just as a provider of holidays, but as a disruptor changing the way the UK thinks about leisure breaks.

STANDING OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET
What makes Away Resorts unique? In a crowded sector, the company has developed a reputation for “discover different,” their core brand ethos.

Rather than simply replicating the tried-and-tested caravan or lodge model, Away Resorts has created a portfolio of imaginative accommodation options that delight guests and surprise even seasoned holidaymakers.

From luxury lodges with hot tubs to glamping tents and classic chalets, there’s a style to suit every budget and taste. Standout offerings include Rockstar-themed accommodation with retro touches adding a playful, immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

This sense of creativity and character has become a hallmark of the operator, proving that innovation and fun are as important as convenience in attracting today’s holidaymakers.

ADVENTURE PLAYGROUNDS, POOLS, and activities keep all ages entertained.

VALUES THAT INSPIRE
The company’s vision is simple yet powerful: “to inspire everyone to holiday in the UK.” This vision is underpinned by Away Resorts’ guiding values of being Amazing, Attentive, and Lovers – principles that are woven through every aspect of their parks.

• Amazing: Constantly surprising and delighting guests with new experiences, from themed breaks to exciting park entertainment.
• Attentive: Ensuring the details matter – whether through responsive customer service or well-maintained facilities.
• Lovers: A passionate commitment to their people, customers, and the environment.
• This values-led culture has allowed the operator to foster strong loyalty, not only among guests but also among its workforce of 1,000+ employees.

LUXURY LODGES WITH A TWIST, from hot tubs to themed décor, accommodation is designed to delight.

A DIGITAL-FIRST APPROACH
Holiday parks are no longer places where guests expect to switch off completely from technology. Instead, visitors increasingly demand digital convenience at every stage of their journey – and Away Resorts has risen to the challenge.

More than 65% of bookings are now made online, reflecting the brand’s commitment to ensuring the booking process is as seamless as possible. Significant investment has also been channelled into the Away Resorts App, designed to give holidaymakers real-time access to everything they need during their stay.

From booking activities and checking entertainment schedules to ordering food and drink, the app serves as a digital concierge in your pocket.

AWAY RESORTS’ imaginative approach keeps visitors coming back year after year.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
Modern holidaymakers are increasingly conscious of sustainability, and Away Resorts has taken proactive steps to reduce its environmental footprint.

Initiatives across all parks include:
• Recycling bins and bags provided in every accommodation unit.
• Plastic-free drives, reducing single-use plastics across food outlets and retail areas.
• Broader commitments to energy efficiency and eco-friendly operations (more details can be found at awayresorts.co.uk/about/sustainability).

By embedding sustainability into everyday operations, Away Resorts is not only meeting guest expectations but also aligning with long-term environmental goals that benefit communities across the UK.

THE UK HOLIDAY MARKET TODAY
The rise of the staycation has been one of the defining travel trends of recent years, and Away Resorts has been at the forefront of this surge. The UK holiday market has seen excellent volume growth, with bookings up by 12%, reflecting an appetite for breaks closer to home.

Interestingly, the company notes that last-minute bookings are arriving later than ever, a sign of the changing behaviour of today’s consumers. Flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to demand are crucial, and Away Resorts’ diverse accommodation portfolio and tech-driven booking systems place it in a strong position to capitalise on these shifts.

LEADING THE WAY – With innovation, values, and a playful spirit, Away Resorts is shaping the future of UK staycations.

AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Away Resorts remains committed to its role as a disruptor in the UK holiday park sector. The company’s short and long-term goal is clear: to continue innovating and delivering amazing experiences for customers and owners alike.

From a single holiday park business to one of the UK’s fastest-growing operators, Away Resorts has carved out a distinctive space in the market. With twenty-five parks nationwide, a clear ethos of “discover different,” and a passion for pushing boundaries, it is redefining what the British holiday park can be.

By blending imaginative accommodation, sustainability, and digital innovation with strong values and attentive service, Away Resorts isn’t just offering a place to stay – it’s creating experiences that guests can’t wait to repeat. And with the staycation trend showing no signs of slowing down, the future looks bright for this bold and imaginative operator.

Away Resorts
0330 053 7000
www.awayresorts.co.uk

ACCESSIBLE ESCAPES

Posted on February 12, 2025

Marketing your accessibility the easy way...

Did you know that 87% of disabled people and carers expect there to be accessibility information on a venue’s website? Providing information on what you do – or do not – have enables customers with accessibility requirements to make an informed decision of where to stay and visit.

