Rising profits and double the turnover for holiday park reveal that caravanning and staycations are here to stay
A surge in the popularity of caravan holidays, as well as an increase in people opting to holiday at home, has led to yet another holiday park announcing massive profits.
In the six months leading up to 30 June 2015, Park Leisure has announced a turnover of £28.4 million. This is up 56 per cent from the same period in 2014, doubling the turnover rate for the park. Park Leisure, which is based in York, owns 11 holiday parks across the UK that are perfect for caravanners.
In this same six month period, the company also reported a profit rise of 70 per cent to £3.4 million and a 59 per cent increase in EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) up to £5.1 million.
Earlier this year, the firm also expanded by acquiring the luxury site, Plas Coch Holiday Homes, in Anglesey, which cost the company roughly £15 million. Although this acquisition boosted the company significantly, nothing has impacted the firm quite like the boom in staycations.
The rise in staycations across the UK is the leading cause of the company’s surge. Chief executive of Park Leisure, Gary Molloy, recently revealed to The Yorkshire Post that he believes the success of the company can be founded on these increases in staycations.
Molloy said: “I think there’s more and more people looking for their own piece of Britain to go holidaying in”
Some people are fed up of all the stress and hassle of going abroad. I just think there’s a new breed of British people who are wanting to spend more time in their own country,” he concluded.
It’s no secret that staycations have been on the rise throughout the UK and every aspect of the caravan industry has profited from this.
Finance director at Park Leisure, Jo Cowl, said: “One of the things I’ve noticed since joining Park Leisure is the fact that people tend to buy a caravan or lodge only a couple of hours away from where they live. So they can actually get over to their holiday home practically every weekend, which gives them a lot more opportunities to enjoy the countryside,” she finished.
Nearly 200,000 Brits own a caravan or motorhome in the UK and continue to venture closer to home for their holidays proving that caravanning is here for the long haul.
Amongst being good for caravanners and holidayers alike, this increase for Park Leisure is also beneficial for employees. Across its 11 parks, the company now employs 300 staff members. This is a 100 per cent increase since 2011.
Park Leisure has been working diligently to improve their parks, investing quite a bit to keep them up to par. The acquisition of new parks is also a task the company hopes to continue. Park Leisure plans to introduce a concierge service at every park and ‘Park Leisure Experience’ to ensure that guests of their parks enjoy their stay to the full extent.
These changes will include a multitude of activities available at these sites including, but not limited to, surfing, water sports, and rock climbing.
What do you think of these changes to the great Park Leisure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
