“2022 Holiday Park staycations good to go!” Devon park tells BBC
BBC cameras zoomed in on Best of British member Ladram Bay this month as reporters attempted to answer the question “Will this be another boom year for UK tourism and 2022 Holiday Park staycations?”
The multi-award winning holiday park in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, featured on BBC’s Spotlight which was taking the temperature of the holiday industry ahead of the summer season.
Last year, said reporter John Ayres, saw record numbers of Brits taking a holiday in this country, but this season there could be a temptation for them to go abroad.
Holiday Bookings for 2022
Ladram Bay’s Assistant General Manager Will Tottle agreed that some might take up this option – but many guests who came to the park last year had already re-booked for 2022.
He said the company was extremely confident, and had invested substantially over the past twelve months in extra facilities, including a new £250,000 children’s play area.
Spotlight viewers were shown some of what’s on offer, including an indoor climbing wall, an indoor swimming pool and outdoor splash zone, watersports hire, and an adventure golf course.
Accommodation includes holiday caravans and lodges, glamping options, and pitches for touring guests – and everyone has use of the park’s private beach.
Other tourism providers contributed to the Spotlight piece, and were generally confident that the South West’s tourism industry remained both strong and resilient.
Strong & resilient holiday confidence
“All the evidence suggests that our new guests loved their UK holiday and are keen to repeat the experience,” said Zoe House, Director of the 79-year-old family business.
“In addition, we have a huge and loyal following of regular guests who return year after year, including some families who have stayed with us through successive generations.
“We’ve also had many instances of people buying holiday homes at Ladram Bay which shows they are making a long-term commitment to staying in this country.
“Even if some do choose an overseas stay this year, many will also enjoy a staycation holiday with us as the pattern these days is for families to take multiple breaks over the four seasons.
Holiday park stays in the UK
“But for all guests we ensure that there are always new features for them to enjoy each time they return, ensuring a truly memorable time for both adults and children,” said Zoe.
The cameras showed members of Ladram Bay’s reception team taking 2022 Holiday Park staycations bookings from across Britain, and Zoe said that the park was also expecting overseas visitors.
The continuing popularity of a traditional British seaside holiday, pointed out Zoe, wasn’t just benefitting the park and other accommodation providers.
It was also good news for the many other family-owned businesses – such as cafes, pubs and shops – which rely on tourism spending to support them and the people they employ.
There is more information about the park at www.ladrambay.co.uk