This includes not just wheelchair users but people who are deaf or have hearing loss, have a sensory or cognitive impairment, older people, families with young children, and more. It is a VisitEngland scheme requirement for participants to have accessibility information on their website, stating the venue’s key accessibility features.

It is a VisitEngland scheme requirement for participants to have accessibility information on their website.

SO HOW CAN YOU PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION?
The best way to do this is to have a specific section on your website, clearly linked to from your homepage. People expect to find accessibility information in a similar place across different websites (as they do with information about opening times or room availability), so this should be easy to locate via the main website navigation menu - not hidden in the footer or an ‘about us’ page.

When naming this section, remember not everyone with accessibility requirements identifies with the term ‘disabled’ so use terminology that is more inclusive such as ‘Accessibility’ or ‘Access for All’. The informative elements you should ensure are available in this section for prospective customers are:
• A warm welcome;
• Contact information;
• Key accessibility features;
• Accessibility Guide, including images of your accessible facilities;
• Accessibility videos and virtual tours;
• Accessibility resources;
• Accessible destination highlights.

KEY ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES
People with accessibility requirements want to easily find out what key accessibility features are available at tourism venues. VisitEngland has led a UK and Ireland-wide project that identifies the features that are most important to people with a range of accessibility requirements.

The list of features has been informed by new consumer research with 800 disabled travellers in Britain and a focus group in Ireland. You can now download a business-type specific questionnaire to help you identify which of these features you have at your venue - ensure you list all available features in your accessibility section.

Don’t feel constrained by this list; add any additional features and services you provide for disabled customers and others with accessibility requirements. If your business is listed on any tourism listing websites (such as online travel agents and local destination websites), these companies may ask you to specify what key accessibility features you offer.

This is so that they can list available features as part of your venue listing on their website and provide customers with the ability to filter venues by these features. In addition to the key accessibility features listed in the downloadable questionnaires; you should also highlight any other useful facilities or information.

This may include:
• Wi-fi availability;
• Information relating to the online booking process and prices, including concession availability;
• Directions to your business;
• Details of any dedicated access sessions and/or events that you offer with tailored support e.g. ‘quiet sessions’, sessions for children with learning disabilities and dementia- friendly sessions. Add them to any ‘What’s On’ listings;
• Any firm future plans for accessibility improvements;
• Customer reviews that mention accessibility, ideally by linking to them on a site like Euan’s Guide for full transparency;
• Details of any accessibility awards you have won or schemes that you belong to.
You may wish to group key features that relate to each of mobility, hearing, visual and neurodiversity.

PEOPLE WITH ACCESSIBILITY requirements want to easily find out what key accessibility features are available at tourism venues.

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDES
Research by VisitEngland in 2022 reaffirmed that today’s travellers want detailed and factual descriptions of venue accessibility, in the form of an Accessibility Guide, to empower them to make personal choices.

An Accessibility Guide provides information on all areas of a venue, giving hundreds of pieces of accessibility information, including measurements and photographs. An Accessibility Guide describes and visually shows the layout of each area of the business, following the route a visitor will typically take from arrival, entering and getting around.

They are particularly useful for people with mobility impairments, but they also include accessibility features of relevance to people with a range of other access requirements. This means there will be some duplication with the key access features you list on your own website.

To support tourism businesses across England to provide robust Detailed Access Guides, VisitEngland has joined forces with AccessAble, a leader in quality accessibility information provision. In addition to outlining your key accessibility features, you should provide detailed accessibility information, with the recommended format being an AccessAble Detailed Access Guide.

You can now use the new AccessAble Your Accessibility Guide portal to book and pay for either a Guided Assessment or On Site Assessment of your venue, where a professional access surveyor will create a quality-assured Detailed Access Guide.

This approach removes the burden and responsibility of collecting information that can be technical, greatly reducing the risk of incomplete and inaccurate information. All guides are published and searchable on AccessAble’s well-established website, currently used by more than six million people a year, and you will also receive an Accessibility Improvement Report as part of the service.

Annual renewal fees also apply and depend on the number of changes at the venue - such as whether you have installed a new bathroom which needs to be re-assessed - but there has been a focus on these being as affordable as possible, starting at £10 + VAT per year. Once your Accessibility Guide has been produced, it is important to link to it prominently from your accessibility section using an AccessAble link button.

www.visitengland.org/access

OOH LA! LA! BRITISH LURED TO FRENCH PARKS

Posted on February 15, 2022

OOH LA! LA! BRITISH LURED TO FRENCH PARKS

 

PARKS SUCH AS SANDGREEN Caravan Park in Dumfries & Galloway, pictured, have converted many to UK holidays.

