Park owners and visitors urged to share their views in vital new tourism research
Industry leaders have launched a new project to better understand the economic impact and wider benefits of holidays taken across all forms of accommodation on UK holiday parks and campsites. They are running two surveys – one for park owners and operators and another for visitors. The project is being led by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA), of which both HARPA and the NCC are members. The work builds on the success of the UKCCA’s influential Pitching the Value reports (2019 and 2024), which demonstrated the sector’s enormous contribution to UK tourism. The 2024 study found that holiday parks and campsites generated £12.2bn in visitor spending, contributed £7.2bn GVA, and supported 226,745 FTE jobs across the UK. These findings continue to be instrumental in securing investment, shaping policy discussions, and strengthening the sector’s voice at both national and local levels. With key government decisions affecting tourism businesses now being formed, updated evidence is essential. Park owners and operators are encouraged to complete the online survey, with the results expected in 2027. They will include data at UK, country and regional level and will be useful to the sector as a whole, supporting lobbying and campaign activity and helping to demonstrate the sector’s wider economic contribution to policymakers and local authorities. The findings will also be valuable to individual holiday parks and campsites when applying for planning permission. In order to make the data robust and representative we need your help and would be grateful if you would complete this survey. Meanwhile, the UKCCA is also urging parks to encourage their guests to share their staycation experiences. The national visitor survey examining domestic tourism comes at a time when more holidaymakers are seeking flexible, affordable and sustainable breaks closer to home, with demand for UK holidays continuing to grow and evolve. It will gather insight into visitor expectations, travel habits and holiday experiences. As a thank you for taking part, respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win a UK holiday. Prizes include: • A four-night stay at Braithwaite Village Camping and Caravanning Club Site in the Lake District • A three-night stay in Experience Freedom glamping accommodation (from the Caravan and Motorhome Club) UKCCA spokesperson Bob Hill, of Bob Hill Leisure Consultancy, said: “Despite ongoing economic pressures and changing customer expectations, the holiday park and campsite sector remains resilient and forward-looking. Operators across the UK are continuing to invest and improve their parks, accommodation, facilities and sustainability initiatives, demonstrating their confidence in the future of domestic tourism and the enduring appeal of holiday parks and campsites. “The sector already contributes more than £12 billion in visitor expenditure to the UK economy and supports more than 226,000 jobs, particularly in rural and coastal communities. Holiday parks and campsites are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, from supporting local employment and businesses to championing community projects and charitable initiatives, the sector plays an important role in local economies and social wellbeing. “This research will help build a clearer picture of what today’s holidaymakers value most from UK breaks, while also highlighting the sector’s contribution to jobs, investment and regional tourism economies.” The surveys are open now and take only a few minutes to complete. The park owner/operator survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UKCCAWPOperator26 For the guest survey please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UKCCAPR
New Holiday Park Awards competition to launch
A new independent awards programme has been launched to recognise the holiday parks, suppliers and individuals helping to shape the future of the UK holiday park industry. The Holiday Park Awards will open for entries on 22 September 2026, with winners announced at a national awards ceremony on 22 April 2027. Founded by Melanie Brook, a holiday park marketing consultant and owner of JEM Marketing, the awards are being created to shine a spotlight on a sector that welcomes millions of visitors every year. The programme will feature 34 categories, including awards for guest experience, leadership, innovation, sustainability, marketing, customer service and holiday home ownership. Nine categories have also been created specifically for suppliers, recognising the important role they play in supporting parks across the UK. Melanie said: “While existing awards programmes play an important role within our industry, I regularly heard from operators who felt there simply weren’t enough opportunities for them to showcase what they do. “Many smaller and independent parks felt they were competing against some of the biggest operators in the country for a very limited number of awards, while others felt there was no suitable recognition available at all. “We wanted to create an independent awards programme that celebrates excellence across the entire industry and gives more businesses, teams and individuals the opportunity to be recognised.” The Holiday Park Awards are expected to attract more than 150 entries in their inaugural year and will be judged by an independent panel of experts drawn from hospitality, tourism, accessibility, customer experience, leadership and business backgrounds. The initiative has already attracted industry backing, with Parks in Video, Holidaymaker App and Parklink confirmed as sponsors and further partnerships expected to be announced in the coming months. One of the programme’s distinguishing features is its focus on holiday home ownership experience, an area often overlooked despite its growing importance within the sector. Melanie added:”Holiday parks contribute enormously to tourism, local economies and communities across the UK. “These awards are about celebrating the businesses and people raising standards, driving innovation and delivering exceptional experiences for guests and owners.” Further information on both entering and sponsoring the awards can be found at holidayparkawards.co.uk.
