uk holidays

INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR KEY WORKERS

Posted on September 4, 2020

INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR KEY WORKERS

THE BRITISH HOLIDAY & HOME PARKS ASSOCIATION’S Chairman, Andrew Baragwanath has welcomed suppert for NHS workers.

Britain’s caravan and camping parks have been praised by government tourism minister Nigel Huddleston for accommodating front-line NHS workers and others in urgent need of accommodation during the coronavirus crisis.
The British Holiday & Home Parks Association reports “a massive industrywide response” following the closure of all its 2,900 member park businesses this week. The association’s chairman, Andrew Baragwanath, says that medical staff coming out of retirement and needing to be close to NHS hospitals are among those being welcomed.
“We are hearing many examples of parks offering up holiday caravans and holiday lodges, and even glamping units, to local councils and health boards,” he said. “There are a lot of instances where parks are able to play a role, including providing a safer place to stay for homeless people previously housed by councils in B&B accommodation.
“We’ve also heard of parks working with councils to accommodate people who must stay apart from their families as their partner or relative has contracted the virus.
“Parks would normally now be starting to really busy-up as the holiday season gets underway, but instead there are thousands of holiday caravans across the country lying empty.
“Most parks are smaller family-run businesses where the owners have long been a part of the local community, and now see an opportunity to reach out even further to support it. “We are very proud of what we are witnessing and the compassion being shown,” said Andrew whose longestablished family firm owns Ayr Holiday Park near St Ives in Cornwall.

PRIME BBC SPOT FOR BREAN SANDS

Posted on September 4, 2020

PRIME BBC SPOT FOR BREAN SANDS

Viewers of BBC’s The One Show were given a sneak preview of how a major Somerset holiday park was getting ready to welcome back its much-missed guests. The popular magazine show went behind the scenes at Holiday Resort Unity in Brean Sands as it put the finishing touches to re-opening preparations.

Alan House, director of the familyrun business, showed the programme’s reporter how social distancing and other safety measures would help give peace of mind to guests. He said that bookings had gone “absolutely crackers” in the weeks running up to today, and that staff couldn’t wait to see the park bustling with smiling faces again.

“At last the great British seaside holiday is back, and people can finally enjoy a relaxing carefree break they need and deserve,” said Alan. “Our job now is to provide some truly memorable experiences, and for our business to start salvaging what it can from the rest of the holiday year.”

SURGE IN CARAVAN PURCHASE DEMAND

Posted on September 3, 2020

SURGE IN CARAVAN PURCHASE DEMAND

The UK’s largest digital marketplace for new and used cars, Auto Trader, has reported that views of caravan adverts increased 18% last week and views of motorhomes adverts increased 17%, compared to the previous year. A survey of 2,000 UK adults which the brand carried out to examine this trend further reveals almost half of the population (40%) is planning a 2020 staycation (provided Government guidelines allow), and that caravan holidays are set to almost match stays in hotels this year. Only 40% of those planning a staycation this summer said they would consider staying in a hotel, while 33% say they would consider staying in a caravan - making caravans second only to hotels in popularity amongst those planning breaks.

Caravans are also set to overtake the popularity of rented holiday apartments and houses, which have enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity over the past few years thanks to a new wave of disruptive rental websites and B&Bs. Demand for rented apartments and houses this summer is set to trail behind that for caravans and hotels, with just 27% of those planning staycations saying they’d consider them. The trend for caravans seems to be being driven by a need to feel safer. 37% said staying in a caravan would mean they could sanitise the environment properly themselves, to limit the spread of germs from those outside their family.

Auto Trader’s Rory Reid comments: “Coronavirus has changed the way we live our lives in so many ways, and there’s no doubt this will extend to our holidays. “Many are unlikely to want (or be able) to quarantine themselves for 14 days after a holiday abroad, so we’ll be seeing UK beaches and other hotspots a buzz with British holidaymakers this summer. He continues: “Caravan holidays in particular will shoot through the roof. The idea of holidaying in a space that you yourself own, which you can clean yourself and which won’t have been used by others recently, is definitely reassuring.”

NORFOLK WELLNESS RESORT PROPOSED

Posted on September 3, 2020

NORFOLK WELLNESS RESORT PROPOSED

Consultation has begun on a proposed 200 acre ecowellness resort in Ashwicken, Norfolk, comprising of 154 floating and lakeside holiday lodges including treehouse accommodation, a clubhouse on the water and associated boat house.

