As Hoseasons celebrates its 80th Anniversary, we ask four Holiday Park Owners why they have built such long-lasting and lucrative relationships with this iconic British holiday brand. Acquiring Marine Holiday Park in North Wales back in 2007, the Williams family has significantly diversified its service offering.
Joining the family business full time in 2014, Director Paris Williams explains the benefits of remaining with Hoseasons and the importance of continually transforming the guest experience as they look to expand their existing fleet and attract new and returning guests. “Customers want higher quality accommodation and superior amenities, like their own private hot tub even when booking to stay in a more traditional holiday park.
Hoseasons offers a personal touch through dedicated consultation on product development and diversification from account managers which we really value. As a partner they understand our goal to offer different types of holidays across our parks”. Crowhurst Park Lodges in Battle, East Sussex approached Hoseasons in the 1990s to explore how they might enter the holiday park market.
Owner Colin Simmons says the long-term partnership that has developed since has been a big factor in the park’s success. “Upon our decision to partner with Hoseasons, we successfully established 12 new pine log cabins the following year. We now have 65 lodges in our portfolio. Our Business Development Director advises us on the best growth opportunities to suit our customer base, such as whether to invest in a four-bedroom lodge versus a more luxury option.
Their comprehensive market data is invaluable for us to improve our business.” “After we installed 12 lodges, they recommended building an indoor swimming complex,” he continues. “Since opening our Leisure Centre, we have become an all-year-round resort, significantly impacting our booking numbers. This success can be traced back to Hoseasons guidance on how best to invest in our facilities to attract new customers, as well as retain our more loyal holidaymakers by elevating their holiday experience.”
Hoseasons’ tailored promotions and marketing campaigns, such as Pets Go Free have also led to increased returns for Holiday Park Owners. Karina Gallagher, General Manager at Crake Valley in the Lake District has experienced these benefits first hand. “As a small family run business, we have limited resources to grow our online presence, but Hoseasons has advertised Crake Valley several times, which is phenomenal.
They have a larger reach, and people have positive associations with Hoseasons as a brand. By partnering with them, it can only be good for us, and helps us to grow our business,” explains Karina. The ‘Pets Go Free’ campaign in particular has been a significant draw for Crake Valley. “Pet friendly accommodation, especially those with hot tubs are our main selling points here at Crake Valley. Support with these campaigns help showcase extra incentive for people to visit our beautiful location,” he adds.
The use of Hoseasons’ unique dynamic pricing framework has also allowed holiday park owners to benchmark their service offerings against nearby parks, resulting in higher occupancy rates and rising profits. “In previous years, pricing was fixed, whereas dynamic pricing allows us to adjust our prices reactively. We can respond to rises and falls in demand and remain super responsive to the market, adds Paris.
“It also allows us to list our lodges more competitively against the local market as required,” affirms Leanne Lewis, Office Manager at Ashlea Pools Lodges, Shropshire. “If we feel our prices are too high or too low, we can then adjust accordingly.” Whether the long-term goal is to acquire new parks, invest in an existing fleet, build new unique products or renovate older accommodations, development is underpinned by Hoseasons’s commitment to helping holiday park owners positively transform their guest experience.
“You must constantly ensure that guests feel special,” says Leanne. “We’ve introduced welcome baskets which have been positively received by guests.” Responding to accommodation trends is also imperative, with Hoseasons supporting owners looking to reach new audiences through diversification. “At Crowhurst, we’re looking to develop some unique lodges,” states Colin.
“We’re located on a country estate, so we plan to turn some wooded sections into luxury treehouse accommodations.” It is the continuing mutually beneficial relationship between Hoseasons and its holiday park owners that will ensure these locations remain well-positioned to offer exceptional experiences and stay in the hearts of holidaymakers for years to come.
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