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SMARTER PARKS, HAPPIER GUESTS

Posted on August 3, 2026

AI IS BECOMING A VALUABLE business tool, supporting everything from booking management to customer service.

Why AI and mobile technology are becoming essential tools for holiday parks, caravan sites, campsites and glamping destinations...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and mobile apps are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re becoming essential business tools for holiday parks, caravan parks, camping and glamping sites across the UK. Whether it’s streamlining bookings, improving guest communication, or helping staff work more efficiently, technology is transforming the way parks operate while enhancing the guest experience.

Today’s holidaymakers expect convenience at every stage of their stay. From booking online and checking activity schedules to receiving instant updates during their holiday, digital technology has become part of everyday life.

At the same time, park operators face ongoing challenges including staffing pressures, rising operating costs and increasing customer expectations. AI and smart apps are helping bridge that gap.

Rather than replacing people, the best technology works alongside your team, removing repetitive tasks and allowing staff to focus on delivering outstanding customer service. From reception to maintenance, entertainment to marketing, digital tools are making parks more efficient while creating smoother guest journeys.

AI BEHIND THE SCENES
Many operators assume AI is all about chatbots or robots answering customer enquiries. In reality, some of the biggest benefits happen behind the scenes, improving systems that guests may never even notice but certainly appreciate.

Booking management, payment processing, channel management and automated workflows are all areas where AI is making a significant impact. Faster processes reduce manual administration, minimise errors and improve the overall efficiency of park operations.

AI IS CHANGING THE GAME — THE TRICK IS ADDING VALUE SAFELY
AI Is Changing the Game — The Trick Is Adding Value Safely Artificial intelligence is transforming holiday-park technology at pace, and it is genuinely exciting to watch. But for operators the real question is no longer whether to use AI — it is how to add value safely, with the end customer kept firmly in focus rather than chasing the technology for its own sake.

Some of the biggest gains happen out of sight. At GemaPark, AI already helps us build new features faster and resolve technical support queries more quickly. It also speeds up the way we connect to third-party providers — the behind-the-scenes plumbing that lets a booking system do far more for a park.

Recent additions show what that delivers in practice: Clover terminal payments, so guests can pay online, at reception or out on the park; a deeper Stripe integration that brings better payment terms; and full two-way synchronisation with Pitchup, so availability and bookings stay aligned across channels without double-handling.

Attention is increasingly turning to guest-facing systems, and that is where care matters most. New tools should be evaluated in your own environment, not adopted on trust. The goal is genuine end-to-end process support — not simply routing more tasks back to an already-stretched reception team.

TODAY’S HOLIDAYMAKERS EXPECT instant access to information—mobile apps help parks meet those expectations.

It pays to be honest about what AI can and cannot yet do, and to introduce it only where it removes workload rather than quietly adding to it. Search is changing too. Traditional SEO is giving way to AEO — answer engine optimisation — as AI-driven search returns direct answers rather than lists of links. One common response is to lean on the big online travel agents for visibility.

The catch is that you must play by each platform’s rules and remain exposed to their policy shifts — Google Hotels, for example, requires accommodation to have a roof, so is useful for statics and pods, but not for touring pitches. The sensible hedge is a full-functionality PMS that gives you your own online booking engine alongside broad, flexible integrations.

Data security is another aspect of safety, and reputable providers adopt strong measures to ensure cybersecurity is taken seriously and that guest and payment information stays protected. GemaPark follows security best practice and connects to a wide range of OTAs, including through Wubook, so no single platform’s rule change can strand you.

AI will only do more from here, and it is changing fast. The parks that benefit most will be those that adopt it deliberately, keep the end customer at the centre, and use it where it genuinely helps. That is the approach we are committed to: harnessing AI where it adds real value — safely.

A BRANDED MOBILE APP puts essential park
information, entertainment schedules and local
attractions at guests’ fingertips.

APPS PUT INFORMATION IN EVERY GUEST’S POCKET
While AI often works in the background, guest apps are highly visible and increasingly expected. A well-designed park app acts as a digital concierge, giving visitors instant access to everything they need throughout their stay.

Rather than queuing at reception to ask when the pool opens, where tonight’s entertainment is taking place or what time the restaurant serves breakfast, guests can simply open an app. This not only improves convenience but also significantly reduces repetitive enquiries, freeing staff to spend more time providing personal service.

App My Community helps UK holiday parks deliver a better guest experience while making day-to-day communication easier for park operators. Your fully branded mobile app becomes the central hub for everything your guests need before, during, and after their stay.

