Park Leisure reports 47 per cent YoY increase in holiday home sales

UK: As British holidaymakers increasingly seek UK getaways and staycations, holiday home operator Park Leisure has reported a 47 per cent year-on-year increase in holiday home sales this summer across its 11 locations, with the trend expected to continue throughout autumn and winter, subject to Covid restrictions.

According to the company, the British public have been investing in their own staycation spaces at a record-breaking pace, ahead of the autumn and winter months.

With the new “Rule of Six” in place, and restrictions expected to continue for the next six months, families are investing in their own getaway spaces at holiday parks across the UK.

Amidst uncertainty regarding international travel, and government guidelines changing almost daily, YouGov data shows that over three quarters of Brits [77 per cent] have no intention of travelling abroad this year. In fact, 43 per cent say they intend to take more or the same number of UK trips than they usually would.

Park Leisure has also seen a significant boost in short stay bookings for its pet-friendly countryside and coastal holiday parks. From the likes of Cornwall, Northumberland and North Wales, to Yorkshire and Herefordshire, the holiday parks showcase the best of the UK’s natural beauty and are open all year round.

Of all the locations, Littondale in the Yorkshire Dales has seen the biggest increase, taking 91 per cent more bookings this summer [June – August] compared to the same period last year.

Lisa Williams, director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure, said: “It goes without saying that this year has been completely unpredictable and there were challenges to overcome to make sure we were able to welcome holiday home owners and holiday makers to our parks safely and comfortably. 

“Alongside the benefit of avoiding international travel regulations, our holiday homes are completely self-contained with everything you need for your prefect break. Staying in our holiday homes mean any unnecessary social interaction is avoided and our guests can cocoon themselves in their own little sanctuary or explore the beautiful great outdoors!

“We have, of course, redesigned our processes to keep people safe, as well as introducing hand sanitising facilities and regular signage displaying the guidelines and best practice, alongside a host of other measures to give holiday home owners and holidaymakers peace of mind,” she added.

To put customers at ease, Park Leisure says it has implemented the following measures:

• A reduced deposit to help customers secure the dates they want

• Free amendments to bookings

• An adapted check-in process to minimise unnecessary contact

• Industry leading cleaning regularly implemented in each accommodation

• COVID-19 secure certification from VisitBritain

Williams said: “With all the difficulty of the last six months, a lot of people are in need of a well-deserved break, so we’re not surprised to see so many taking advantage of our idyllic UK locations, right on their doorsteps!

“What’s been really interesting to see is that there’s no sign of things slowing down as we head into autumn. We’re open 12 months of the year and with holidays abroad so uncertain for the foreseeable future, now is a great time to be thinking long term about future holidays and exploring more of what the UK has to offer,” she added.

Last month, Park Leisure named Richard Bates as its new CEO.