robbie davies

Industry Returns To The Good Times

A highly successful year for many, 2015 got off to a good start with an extended spring season and the early onset of summer, which put a spring in the step of many holiday park operators.
Riding the crest of a wave, the holiday park and tourism industries in general are feeling positive and confident as we head into the New Year. Holiday Park Scene magazine asked a selection of leading industry personalities to give their take on 2015 and their predictions and resolutions for the year ahead…

Tim Gibson

Managing director of Haven Holidays

“2015 was very positive for Haven; our business grew by over 6 per cent, with more customers searching out and enjoying their holiday in our luxury end accommodation. As a result, they did pay more for their holiday in 2015 but the improvement in our guest satisfaction scores suggest that they found the extra investment in their holiday well worthwhile.

“The good early season weather certainly helped get the year off to a good start and we were able to maintain the momentum throughout the year. Also, our continued investment in the product both physical and service elements has contributed to an increase in repeat custom which bodes well for the future.

“Looking ahead to 2016, we are already seeing more people choosing to book early to secure their first choice of park and chosen accommodation. Some of our most exclusive units are already very well sold and people will increasingly discover that if they wait, it’ll be too late.

“I hope to spend more time on park this year speaking to our park teams and our guests. I also plan to continue to work smarter, to make sure we continue to deliver our business objectives in the most efficient but also the most enjoyable way possible.”

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Recipe For Success

Holiday Park Scene was the official media partner at the recent Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show as Ashleigh MacKenzie reports…

The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show welcomed 2,637 visitors through its doors over two days.

The hotly-anticipated Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show proved to be a recipe for success, as visitors from across the sector flocked to the NEC in Birmingham to see the launch of the brand new exhibition.
The two-day inaugural show ran from November 11 – 12 and had a positive response from visitors, speakers and exhibitors alike.
2,637 visitors made their way through the doors to 60 specialist seminars, 200 hand-picked exhibitors, industry-leading experts and unrivalled networking and new business opportunities.
With a strong emphasis on land diversification and holiday park management, the stellar line-up of guest speakers and seminars was a highlight of the exhibition and a draw for many visitors. Over 30 seminars took place in the two Holiday Park theatres, from the likes of Henry Wild, chairman of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, Claire Jeavons of the Best of British Holiday & Touring Parks, William McNamara of Bluestone National Park Resort and Alfie Best of Wyldecrest Parks.
Robbie Davies, head of business development gave an interesting presentation on ‘How to make holiday hire work for you’, offering tips and advice on maximising the potential of your park.
“Never forget the basics and do them well,” advised Robbie.
“43 per cent of UK holidaymakers cite quality of accommodation, available facilities and the resulting value for money as most important booking features – so ‘ok’ is simply not good enough.
“The small touches can make a big difference, so be sure to pay attention to special and personal features.”
Meanwhile Chris Laxen, touring development manager at Park Resort offered and insight into setting up a successful glamping business. Speaking from experience, Chris said: “The best piece of advice that I can offer is to ‘think the worst, but expect the best’. Don’t be caught out by unexpected issues, so plan for all scenarios. And remember to listen to all customer reviews, both good and bad.”

BROAD SPECTRUM

Exhibitors at the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show covered a broad spectrum of holiday park aspects, from glamping accommodation and outdoor play to family attractions and hot tubs.
Event director Will Mansfield said: “The feedback during and after the event has been exceptional. We take all feedback into consideration, good or bad, and have already began on improvements suggested for next year’s show. This includes introducing a new interactive live debate a

The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show took place at the NEC in Birmingham from November 11-12 inclusive

nd expert panel area feature, with some of the most asked questions being debated and answered by specially selected teams of industry experts.
“Looking forward to 2016 we are confident this event can really continue to bring something innovative, relevant and positive to the industry as a whole.”