Guests can quickly view entertainment schedules, activities, events, opening times, interactive park maps, food and beverage menus, local attractions, and important park information—all from their mobile phone. Instant push notifications allow your team to communicate weather updates, activity changes, emergency information, special offers, and last-minute announcements in seconds.

GEMAPARK IS HARNESSING AI to help holiday parks streamline operations, improve bookings and deliver better guest experiences.

By providing guests with easy access to information, your reception team spends less time answering repetitive questions and more time delivering exceptional customer service. The app also helps guests discover more of what your park has to offer, increasing participation in activities, promoting on-site facilities, and enhancing the overall holiday experience.

Every app is custom-branded with your park’s logo, colours, and content, creating a professional digital experience that reflects your brand. Features can include event calendars, interactive GPS maps, digital forms, maintenance requests, staff resources, in-app purchases, loyalty programmes, QR code integration, and local business promotions.

Whether you operate a single holiday park or manage multiple locations, App My Community provides an easy-to-manage communication platform through an intuitive online administration portal. Updates can be published instantly without requiring guests to download a new version of the app. Today’s holidaymakers expect convenient access to information from their mobile devices.

App My Community helps UK holiday parks meet those expectations while improving guest satisfaction, streamlining operations, and strengthening communication across every stage of the guest journey. From arrival to departure, your guests have everything they need in one convenient place, helping create memorable stays that encourage repeat visits and positive reviews.

ECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO RESHAPE the holiday park sector, helping businesses work smarter while enhancing customer satisfaction.

LOOKING AHEAD
Technology will continue to evolve rapidly, but the most successful holiday parks won’t necessarily be those with the newest gadgets—they’ll be the ones that adopt technology with a clear purpose. AI and mobile apps are proving their worth by reducing workloads, improving communication and delivering better guest experiences without losing the personal touch that makes holiday parks so popular.

For operators considering their next investment, the focus should remain on practical solutions that improve efficiency while supporting staff and delighting guests. Used thoughtfully, AI and apps are becoming valuable partners in creating smarter operations, happier teams and memorable holidays.

GemaPark
www.gemapark.co.uk

App My Community
www.appmycommunity.com

BONE-AFIDE BREAKS

Posted on August 3, 2026

DOG-FRIENDLY facilities are becoming a key factor in attracting today’s holidaymakers and encouraging repeat visits. Pictured here at St Ives Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall.

Why dog-friendly holidays are becoming one of the smartest investments for holiday parks

For many families, a holiday simply wouldn’t be complete without the dog. As pet ownership across the UK continues to rise, so too does demand for holiday destinations that genuinely welcome four-legged companions.

What was once considered an added extra has become an important deciding factor for many guests when choosing where to stay. For holiday park operators, this presents a valuable opportunity. By creating facilities and experiences that cater for both pets and their owners, parks can broaden their appeal, increase guest satisfaction and encourage valuable repeat bookings.

The key is understanding that today’s dog owners expect more than simply being told their pet is allowed on site. They are looking for destinations where dogs are treated as welcomed guests and where practical facilities make travelling with a pet both easy and enjoyable.

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO STAY
Holidaymakers increasingly seek experiences rather than simply accommodation, and this applies just as much to those travelling with dogs. Easy access to countryside walks, beaches, woodland trails and dog-friendly attractions all add value to a stay, helping parks stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Simple additions can make a significant difference. Secure exercise areas, dog washing stations, water bowls around the park and clearly marked walking routes demonstrate that operators have considered the needs of canine guests from arrival through to departure. These thoughtful touches often become the details visitors remember long after their holiday has ended.

THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES for four-legged guests can help create memorable holidays for the whole family.

CREATING MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Exceptional customer service doesn’t stop with human guests. Many parks are now introducing small but memorable gestures that enhance the visitor experience while generating positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Hospitality specialist Sir Woofchester has helped businesses across the UK embrace this growing market by providing products specifically designed for dog-friendly venues. From dedicated dog menus and treats to welcome packs for accommodation providers, these additions help transform an ordinary stay into something guests are keen to share on social media and recommend to friends.

For operators, they also offer an opportunity to increase food and beverage sales while reinforcing a reputation for outstanding hospitality.

DESIGNING ACCOMMODATION THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE
One of the biggest challenges for holiday park operators is balancing the expectations of guests travelling with pets alongside those without them. Fortunately, thoughtful design benefits everyone.

Durable flooring, practical storage, secure decking and easy-clean surfaces all help protect valuable accommodation while making lodges and caravans easier to maintain throughout a busy season.