 

Holiday park owners in France are training their sights on British holidaymakers in a bid to make up huge revenue losses suffered during recent overseas travel restrictions.
Helping lead the assault is French holiday parks giant Yelloh Village which operates more than 100 parks in its home country, as well as offering hot spots in Spain and Portugal.
The group, based near Nimes, has this month appointed Caravan Sitefinder to take the lead in publicising its holidays to the online booking platform’s million-plus annual visitors. CEO Michael Paul says Yelloh anticipates that mainland Europe will be fully open for business by next spring, and that many UK families will be thirsting for a continental holiday. Caravan Sitefinder, says Michael, will be actively marketing Yelloh’s parks to consumers via its huge database, and through high-profile website promotions. “The British holiday market is massively important to French park operators, and the widescale absence of UK visitors for almost two years is being keenly felt,” said Michael. “But they sense that payback time will be coming shortly and want to claim as large a share as possible of the market by going all out for bookings made this winter and spring.

 

 

LICKING WOUNDS
“This clearly has ramifications for UK park owners as they too are still licking their wounds after so many lockdowns and Covid-related cancellations in recent times. Many will be pinning their hopes on the trend for domestic holidays to continue next year, and I think they have some cause for optimism,” continues Michael.
“A lot of families have been converted to stays in this country after enjoying positive experiences this and last summer and may choose to continue doing so. “But there will inevitably be others who are now looking forward to returning to Mediterranean sunshine, and will be booking with overseas park operators such as Yelloh. So the main priority for most parks will be to seize as many bookings as possible from those intending to stay in the UK, and to do so as early as possible. “In other words, they will have to market themselves far more aggressively than this year, and not rely on travel limitations providing an almost literal captive audience,” said Michael. Yelloh’s parks, located largely on the coast and in popular mountain areas, range from simple touring sites to multi-activity centres with luxury accommodation.

CURTAIN RAISER – Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show 2021

Posted on October 28, 2021

CURTAIN RAISER

 

A ONE-STOP HUB of business inspiration, the Holiday Park Innovation show makes a welcome return this November.

CURTAIN RAISER

You will need to plan ahead to maximise the potential of your visit to The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show which makes a welcome return.
The not-to-be-missed event will be opening its doors at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday November 10 and 11.
Europe’s leading event for the most ambitious holiday park and resort owners, the show runs alongside the Farm Business Innovation Show, Family Attraction Expo, Leisure Food & Beverage Expo, Leisure Toy & Gift and the Leisure Transport Show.
With over 1000 exhibitors, 500 seminars and an outstanding schedule of keynote speakers, it will be benefcial to know exactly what to expect from the show and plan ahead, so if you want to make the most out of the two days, keep reading!
The show offers a unique opportunity to see the latest industry products in action in the Live Demo area. Be sure to make some time to visit this area and possibly even get involved yourself! You can see the live demo timetable on the website under ‘What’s On?’.
This year, the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show is launching its frst series of panel debates, where the leading industry experts will be discussing the latest industry topics. This will give you the opportunity to finally ask your burning questions and hear the answers live and in person. From renewable energy to marketing tactics to enhance your holiday park or resort, you do not want to miss this opportunity! Find the full schedule on the website under ‘What’s On?’ and look out for times to incorporate some of these incredible discussions into your day!

THE SHOW OFFERS a unique opportunity to see the latest industry products in action.

EXPERT PANEL
Industry experts from some of the biggest names and associations within the industry will be available at the show to provide their insights into the industry, knowledge, advice and tips and tricks to support you on your innovation journey. From the likes of former MP, Nick De Bois - Visit England, TV Presenter, Author & Designer, Max McMurdo, and Justin Reid from TripAdvisor, listen to the hottest topics and latest trends in the industry right now. Keep an eye out on the website under ‘Speakers’ for the full timetable, coming soon!

INNOVATION AWARDS
The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Awards will be recognising the companies who have gone above and beyond within the industry, celebrating those that are combining an unprecedented blend of innovation, creativity and uniqueness in their work and customer offering.
It is very important to pre-register for your tickets before attending the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show this year, so register for your free tickets now before they are all gone! Doing so now also means you will receive your printed show guide delivered straight to your door, as well as access to the digital show guide, which includes the floor plan, full agenda, and everything you need to know about the show.
Log on to www.holidayparkshow.co.uk to check on latest information including vital covid guidance.