There will be a specialised focused on water-based pursuits including rowing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing and open water swimming.

Developer Norfolk Farm Leisure wants to transform Ashwicken Lake near East Winch, with 154 floating and waterside holiday lodges with a £35m investment. The resort has been designed by London-based Baca Architects, which specialises in building on or near water.

The resort will lead to an estimated £8m (£6m in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, and the remaining £2m in Norfolk) boost to the local economy and the creation of 340 jobs.

WINTER OPENING LIFELINE

Posted on September 3, 2020

WINTER OPENING LIFELINE

Holiday parks and campsites have welcomed the news that they could be given the green light to remain open over this winter. Following a lobbying campaign by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, the Government has sent a message to local authorities in England, asking them to fast-track applications for a longer season.
Scottish local authorities have received a similar signal from the Scottish Government.
England’s Local Government Minister Lord Greenhalgh said he hopes winter opening requests will receive a “sympathetic approach” following huge losses suffered by most parks this year. The association’s Director General, Ros Pritchard OBE, said the lifeline was a step in the right direction to helping prevent wide-scale job cuts and business failures in the sector. “More than a third of all holiday parks and campsites are required by their planning consent to shut up shop in October – and it’s a moment most of them are dreading,” she said. “After being closed from March until July, they have missed out on months of prime trading time, including bank holidays and half-terms.

SURVIVAL HOPES

“This simply isn’t sustainable for seasonally dependent businesses, and especially the hundreds of smaller family-run parks which make up our membership. “At present, only a quarter of holiday parks and campsites are allowed to remain open all year – and many of the rest will be pinning their survival hopes on keeping going over winter. Although the request by the Westminster Government for local authorities to allow winter opening applies only in England, parks in Scotland are also being supported. BH&HPA, which represents around 2,200 UK holiday parks and campsites, says it is also working with the Welsh Government to achieve similar backing for parks in Wales to remain open over winter.

Thomas Cook Staff By The Seaside

Posted on October 31, 2019

Thomas Cook Staff By The Seaside

ABOVE: Thomas Cook staff and families will be provided with no-cost stays including entertainment and attractions

Park Holidays UK has invited more than 600 Thomas Cook staff and their families to enjoy a weekend by the seaside. The holiday park group will pick up the accommodation tab in fully-equipped holiday homes for up to three nights, and will lay on free entertainment. Scene of the huge reunion party will be Broadland Sands Holiday Park, near Lowestoft, which the group is opening up especially for the event from November 8-11.

Park Holidays UK marketing director Geoff Barnes said it would be a chance for staff to swap memories and let their hair down after Thomas Cook suddenly went into liquidation in September. “As members of the holiday industry ourselves, we were also deeply saddened by the news and wanted to reach out to try and soften the blow in some way. “We thought the best way to help would be to open one of our most popular parks, Broadland Sands, for a long weekend and to offer free stays to staff and their partners and children. “Within one day of making the opportunity known to Thomas Cook staff, we were delighted to have taken bookings for all of the park’s 150-plus holiday homes,” says Geoff. “It means that we’ll be welcoming over 600 guests in total for between two and three nights, and we hope it will create a truly memorable experience for everyone. “I’m sure there will be some nostalgic moments, but overall we simply want all the Thomas Cook team, and especially the children, to share a very happy time,” added Geoff. As well as the free accommodation, guests will have use of all of Broadland Sand’s leisure facilities, including a recently opened £1.6 million swimming pool complex. Charges will also be waived on some other activities usually paid for by holiday guests, such as the climbing wall, adventure golf course and Segway Scooters. In addition, Park Holidays UK will be laying on a full no-cost entertainments programme in the park’s clubhouse featuring professional family-friendly acts.

