Park owners must step up to reap the benefits…
Our holiday park sector continues to pay a vital role in the part of the UK economy, supporting around a quarter of a million full time jobs and a countless number of part time posts, with around £7.5 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy.
Despite this however, these are challenging times for the industry overall. Manufacturers and Parks alike are finding things difficult in this economic climate. Our static holiday parks have been subject to some bad press of late coupled with a Group Action threatening Legal Action over excess Pitch Fee increases and the BBC reporting that some holiday home owners have lost considerable sums of money when selling their caravans or lodges.
Whilst our industry is quite resilient, surely now it is time to step up and take heed and restore what is currently a bout of low consumer confidence.
FACT – Our caravan / lodge manufacturers all produce an excellent and wide range of well produced products and are very good value for money.
It is now up to the park operators to provide the pitch security this excellent product deserves when the new owners come along to invest heavily in buying their new holiday home.
NACO suggests :
• A 15 year minimum Licence period on new sales.
• 10 to 12 years on second hand sales.
• Full transparency when explaining the Pitch Licence Agreement and ownership commitment.
• Terms and Conditions to conform to Trading Standards nationally approved Conditions.
• Pitch Fee increases strictly in line with inflation (unless major improvements have taken place on the park)
• All in All – a Pitch Licence Agreement that makes your new customer feel SAFE AND SECURE.
LET US NOT FORGET
It has been proven over the years that owning a Static Holiday Home is a fantastic way to spend your leisure time while raising a family, providing freedom of the seaside/ countryside whenever you wish. Most parks offer a wide range of facilities and provide security for their holiday home. A great way to relax if you are a young family or retired and looking for a bit of peace and tranquillity – a Holiday Home can provide it all.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SIDE NOTES – Two holiday home owners overheard discussing…
File No.15
It’s nearly Christmas!
Oh joy. My favourite time to panic.
Come on, it’s magical – twinkly lights, mince pies, Mariah Carey.
It’s noisy, expensive and sticky. Like a toddler with a glitter pen.
I’ve already put my decorations up.
It’s October.
You’ve got to build the atmosphere!
You’ve built Santa’s grotto. On your decking.
The kids love it.
The dog’s terrified. He hasn’t been outside in three days.
And I’m doing the full turkey dinner this year.
In a caravan oven?
Where there’s a will there’s a way.
Where there’s a turkey that size, there’s a fire hazard.
You’re just being a Scrooge.
I’m being realistic.
It’s one day of joy and togetherness.
It’s one day of burnt stuffing and arguing over a board game.
It’s about making memories.
I remember last year – your tree lights blew out half the park’s electric.
I tripped a circuit breaker. Brilliant lights!
Our dinner took eight hours to cook.
Well, sorry. But when the mulled wine starts flowing, you’ll get in the Christmas spirit.
I think that’s the first thing we’ve agreed on all year!