HOLIDAY PARK INNOVATION has earned itself as Europe’s leading event for the most ambitious holiday park and resort owners.

TRAVELLING TO THE NEC
If you decide to drive to the NEC, it is just 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre, and there are 16,500 spaces available in the car park, including plenty of helpful signage and a traffic team to ensure you get to the right area for your event. It is also very easy to catch the train as the NEC is right next to Birmingham’s international railway station. Visit the website and click on ‘Show Info’ to see full details about travel and parking, as well as bus & coach and taxi services.

OPENING TIMES
The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show will open at 9am on Wednesday 10th November, and close at 5pm. The event will reopen at 9am again on Thursday 11th and close at 4:30pm. Make sure you go and register for your free tickets now before they are all gone and be on the lookout for your printed show guide so that you can plan ahead and make the most out of your time at the event!

A-Z OF MUST SEE EXHIBITORS

STAND 6153
Selling your Park?
BusinessesForSale.com is the world’s most popular website for buying or selling a business.
Established in 1996, the website is an international marketplace of businesses for sale. We provide a cost-effective route to market for business owners and their representatives and a one stop shop for aspiring entrepreneurs and business buyers.
The website is the world’s largest businesses for sale marketplace, attracting over 1.2 million buyers and sellers every month.
Whether you’re looking to get in, grow or get out, BusinessesForSale.com has everything you need. Come and speak to the team on the stand or browse a selection of our current opportunities at our Wall of Business.

Businessesforsale.com
www.businessesforsale.com

 

STAND 1140
Leading Wifi Provider
Reliable WI-FI is essential for your business to gain a competitive edge. It allows your guests to stay in contact with friends and family, whilst also keeping up to date with work emails whilst away. Today, your guests expect a WI-FI connection that is swift and secure. We pride ourselves on supplying effcient hard-wired WI-FI solutions and excellent customer service from our 7-day support team and our qualifed professionals with years of experience. Camping Connect ensures the provision of secure, family friendly Internet access in line with EU legislation and is a `Friendly WI-FI` registered WI-FI provider.

Camping Connect
01792 277 231
campingconnect.co.uk

 

STAND 7131
Washroom Solutions
Cubicle Centre has been manufacturing toilet cubicles, wall panels and washroom panel products for over 20 years. We offer a range of washroom cubicles and wall panel products to suit any budget from our Pennine range where function and price is a factor, through to our vandal resistant Cairngorm range.
At Holiday Park and Innovation 2021 we will be demonstrating our water proof Cairngorm range of toilet and shower cubicles along with made to measure vanity units with both recessed and semi recessed basin units.

Cubicle Centre
01484 457600
washroomcubicles.co.uk

 

STAND 5132
Futureproof Your Business
Leading provider of IT business solutions to the Holiday Home & Leisure Resort industry, Elite Dynamics, will be a specialist speaker at this year’s Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show. MD Jamaine Campbell and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Lead Consultant, Andrew Blackie will be giving the audience key insights into how to futureproof and drive forward their holiday park businesses using readily available standard Microsoft Dynamics Technologies.
The team will showcase some of the newest and most innovative technology available on the market today, all of which has been specifcally designed for our industry and to future-proof your business.

Elite Dynamics
0161 641 8926
elitedynamics.co.uk

 

STAND 5091
Cloud Based Solutions
GemaPark is an internet-based Booking System designed to help you manage self-catering, glamping pods, and touring and camping.
From the interactive availability chart you can see all your bookings, blackout dates, add bookings and check availability and live pricing. An arrival day dashboard shows you today’s arrivals and departures including unit clean status. Online booking and online check-in can be integrated with your website with no commission to pay. Standard customer documents and ad-hoc emails can be sent directly from the system.
Netguides ensure GemaPark is PCI compliant and GDPR compliant. Whether you’re starting out or wanting to make life easier come and see us on our stand.

GemaPark
01983 282420
gemapark.co.uk

 

STAND 7180
Bring OnThe Heat!
Visitors are invited to stand 7180 where the Golden Coast team will be on hand to demonstrate its popular heat pump for pools and hot tubs.
Delivering output up to 13 times greater than an electric heater, a Golden Coast inverter-driven heat pump operates on a low current without compromising on performance and ensures whisper-quiet noise levels as low as 25dB. It even operates in low temperatures, enabling parks to continue offering enjoyable hot tub experiences all year round.
By using less electricity, the energy-efficient heat pump can help cut a park’s carbon footprint whilst saving thousands on running costs and allowing a faster return on investment.