Providing designated areas for muddy boots, wet coats and dog equipment not only keeps interiors looking their best but also creates a more comfortable environment for all visitors. As guest expectations continue to evolve, flexible accommodation that can cater for different holidaymakers offers operators greater long-term value.

MANY LEADING HOLIDAY PARKS now offer dog-friendly accommodation across a wide range of holiday styles and budgets including Away Resorts.

THE WHOLE FAMILY IS WELCOME
Leading operators increasingly recognise that pets are part of the family, and many have adapted their offering accordingly. Away Resorts is one such example, providing dog-friendly accommodation across its holiday parks, from classic caravans through to premium lodges.

Dogs are welcomed with thoughtful extras in selected accommodation, while guests can also enjoy nearby dog-friendly beaches, countryside walks and restaurants with dedicated dog menus at many locations. By making it easier for families to holiday together, parks create experiences that encourage longer stays and foster customer loyalty.

EXPLORING TOGETHER
Access to outdoor activities remains one of the strongest attractions for guests travelling with dogs. Whether it’s coastal walks, woodland trails or cycling routes, parks located close to natural attractions enjoy a significant advantage.

North Devon’s Smytham Holiday Park is an excellent example. Recently recognised as Britain’s top holiday park for cycling by readers of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome, the park combines outstanding access to the Tarka Trail with facilities designed to help families enjoy the outdoors together.

Dog trailers are available alongside bike hire, making it easier for visitors to explore the surrounding countryside without leaving their pets behind. It’s a reminder that successful dog-friendly holidays aren’t just about accommodation — they’re about creating memorable experiences from the moment guests arrive.

SIR WOOFCHESTER’S helps holiday parks create a genuine VIP experience for their four-legged guests.

KEEPING PARKS CLEAN AND WELCOMING
Providing excellent facilities also means helping guests act responsibly. Convenient waste disposal points, clearly signposted dog walking routes and readily available waste bags all contribute to cleaner parks and happier visitors.

Clear communication is equally important. Simple guidance on where dogs should be kept on leads, designated exercise areas and information about nearby walks helps create a positive environment for everyone using the park.

Good management ensures dog-friendly policies enhance the guest experience without compromising standards for visitors who choose not to travel with pets.

SMALL TOUCHES, LASTING IMPRESSIONS
Often, it’s the smallest details that leave the biggest impression. A complimentary treat at reception, a water bowl outside the café or recommendations for nearby dog-friendly pubs and beaches can all help guests feel genuinely welcomed.

These experiences encourage repeat visits and positive online reviews, while also reinforcing a park’s reputation for excellent customer service. In an increasingly competitive holiday market, those personal touches can make all the difference.

A WARM WELCOME FOR DOGS often starts with the little details—and it’s those thoughtful touches guests remember.

A GROWING OPPORTUNITY
Dog-friendly tourism continues to grow as more people choose to holiday within the UK and bring their pets with them. Operators who invest in facilities, thoughtful accommodation and memorable experiences are well placed to benefit from this expanding market.

Whether it’s offering practical amenities, welcoming pets in cafés and restaurants, or creating accommodation that balances comfort with durability, today’s most successful parks understand that catering for dogs is no longer a niche offering—it’s part of delivering an exceptional guest experience.

By embracing this trend and making dogs feel every bit as welcome as their owners, holiday parks can strengthen guest loyalty, encourage repeat bookings and ensure every family member enjoys a holiday worth remembering.

 

Company Contacts:

Glasdon Group
www.glasdon.com

Pinelog
www.pinelog.co.uk

Sir Woofchesters
www.sirwoofchesters.com

 

AWARD-WINNING Smytham Holiday Park combines outstanding cycling routes with facilities designed for guests travelling with dogs.

AWARD SUCCESS FOR HAMPSHIRE HILLS

Posted on August 3, 2026

TRIPADVISOR WILL NOW signpost Hampshire Hills as a top glamping destination for visitors to the county.

Hampshire Hills Glamping Park, near Winchester, is celebrating after receiving Tripadvisor’s prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, recognising it among the world’s highest-rated tourism businesses.

The annual awards are based on millions of traveller reviews and place winners within the top 10% of listings worldwide for outstanding service, quality and customer satisfaction. The accolade will also give Hampshire Hills greater visibility on the Tripadvisor platform, helping showcase the park as one of Hampshire’s leading glamping destinations.

Located in the village of Bighton on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Hampshire Hills is owned by Shaun and Michele Ascough, who transformed the former Two Hoots Camping Site after acquiring it in 2020. Their investment has created a peaceful retreat offering luxury glamping accommodation alongside facilities for campervans and touring caravans.