Spectacular Scottish holiday park with major growth potential heading for auction
A well-established holiday park business in a spectacular west coast setting overlooking Loch Feochan near Oban is set to go under the hammer at Shepherd Commercial Property Auctions on Thursday 18 June at 2.30pm with a guide price of £1,149,500. Lagnakeil Highland Lodges occupies an idyllic position on the outskirts of Oban, one of Scotland’s premier tourism destinations and widely regarded as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’. Surrounded by dramatic west coast scenery, the holiday park appeals to visitors seeking outdoor adventure, relaxation and access to the Highlands and Islands, with Oban continuing to attract strong year-round tourism demand. The business is being sold as a going concern and currently operates successfully under management, offering purchasers an opportunity to acquire an established lifestyle and hospitality business within one of Scotland’s most sought-after holiday destinations. The site includes a range of holiday accommodation together with extensive grounds and significant future development potential. Neil Calder, partner at Shepherd, said: “Lagnakeil Highland Lodges represents a rare opportunity to acquire an established and profitable holiday park business within one of Scotland’s strongest tourism and leisure markets. “The property enjoys a truly outstanding setting close to Oban with views across Loch Feochan and immediate access to some of Scotland’s most spectacular coastal scenery. “The business has built a strong reputation within the self-catering and staycation market and benefits from an attractive mix of accommodation together with an established online presence and direct booking platform. “Importantly, there is clear scope to further grow and enhance the business. The sellers have identified potential for additional holiday lodges and glamping pods, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents, while the wider site may offer further opportunities to expand and diversify the visitor experience. “With continued demand for high-quality tourism accommodation across the Highlands and west coast of Scotland, the property is considered exceptionally well positioned for future growth.” Oban continues to benefit from substantial visitor numbers throughout the year, supported by its renowned seafood offering, harbour, ferry connections to the Hebrides, outdoor pursuits and busy events calendar. The online auction will be held on Thursday 18th June at 2.30pm and interested parties should register at https://www.shepherd.co.uk/auctions-remote-bidding/.
EcoHabs set for first public industry showcase at World of Park & Leisure Home Show
EcoHabs will make its first major public industry appearance at The World of Park and Leisure Homes Show in Stoneleigh this June. An innovative modular living company, EcoHabs has introduced a new approach to scalable living infrastructure through design-led accommodation engineered for residential, lifestyle, workspace and commercial environments. Open to the public from 12 – 14th June 2026 following a dedicated trade day on 11th June, the event will provide an opportunity for park operators, landowners, investors and hospitality businesses to see the units firsthand. Developed in response to growing demand for flexible, lower-impact living infrastructure, the EcoHabs collection ranges from compact studios through to four-bedroom configurations, which successfully unfold from a single shipping container into fully functional, BS-certified living spaces. Each configuration has been developed to support a wide range of applications — from lifestyle and leisure developments through to residential, workspace, commercial and deployable off-grid environments – and boasts premium finishes, panoramic glazing and flexible layouts. Backed by the wider Sight Acre ecosystem and operational hospitality experience through Elysium Retreats, each configuration offers a premium guest experience with sustainability and modern design at its core. Mark Gentle, CEO of EcoHabs, said: “We’re seeing growing demand for experiential and nature-led accommodation across the market, as well as increased interest in sustainable tourism and modular hospitality, and this is what we’re all about at EcoHabs. “We’re aiming to bring fresh branding and design into the park and leisure sector, and The World of Park & Leisure Homes Show in Stoneleigh is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our innovative approach. “Our collection is about much more than accommodation – it’s about wider ecosystem thinking around renewable integration, the guest experience and sustainable infrastructure. We’re looking forward to seeing what Stoneleigh brings and to showcasing our innovations to operators across the market.” EcoHabs forms part of the Sight Acre ecosystem, a connected network of businesses focused on sustainable living infrastructure, renewable energy integration and future-facing development. For more information, visit: https://ecohabs.com