Wish You Were Here – Oyster Bay Coastal & Country Retreat

Posted on September 10, 2019

Wish You Were Here - Oyster Bay Coastal & Country Retreat

Oyster Bay Coastal and Country Retreat, is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets and the only 5-Star, owners’only holiday park. You’ll find Oyster Bay set in the beautiful Cornish countryside, just a stone’s throw from the stunning, famous sands of Perranporth.
Oyster Bay’s brand-new development – Penpol Creek – boasts 23 spectacular holiday homes.
Imagine a mixture of extraordinary lodges, immaculately furnished. We’re talking contemporary, well-equipped kitchens, spacious open-plan living spaces and private sun terraces with unbeatable views of the Cornwall’s rolling countryside. Set in its own private gated community, there’s no better place to soak up the scenery – what’s more, it’s open all year round with a 12-month season. Unwind at the park’s exclusive facilities, including its indoor leisure complex – why not go for a calming dip in the pool, followed by a chilled drink on the decked terrace?
At the end of a busy day, enjoy a short stroll to Oyster Bay’s very own pub and restaurant, The New Inn.
They’ve laid on some delicious seasonal dishes to sample with your owner discount – and why not join in with the exclusive monthly wine club? Other benefits for owners include a chauffeur service and a calendar of special events.
Oh, and don’t even contemplate leaving your loved four-legged friends behind, either – Oyster Bay is completely pet-friendly.
At Oyster Bay, dedicated watersports instructors are available to help guests make the most of the surfing, paddle boarding and windsurfing
opportunities available nearby. You can make full use of the putting green, the tennis courts or get out and about to explore the endless, stunning countryside with complimentary electric bike hire.
Nothing has been missed in the quest to create a spectacular sanctuary all year round. Oyster Bay is the perfect home from home with everything required for endless holidays and lasting memories.

Oyster Bay Coastal & Country Retreat
Tel. 01904 786 100
www.parkleisure.co.uk/oyster-bay

The Caravan and Holiday Home Expo 2019

Posted on September 10, 2019

The Caravan and Holiday Home Expo 2019

26th September 2019

Hides Field, Beaulieu.

www.caravanandholidayhometradeshow.com

The annual Beaulieu show gives both trade and public visitors the opportunity to see the latest and best that the major manufacturers within the industry have to offer and to examine the designs and luxurious accommodation available for the new season.The show is held on the Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire where they are joined by others for the Southern Caravan Trade Show on September 26th and the public show on the three following days. This the largest show of its type in southern England and provides a great opportunity for manufacturers and parks to showcase their latest products to the many thousands of visitors.
The shows are run by HERCMA (the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Caravan Manufacturers’ Association).

Holiday Park & Resort Innovation

Posted on September 10, 2019

Holiday Park & Resort Innovation

6th - 7th November 2019

NEC, Birmingham.
www.holidayparkshow.co.uk

They say you should always save the best to last, so we finish this preview with The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show, providing leisure and resort industry professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to network and bring new revenue and diversification to their business.
This is the trade event to help holiday business owners grow, expand and evolve. The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show really is your one-stop event for industry leaders, world class speakers and 1-2-1 networking opportunities.
Show Highlights:
• 7,000 attendees of key businesses and industry decision makers • 400 industry leading exhibitors • 170 seminars from industry experts including Park Evolution, FSC UK, Wifinity and Wyldecrest Parks, plus many more!
• Exceptional networking and business opportunities including the chance\ to speak directly with business influencers • Advice and guidance on all areas of business, from marketing and PR to planning and finances

Want to know the best part? It is absolutely FREE! Free tickets to attend the show can be registered for via the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show website.

The Holiday & Leisure Park Development Forum

Posted on September 10, 2019

The Holiday & Leisure Park Development Forum

3rd - 4th October 2019

Whittlebury Hall, Northants
www.hlpd-forum.co.uk

A brand new event for 2019, The Holiday and Leisure Park Development Forum will bring together the holiday and leisure park community to share best practice through an inspiring seminar programme as well as the opportunity to network and explore some of the most innovative products and services in the sector.
With the theme ‘Harnessing the growth in the UK staycation’ speakers include Jamie Christon, chief operating office of Chester Zoo who will be discussing managing sustainable growth, Paul Hardingham UK managing director of Landal GreenParks who will be talking about trends, innovations and expectations for UK holidays, and Matt Cartwright, director of Twelve Architects who will talk about ‘creating a destination’ with reference to Bodmin Jail museum and hotel in creating a leading visitor attraction.
Held over one and half days this must attend event will be attended by owner/operators and the key players involved in the design, build and management of holiday and leisure parks of all kinds. If you are upgrading, expanding or developing new parks then it is complimentary to attend including access to the seminars, executive accommodation, all meals, drinks receptions and our superb gala dinner. It will run in parallel with the physical activity facilities forum offering further networking opportunities. Please visit www.hlpd-forum.co.uk to register your interest in attending or contact Sue Ramcharan on 020 8288 1080 email: sue@stable-events.co.uk If you are a supplier interested looking to meet with decision-makers please contact Leslie de Hoog email: leslie@stable-events.co.uk or call 020 8288 1080.