Shaun Ascough said the award is especially rewarding because it is based entirely on guest feedback, recognising both the quality of the accommodation and the exceptional service provided by the team. He thanked everyone who had taken the time to leave positive reviews and support the business.

The award adds to an impressive list of recent achievements for Hampshire Hills, including being named the UK’s Best Small Site, the Best Adult-Only Site in South East England and earning a place in the UK’s Top 150 Outstanding Holiday Parks.

SUPERIOR POOL WATER QUALITY

Posted on August 7, 2024

The allure of a sparkling, pristine pool can significantly elevate the appeal of a holiday park. Good water quality in a holiday park pool is not just about aesthetics; it is crucial for health, safety, and guest satisfaction. Ensuring that the pool water is clean and safe can directly impact the number of bookings, as families and individuals seek out locations where they can relax without health concerns.

Maintaining excellent water quality in a holiday park pool involves regular and precise monitoring. This is where the Lovibond® MD110 comes into play. The MD110 is a robust, user-friendly photometer designed for accurate water testing. It provides reliable results that are essential for maintaining the chemical balance of the pool, ensuring that harmful bacteria and contaminants are kept at bay.

Covering all the main pool water tests such as free & total chlorine, pH, total alkalinity etc the MD110 is also equipped with Bluetooth® connectivity, enabling seamless data transfer and storage, which is particularly useful for holiday park staff who need to keep detailed records of water quality. This ensures that any deviations from the optimal chemical balance are quickly identified and rectified, maintaining the pool’s safety and clarity.

Guests are more likely to book a stay if they are confident in the safety and cleanliness of the pool facilities. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations about the exceptional pool quality can drive higher occupancy rates. In contrast, reports of poor water quality can deter potential visitors and harm reputation.

By investing in reliable water testing equipment like the MD110, holiday parks can ensure their pools remain inviting and safe. High standards in pool maintenance reflect a commitment to guest welfare, setting a holiday park apart from the competition and fostering long-term customer loyalty.

Lovibond Water Testing
01980 664800
www.lovibond.com

NATURE CALLS

Posted on May 17, 2024

If you ever wonder why you spend so much time planning, designing and maintaining your on-site washroom facilities, well the facts speak for themselves. On average, people in the UK visit the bathroom between six and eight times every day. That adds up to a whopping 2,500 times in every year and accumulates to three years sitting on a toilet during their lifetime.

Family changing space cannot be over emphasised. Apparently, you will change a baby’s nappy up to 10,000 times before they can use the bathroom by themselves. For those who fancy flushing money straight down the toilet, this one’s for them. A toilet paper roll made from 22-carat gold went on sale in 2013.

Sold by the Australian company Toilet Paper Man, it was priced at a whopping US $1,376,900. If you are looking to bulk order your stock control, you might like to know we use an average of 57 sheets of toilet paper a day. Toilet paper was first invented by the Chinese in the 6th century.

Each sheet was two feet by three feet. Imagine trying to get an eight-pack of that stuff in the washroom store cupboard. According to the well-known Harpic brand, a public toilet can play host to over 40,000 germs at any given time so it pays not just to follow a diligent routine but to keep a very clear record of that routine.

TICKING BOXES
Organisations like Visit England and professional teams like the Cubicle Centre and Commercial Washrooms are always on hand to assist you from the start of your project through to completion. You have to make sure you tick the boxes laid out in the Caravan Sites & Control of Development Act 1960 - Touring Caravan and Campsite Site Conditions.

Although not necessarily legally binding, in general, the following apply for you to demonstrate duty of care:
• Separate ladies and men’s washrooms.
• Optional family facilities
• Working toilets
• Basins with hot and cold water
• Showers with TMV3 (Thermal Mixing Valve) temperature-controlled water
• Power and shaver points
• Disabled toilet and/or disabled shower rooms compliant with Doc M of the building regulations
• Level-entry shower suited for wheelchairs
• Baby-changing facilities, ideally within both male and female washrooms
• Chemical toilet disposal points
• Separate dishwashing facilities - usually external to the toilet blocks
• Drinking Water

Let’s get down to some basic maths. The numbers of facilities provided should be one toilet and urinal for men and two toilets for women for every 30 pitches. There should be a minimum of four water-flowing washbasins per 30 pitches; two each for men and women.

They shall be adjacent to the toilets – usually within the same room. Where a site provides 70 or more pitches, provision of showers shall be on the scale of one shower per 25 pitches.

ALTHOUGH MEN AND WOMEN prefer separate cubicle space family- friendly facilities are an added bonus.