Small design tweaks, big returns: How bespoke lodge design can maximise booking potential
As UK staycation demand continues to grow year-on-year, holiday park operators are under increasing pressure to ensure their accommodation works harder, appeals to wider audiences and delivers stronger long-term returns. Today’s guests expect more than simply somewhere to sleep, says leading UK luxury lodge manufacturer Pinelog. Accommodation today needs to be flexible and appeal to a wide variety of holidaymakers, including multi-generational groups, pet-owners, outdoor enthusiasts and guests requiring improved accessibility. And it all has to be achieved without compromising on comfort or style. For park operators, it’s not just booking potential, it’s also ease of maintenance and quick turnaround times between stays that is equally important. This is all possible with bespoke lodge design. Derbyshire-based Pinelog says that customised lodges are becoming one of the most important factors in helping parks maximise occupancy levels and futureproof accommodation investment. Judy Barwell, Sales Account Manager at Pinelog, explained: “Bespoke design doesn’t have to mean a complete start-from-scratch approach. Often small tweaks to designs within our standard lodge range can deliver exactly what a customer needs, whether it’s an additional bedroom or widened doorways and a wet room for increased accessibility.” Pinelog has been designing and manufacturing bespoke timber lodges for holiday parks across the UK mainland, including five-star destinations such as Kelling Heath in Norfolk and Darwin Forest in Derbyshire for the last 40 years. Over four decades Pinelog has seen how guest expectations have evolved and how relatively small layout adjustments and consideration of fixtures and fittings at thedesign stage, can significantly improve guest satisfaction, operational efficiency and booking potential. Today, when it comes to holiday accommodation, intelligent layouts, thoughtful practical features and carefully considered spaces often matter more to guests than overall size. This is where bespoke design can deliver real long-term value. Here, Pinelog shares six key design considerations that can help maximise appeal, bookings, income potential and the longevity of a lodge. 1. En suite bedrooms En suite bedrooms are increasingly expected by guests, particularly among families, friendship groups and multi-generational bookings. Providing multiple bathrooms gives guests additional privacy and comfort and can make a significant difference to guest satisfaction, particularly in larger lodges. En suites also help position lodges within the premium accommodation market, improving perceived value and supporting higher nightly rates. Importantly, they help lodges appeal to a broader demographic without significantly increasing overall footprint. 2. Utility rooms with separate external access Utility rooms are one of the most practical additions a lodge can include, particularly for parks targeting the outdoor and pet-friendly holiday markets. Pinelog’s Coppice lodge design incorporates a utility room as standard and is a popular choice with holiday park operators. A dedicated utility space with separate external access provides somewhere for guests to store muddy boots, wet coats, and outdoor equipment without bringing dirt directly into the living space. For dog-friendly accommodation, utility rooms can become a major selling point. They provide practical space for dog crates, bedding, food storage and drying muddy dogs. Some park operators are even incorporating warm water dog showers within the utility area. These practical additions not only improve guest experience but also reduce wear and tear on the accommodation itself. 3. Covered outdoor spaces extend year-round appeal Outdoor living remains one of the strongest drivers of lodge appeal, but in the UK climate, exposed decking areas can often be underused for much of the year. Covered verandas and sheltered outdoor spaces can dramatically increase usability during colder months and mixed weather conditions. Pinelog’s new Orryn lodge has been specifically designed with this in mind. Its distinctive extended roofline creates a large, covered veranda area capable of accommodating outdoor dining furniture, seating areas and even hot tubs and saunas while remaining protected from the elements. This allows guests to enjoy outdoor living throughout the year, helping operators maximise seasonal occupancy and enhance perceived luxury. 