People have been visiting holiday parks for many years, as there are so many things that can be enjoyed ? and many people return year after year. A holiday park can be anything from a traditional mobile home and static caravan site, sites for touring caravans or to a more modern glamping site where you may stay in a yurt, teepees or Pods.
Holiday parks often provide more than just accommodation, with entertainment, convenience shops, activities and much more. These extras are a great way to get more out of your customer?s holiday and ensure they always have lots to do during their time away.
There are many different types of holiday parks to suit all ages and holiday requirements, whether it be fun packed and plenty to do, or peaceful and relaxing. One type of holiday parks are the traditional ones where guests can expect to find caravans or lodges. These parks are always really popular with families as there is generally lots to do to keep everyone amused.
Holiday parks with lots of entertainment can include amusement arcades, music in the evenings, restaurants and bars, tennis courts, swimming pools ? the list is endless. All of these fun activities are a great way to keep your customers busy during a holiday park break.
Another style of holiday park may have the same sort of accommodation but perhaps with a slightly different feel to it. Not all parks have amusement arcades and leisure centres, which can be great if your client wants to escape from the hustle and bustle and have more of a relaxing break. Equally, if your clients want to ensure they have a really peaceful break they can travel to an adult?s only park to make sure they can guarantee the peace and quiet they are after!
Do your customers have dogs who they hate to leave at home or put in kennels? If so, how about a dog friendly holiday park for them so that they can take their dog(s) with them. This is a great way to make sure both client and dog are happy when away on holiday. Quality in Tourism offer a pets Welcome Scheme which ensures your clients will have everything they need staying in a pets welcome accredited accommodation.
When customers decide to go on holiday in the UK, location is obviously a very important factor. The great thing about staying in a holiday park is that there are so many in the UK your clients can pretty much decide on their location first and then choose a park. This is great as it allows them access to all sorts of locations during a holiday park break. They could enjoy a coastal break and soak up the beautiful coastal views, or they could enjoy a forest break by staying in a park in woodland, or parks in stunning countryside.
VisitEngland has launched a brand new Gold award to help you identify the cr?me de la cr?me of all holiday parks in the UK. This new award focuses on specific details to ensure you will only book a quality holiday for your customers. This new award can only be awarded to four- or five-star rated parks, so you can relax knowing that your customers will enjoy a holiday - on a park where all the most important aspects are of the highest quality.
When booking a holiday park break for your customer think about the following;
? The location ? where do they want to be near? The seaside? A local town/city? Woodland? Countryside? Think about what they would like to do when they are there and base the location around this
? The entertainment ? Would they like a park with lots of entertainment or perhaps somewhere more quiet? Research what style of entertainment is on offer to make sure you select the right park for them
? The Accommodation ? What sort of accommodation do they wish to stay in? Holiday parks can consist of traditional caravans, mobile homes and lodges, or more quirky accommodation such as camping pods, yurts and teepees. Do your research on what accommodation is on offer
? The Facilities ? What facilities are on offer? If your client wants specific facilities such as a swimming pool, sports facilities or holiday club, make sure you check before you book, this will stop your client being disappointed upon arrival
? Dog friendly ? There are many holiday parks which allow guests to take dogs with them so your client doesn?t have to leave their four legged friend at home. Most will allow them to take well behaved dogs ? so simply check when you make the booking
? Group booking ? Is it a large group booking? If so contact the parks to see if any special offers can be done
? Accredited? ? Is the park you are thinking of booking your client into graded by Quality in Tourism? This will give you peace of mind that it is annually assessed, to ensure all of the facilities consistently meet the required standards at whatever Star rating level it has been awarded. Check to see if the holiday park you wish to book for your client is Quality in Tourism accredited, and it may also have a new Gold Award, and this will ensure they have a quality holiday
So if you are thinking about booking a holiday park break make sure you understand what each park can offer and do your research so your customer knows what to expect when they arrive.
Quality in Tourism (QiT) is the official assessment service provided for VisitEngland. The organisation carries out assessments and handles the administration of the national quality assessment schemes on behalf of VisitEngland. For more information either email James.Ardley@uk.g4s.com or visit www.qualityintourism.com