Golden Coast
01271 378100
goldenc.com

 

STAND 8112
Stand Out From The Crowd!
Holiday Park Scene magazine is an unmissable read for anyone involved in the management of a Holiday Park, Campsite, Caravan Park & Glampsite. At least 5,000 copies of Holiday Park Scene are distributed four times annually to key personnel in all aspects of the holiday park industry across the UK and Eire.
Offering the inside track on the latest market news and reports covering all aspects of holiday park management.
We’re not just big in PRINT we have huge online coverage through our WEBSITE, EMAIL NEWSLETTERS & SOCIAL MEDIA!
If you would like to be featured in the magazine, we would love to hear for you.

Holiday Park Scene Magazine
01353 666663
holidayparkscene.com

 

STAND: 6081

WiFi Game-Changer
Holiday Parks no longer have to put up with nightmare broadband connections thanks to the introduction of ParkLink from Vital Wifi which enables super-fast speeds ‘Direct to the Van’ at a fraction of the cost of fibre.
It uses revolutionary technology designed to deliver consistently high-quality broadband across wide open remote outdoor sites.
ParkLink from Vital Wifi is a dedicated wireless package for holiday parks that provides fibre-like Internet speeds at a significantly lower cost of ownership without the disruption of installing fibre infrastructure.
New game-changing Internet distribution technology, used by ParkLink, is making reliable, park-wide high-speed Internet affordable and accessible to campsites, caravan and holiday parks.
Come and see us on our stand for more information.

ParkLink – Powered by Vital Wifi
0333 3583 111
parklink.co.uk

 

 

STAND 9213
Park Protect Scheme
The Park Protect scheme provides commercial insurance for more than 200 caravan parks up and down the country.
Having spent 15 years building strong relationships in the caravan and holiday park market you can be sure Park Protect will give you – the park owner – the protection you deserve.
Whatever type of leisure business you operate you need to stay up-to-date with legal changes, health & safety legislation, and issues that can affect your leisure property. Our knowledge and experience as specialist insurance brokers for the leisure industry means we tailor individual solutions to protect your employees and visitors.

PIB Insurance Brokers
01422 358 525
pib-insurance.com

 

STAND 10161
Award Winning Waterplay
Established in 1966, Ustigate have specialised in the design, build and maintenance of inclusive indoor and outdoor water play facilities for 55 years and have completed over 100 aquatic play installations to date. Ustigate Waterplay is excited to introduce over 300 products that promote active play; all designed and developed by their global leading aquatic partner of eighteen years, Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc. The portfolio offers theming and an aquatic play favourite for every age and ability; incorporating climbing, sliding and multiple interactive activities via collections such as award winning Water Journey™, Elevations™ and Explora.

Ustigate Waterplay
01322 424445
ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

 

STAND 6270
Making Park Payments Easy
Make it quick and easy for your guests to pay for on-site facilities with a VMC cashless payment system. A seamless tap and go payment experience really adds value for the customer and is an opportunity to incentivise and increase visitor spend.
Our payment readers are ideal for catering and bar areas but can also be fitted to almost any unattended machine making them ideal for parking, charging, power, amusements, pool tables, laundry, bike hire, vending, and much more.
For parks wanting to incentivise and reward customers for onsite spend, VMC can also provide a private onsite payment system using branded cards, wristbands or biometrics.

VMC (UK) Ltd
01926 816400
vmcltd.co.uk

 

STAND 7242
Family Fun For Everyone!
For 50 years, World of Rides have been the leading UK manufacturer of children’s leisure rides in the United Kingdom.
From our factory in County Durham we supply major shopping centres, retailers, visitor attractions, farm parks, holiday parks, garden centres, family entertainment centres and hospitality centres both nationally and internationally, as well as leading single-site operators.
Our vast knowledge and experience ensures that every ride we manufacture and sell is rigorously tested both in the factory and on-site before being released for sale.
Come and see us on our stand for further information.

World of Rides
0191 49 20 999
worldofrides.com

 

No Quick Fix

Posted on September 11, 2018

no quick fixNo Quick Fix

I will start with a confession. Wisper it quietly, but there is no ‘quick fix’ that will instantly fill your holiday park with customers, especially in the quieter months. That magic button for your website – the one that will send bookings through the roof is, well, I’m afraid just a myth…
So, it’s time for a reality check. The only way to ensure your park is best placed to turn those clicks and enquiries into bookings and sales is to have a proper strategy in place. It can be really frustrating to see large volumes of traffic coming to your website but so few of those continuing to book their holidays. Abandoned bookings and poor conversions rates are an obvious sign that all is not well somewhere in the online booking process.