PRO RATA
When considering the numbers of toilet cubicles to be included it is good practice to make allowance for 1 in 4 cubicles (in any same-sex washroom) to be classed as ambulant. This includes for grab rails and outward opening doors. Toilets may not be justified where sites have less than ten pitches.

Their site position should be agreed in discussed with the appropriate authorities. Because of the likelihood that children will use site facilities the basins/ showers’ hot water temperature should be controlled by the use of thermal mixing valves. Thermal Mixing Valves (whether integrated within the shower/ basin or as an addition to the supply pipe-work) will limit the hot water temperature to a comfortable level and offer a safeguard against scalding.

When planning a new build washroom block or refurbishing an existing facility there are many building-related health and safety issues to consider. The common sense advice is to appoint and work with a reputable building firm, ideally one who specialises in commercial washroom and toilet refurbishment projects and liaise with planning authorities from the earliest stage.

Unless the budget is particularly tight, the advice is to go for strong and robust materials fit for the high level of use modern holiday resort washrooms receive. For example the use of Solid Grade Laminate toilet/shower cubicles as opposed to a cheaper chipboard core laminate material. The payback over time is likely to be significantly better. Commercial Washrooms Ltd can, of course, offer advice on the different materials available within the commercial washrooms market.

Read our blogs on Washroom Design. Inclusion of baby changing facilities is essential in modern-day toilet and washroom facilities. Depending on the size of the washrooms this may be as simple as a fold-down baby changer or a dedicated family room containing shower, toilet and basin as well as a considerable worktop and vanity unit space for laying the child down.

PATTERSONS WORKED with Away Resorts to freshen up facilities at Tattershall Lakes.

OUT OF THE CLOSET
From desirable to dilapidated, modern to outmoded, holiday destinations boast a compendium of conveniences as you aim to create your wellness oasis. Focus on the senses, a bit of background music helps cover some embarrassment – or turn this into a marketing opportunity with a blast of promotional ads or podcasts. Aromatherapy can play a significant role. I mean the pleasant kind.

In fact, the very earliest air fresheners were made from pomegranates and cloves while the first modern air freshener was introduced in 1948. You could also take the opportunity to turn your smallest rooms into art galleries with large scale themed pictures of local scenes or even celebrated film stars. Plan the washroom project as early and as thoroughly as possible in all instances.

This should include detailed working drawings which are continually consulted as well as a robust schedule of the work. Barring any unforeseen issues arising the upgrade should then happen within time and budget. Don’t be tempted to go cheap. More expensive and durable materials will likely last longer and be a better fit for purpose with the rigours of a busy holiday site.

Design of a washroom should be carried out by professionals with appropriate experience of this type of installation as there are many common errors which can be avoided. They will usually offer a full design service with CAD drawings for either a new build or refurbishment. Well-designed and energy-efficient washroom facilities can significantly enhance the overall customer experience for holiday park visitors, while clean, comfortable and modern environments can lead to positive reviews and repeat business.

SOMETIMES WE CAN take providing pet-friendly facilities just a step too far.

ENERGY EFFICIENT
With a prominent focus on the importance of water conservation coupled with the need to offer high-quality and modern washroom facilities, Richard Braid, Managing Director at Cistermiser, explains how holiday park operators can maintain a strategic edge.

“Offering premium, comfortable and energy efficient washroom facilities sets a holiday park apart from competitors. With more customers becoming environmentally conscious when it comes to choosing holidays and parks needing to manage their impact on the environment, it becomes a key selling point to attract more visitors and increase occupancy rates,” explains Richard Braid, Managing Director at Cistermiser.

“Incorporating eco-friendly washrooms can help reduce the environmental footprint of the holiday park while minimising water and energy usage, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Energy-efficient washrooms can also lead to significant cost-savings over time.” Richard concludes: “Maximising washroom facilities’ design and energy efficiency is not only beneficial for the holiday park’s bottom line but also crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction, maintaining competitiveness and demonstrating environmental responsibility.”

We humans share five common activities every day: breathing, eating, drinking, sleeping and toileting… when you’re away from home, it’s often the latter which creates the biggest cause for concern. Despite this, washrooms are often overlooked, even in the hospitality and leisure sectors where guests of all ages will need to make sure of your facilities. Whether you have a positive or negative experience as a customer, chances are you’ll share it with family, friends and colleagues, or even make a few negative comments on sites like Trip Advisor and Facebook.

Maintaining high standards for your washroom provision can separate you from the competition in a crowded industry. After all, switched-on holiday destination operators know that it makes financial sense to keep visitors on-site as long as possible. The longer they stay, the more money they spend - and not just a spending a penny!