4. Wet rooms improve accessibility Wet rooms and level-access bathrooms can significantly improve usability for guests with mobility challenges. Importantly, accessible design no longer needs to feel clinical. Modern wet rooms can be highly stylish while still being functional. Features such as widened doorways, level thresholds and accessible shower layouts can make lodges suitable for a much broader audience while futureproofing accommodation for changing guest demographics. 5. Open plan living maximises space Open plan layouts continue to be one of the most effective ways to maximise both functionality and perceived space within a lodge. Pinelog recommends designing kitchen, dining and living areas so they flow naturally together, creating a sociable central hub for guests while helping the lodge feel larger, brighter and more connected. For guests, open plan living creates a more inclusive holiday environment where families and groups can cook, dine and relax together comfortably. For operators, open layouts also simplify cleaning and maintenance, helping reduce turnaround times between guest stays. 6. Integrated storage keeps lodges functional Holidaymakers do not want to feel they are constantly tidying around suitcases, coats and outdoor equipment during their stay. Intelligent integrated storage helps maintain uncluttered, relaxing living spaces. Built-in wardrobes maximise bedroom space while creating a clean, streamlined appearance. In bathrooms, recessed wall niches and alcoves provide practical storage without reducing floor space. Allowing additional room within boiler or utility cupboards for cleaning materials keeps essential items hidden but easily accessible for housekeeping teams. Dedicated cloaks cupboards near entrances improve organisation while creating a more welcoming arrival experience for guests. Designed around the guest experience Judy added: “Our lodges are not ‘off-the-shelf’. Every aspect can be tailored specifically to the holiday park, its target market and the type of guest experience the operator wants to create. “From the layout of kitchens and bathrooms to the finish on internal walls, storage solutions, accessibility features and even the positioning of sockets and lighting, every detail can be considered at the design stage. Unless specifically requested, no two Pinelog lodges are ever exactly the same. “Sometimes it’s relatively small design tweaks that make the biggest difference commercially, whether that’s creating a more sociable layout for families, incorporating practical spaces for dog owners or improving accessibility for multi-generational stays. Making those decisions early in the design process is always far more cost effective than retrofitting later.” For park operators, those early design decisions can
Park Holidays UK to be sold in £768m deal
Park Holidays UK, a major holiday parks provider with 56 parks across the UK, is to be acquired by Aermont, one of Europe’s largest asset management companies. Sun Communities, the US based real estate investment trust which currently owns Park Holidays UK, said it had reached a definitive agreement with Aermont on the sale of all the group’s UK assets. This is subject to the completion of regulatory and governance approvals, and is anticipated to complete in the second half of 2026. It said the move was designed to better enable Park Holidays UK to enter its next phase of growth. Since 2022, under the stewardship of Sun Communities, Park Holidays UK has grown its core business from 42 parks to 56. With a focus on delivering the highest standards for its holiday home owners and guests they have become a multi-award winning business. Park Holidays UK, which also manages its sister brand Park Leisure, plans to expand its footprint further, meeting strategic growth objectives whilst maintaining its focus on quality. Jeff Sills, Chief Executive Officer of Park Holidays, commented: “We are grateful for Sun’s partnership and support over the past several years. “Together, we have continued to build and strengthen Park Holidays, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. “We look forward to the next chapter for the business under Aermont’s ownership and remain excited about the opportunities ahead.” Giovanni Manfredi, Managing Director at Aermont added: “We are delighted to be part of the extraordinary business that the team at Park Holidays UK has created, and we look forward to supporting the company as it embarks on its next phase of the growth.”