JIGSAW PIECES

Whether you own a large group of holiday parks or you’re just starting out with a few touring pitches, your online booking platform is arguably the most important piece of the jigsaw. You can spend thousands of pounds per month on marketing but, if it’s all let down by a process that inhibits the booking process then you’re wasting all your hard-earned cash. Online booking systems vary greatly from one another - and the most expensive one may not necessarily be the best for your park. You need a system that not only fulfils your requirements from a park management perspective but is, crucially, easy for your customers to navigate and book online.

It is too easy to forget the customer booking journey with parks too often spending more time focusing on the back-office functionality of an online booking system. But these online booking steps are, potentially, far more important than whether the system can produce all your different financial reports. Most systems (but not all) on the market will come with a set of online booking steps that will be the link between your website and booking system. It is crucial that you choose a system that has booking steps that are clear, straightforward and easily navigable for your customers.Why not take the journey yourself, as a customer would (we recommend trying this on a mobile too). If you find yourself getting frustrated then multiply this by the average number of people who visit your website and you’ll soon see why so many people abandon their bookings.

GDPR COMPLIANCE

hate to be the bearer of bad news but complying with GDPR wasn’t just sending out a few re-subscribe emails to your database at the end of May. It’s fair to say that it’s had (and will continue to have) a big impact on the holiday park industry. One thing’s for sure – it’s already had a big impact on the online booking sector, with many changes having been made to systems to comply as best they can with the new regulations. A cornerstone element of GDPR is customer data. Your online booking system is, potentially, storing thousands of customer records, accounts and, in some cases, payment details too.

Do you know for sure where all that customer data is? Is it stored directly on the computer in your office – and is this vulnerable to hackers? Or is the data stored in the cloud? Is it encrypted to the highest level? Are your online booking steps collecting marketing information even from those who don’t complete a booking? If so, what’s being done with all that data? All these are vitally important questions you should ask your current provider or ask yourself before changing to a new system as you will be liable, should the worst happen.If your online booking is the final part of the jigsaw, then getting your customers into that booking process, is the first. How do you attract the right sort of customer to your park to begin with?
Before you commit to spending hundreds or thousands of pounds per month on a Google AdWords PPC campaign or such like you need to ask yourself one fundamental question – who are your customers? How old are they? Where do they live? What interests do they have? What do they spend on an average holiday? Once you have a clear idea of the people you’re targeting then you’re more likely to achieve the desired result. Depending on the sort of customer you’re targeting, your marketing can be grouped into various activities, including your website, email, social media, pay per click (PPC) or printed media. All of this will filter back to the online booking process.

KEY WORDS

A good website that’s well optimised for all the relevant keywords is certainly a good start and will be integral for just about everything you do but it will not, necessarily, be the huge driver of traffic on its own, that it once was. Things are ever-changing in the world of the web and the level of competition has gone from stiff to fierce, especially in popular holiday destinations such as the South West of England.

That being said, there are some key things to consider with your current website to help it work best for you:

• Does it stand out from the crowd? Does it have a ‘wow’ factor?
• Is it quick and easy to use on a mobile device?
• Do the images properly showcase your setting and accommodation range?
• Are your CTAs (calls to action) clear and consistent – ‘book now’ ‘check prices & availability’ ‘call now’

How much do you spend on your marketing and what sort of Return on Investment (ROI) are you getting? Do you know? If the answer to this last question is a resounding ‘no’ then it’s time to take stock of your current activity…and think again. If, for whatever reason, you are not able to apportion revenue against your marketing then you are working with one hand behind your back.

MEASURE SUCCESS

E-commerce tracking really is the cornerstone of measuring a campaign’s success, whether it be a promotional email or a Google AdWords campaign. Without this knowledge it’s almost impossible to know if what you’re doing is right. So many people are obsessed with the volume of clicks and traffic that a campaign sends to their website but this can often be very misleading. Always think – quality over quantity! You’re aiming for ‘qualified’ clicks; those that come from an audience who are in-tune and interested in your product, not those who may have clicked your banner ad by mistake. To this end, your external marketing should follow the same premise. As mentioned, know your audience and aim your marketing at this focused bunch of people, don’t waste your time and money on a scattergun approach because it simply won’t work.

Pitched
Tel. 01726 418118
Pitched.co.uk