‘Staycation’ really has become the word of the season,
hasn’t it? And, for the hard-pandemic-hit holiday park, caravan and camping
sector it’s a welcome breath of fresh air. So, it’s great news that the
increase in numbers staying in the UK for their holidays looks set to continue.
According to a recent article in The Guardian some sites
are already seeing a 74% increase in searches for 2022, compared to this time
last year (which in and of itself, across the industry, was a staggering 500%
increase on the year before). As one
site founder said: “a year ago the
emphasis was trying to find a much-needed last minute post-lockdown break, whereas
this year it’s all about getting booked in early to avoid disappointment”.
It stands to reason that now the summer season is over
you’re starting to think about how you can best prepare for the year to come.
But, with more interest in staying in the UK comes more competition. The days
of relying on the surrounding area and attractions, alone, to fill up your
booking diary have gone. Where once families would choose between
facility-rich, all-inclusive or tailored holidays abroad and a no-frills camping
or caravan holiday, they’re now demanding more. And they're demanding it here
in the UK.
The growth in pop-up campsites means now, more
than ever, success lies in ensuring your families don’t just visit once but
return, sharing the word and bringing in more business for you through word of
mouth.
So what are families looking for when planning their
staycation? What makes them a returning customer? One who is likely to talk
highly of the experience they had with you? Who’ll share the word?
Well, you might have noticed that #makingmemories is one of
the most popular hashtags on Instagram. And where better to make those memories
than in the outdoors, having fun and getting active?
Families that spend longer on your site are likely to then
spend more on other facilities. And, the better time they have on your site the
more likely they are to post glowing online reviews. It’s all about creating
fun and memorable experiences - not just in the surrounding area but onsite. If
you can respond to this by improving your outdoor space - perhaps installing a
play area where parents can interact and have fun with their children, as well
as letting them go and have fun on their own in a safe space - you’ll be able
to make your site stand out from the increasingly crowded marketplace.
We might be the playground company most likely to be
recommended by schools and early years settings but did you know that we’re
also one of the leading companies supporting the leisure industry? Even better,
working alongside our sister companies as part of idverde,
we’re able to support you with everything from landscaping to installing a
playground to making sure everything is maintained throughout your busiest (and
quietest) periods. If you’re just starting to consider improving your outdoor
space, why not contact us today so we can share some examples
and discuss what you hope to achieve.