Echo Financial Services – proud to support the caravan and holiday park sector
Echo Financial Services, one of the UK’s most experienced specialist financial advisory firms, has reaffirmed its commitment to the caravan and holiday park sector with an expanded suite of services designed to address the industry’s unique tax, regulatory, and operational challenges. With over five decades of hands-on experience, Echo continues to be a trusted partner to park owners navigating everything from HMRC disputes to succession planning and capital investment. Echo’s reputation is built on deep sector immersion, having worked with park operators across England, Wales, and Scotland on matters ranging from income declarations and VAT treatment to park acquisitions and refinancing. The firm’s relationship with the British Holiday Home and Park Home Association (BH&HPA) has underscored the assurance facing independent and family-run parks. Tailored Services for Park Operators: Echo’s park advisory services include: Echo provides bespoke advice to park operators of all sizes, helping them achieve financial stability and growth in a complex regulatory environment. Contact Christopher Perry at Echo Financial Services Telephone – 01666 846791/ 07879 496474 Email – cp@echofinancialservices.co.uk
Registration Opens for the Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2026
Registration is now officially open for the Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2026, as the UK’s leading event for visitor attractions, holiday parks, experience providers and rural businesses returns to the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 November 2026. Proudly hosted by Agriconnect, the show marks its fourteenth edition, bringing together thousands of industry professionals who are focused on creating unforgettable visitor experiences and driving business growth. Co-located with the Farm Business Innovation Show, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show offers an even broader platform for growth, reflecting the increasing crossover between rural enterprise, tourism and leisure. Designed for both established operators and new entrants, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show provides a powerful platform to explore innovative suppliers, gain expert insight, and discover the trends shaping the sector in 2026 and beyond. From increasing profitability to diversifying revenue streams, the event delivers practical, real-world solutions to help businesses build resilient, future-ready operations. A showcase of innovation and industry insight As the UK visitor economy continues to grow, with VisitBritain reporting 43.6 million overseas visitors in 2025, standing out in a competitive market has never been more important. The Land Leisure & Tourism Show plays a vital role in supporting businesses to meet this demand, offering access to the latest products, services and innovations shaping the future of leisure, tourism and hospitality. Some exhibiting companies you can expect to see at the show include, Walter Geering, ParcVu powered by Booking Experts, Creative Play, Beyonk, World of Rides and much more. A key highlight of the event is its extensive seminar programme, designed and produced by Cheryl Waterman. Known for its relevance and impact, the programme combines strategic thought leadership with practical guidance, ensuring visitors leave with actionable insights they can implement immediately. New features for 2026 The 2026 edition will introduce four brand-new features, designed to enhance the visitor experience and provide even more opportunities for discovery, networking and inspiration: The Speakeasy Lounge: An intimate, immersive environment where content, conversation and networking come together. Designed with a nod to experiential trends, this space will host thought-provoking sessions and foster meaningful connections in a more personal setting. The Holiday Park Village: A fully immersive, experience-led feature bringing a real-world holiday park environment to the show floor. Visitors can explore solutions in context, interact with suppliers, and gain practical ideas to implement in their own businesses. The New Product Trail: A curated journey through the exhibition, highlighting the latest innovations and trailblazing businesses. This feature ensures visitors can easily discover cutting-edge products shaping the future of the sector. The Start Up Hub: A dedicated space for emerging businesses operating for two years or less, offering fresh ideas, new technologies and the next generation of industry solutions. A must-attend event for the sector Purpose-built for the UK visitor economy, the event delivers step-by-step guidance grounded in real case studies, highly targeted networking opportunities, and access to innovations that can drive measurable commercial impact. Whether you’re looking to source new suppliers, gain expert advice, or stay ahead of industry trends, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2026 is the place to be. Register now to secure your place and be part of the future of the UK visitor economy. Claim your free pass here – lltshow.com
What Good Record Keeping Looks Like for Park Operators
Good record keeping is one of the most important — and most overlooked — responsibilities of a UK caravan or holiday park operator. Accurate, accessible records support compliance, protect the business during inspections, and provide evidence in the event of disputes or incidents. Whether you manage a small independent park or a large multi‑site operation, strong documentation practices reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, and demonstrate professionalism to regulators, insurers, and residents. This guide outlines what “good” looks like, the records every operator should maintain, and practical steps to build a reliable, compliant documentation system. Why Record Keeping Matters Essential Records Every Park Should Maintain How to Organise Records Effectively Compliance Considerations Practical Next Steps for Operators
