08 April 2009

Hi-de-hi holidays set to sweep Britain this summer

A Travelsupermarket.com survey has highlighted the comeback of the traditional British holiday park this summer.

A poll of 2,012 adult Brits found one in 10 are more likely to visit a holiday park this summer due to the credit crunch.

Travelsupermarket says nostalgic Brits plan to flock to the likes of Butlins, Pontins, Haven and Center Parcs this year, even so 6% said they havenââ¬â¢t been to one since they were a child.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said: ââ¬ÅâœThe humble holiday camp has come a long way since its invention in the 1950s, offering more activities, better accommodation and greater value for money than ever before.

ââ¬ÅâœWhile Glamorous Granny and Knobbly Knees competitions are long gone, the entertainment has been updated for people of all generations to reflect todayââ¬â¢s needs. From indoor water parks to spa experiences, sporting activities to performances from X-Factor stars and TV personalities, the array of activities on offer caters to all markets.

ââ¬ÅâœWith high hopes for good weather this summer, it makes sense for people to save a little money by holidaying in the UK this year, help the economy in the process ââ¬' and show their families the fun they used to have holidaying at home.

ââ¬ÅâœAll companies have been investing heavily in their product, including Ã&#pound;50m by Pontins and a new Ã&#pound;20m hotel for Butlins at Bognor Regis.ââ¬~

The trend is backed up by figures recently released by the holiday parks. Pontins has seen a 20% rise in bookings compared to last year, Butlins has seen a 15% increase in guest numbers over peak July/August period and Center Parcs is anticipating a record year with people booking much further in advance for the peak July/August period.

Comparing regions, the highest number of people who visited holiday parks as children came from the North West (57%), and people in the South East were proven to be the most likely to visit one this year (73%).

Travelsupermarket.comââ¬â¢s top UK destinations for summer ââ¬â¢09 are:

_ Longleat Forest
_ Blackpool
_ Prestatyn
_ Camber Sands
_ Skegness
_ Lake District
_ Sherwood Forest
_ Northumbrian Coast
_ Bognor Regis
_ Minehead


By Bev Fearis

• PRINT
• SEND TO A FRIEND
• SHARE

Post your comment

Your Comments

, be the first to post a comment.
Your email:

Your comment title:


Your comment:

Email other comments made to this story

5 characters