by Chris Malone
The strength of the staycation has been highlighted by the dividends paid out to the shareholders of two caravan park chains.
Butlins, Warner Holidays and Haven Holidays have handed over £40.3 million to their shareholders after profits rose to £87.9 million in 2009.
Owned by Bourne Leisure, the parks have enjoyed a period of strong trading with many Brits keen to holiday in the UK.
The firm’s cause may have been helped by a combination of the recession, the volcanic ash cloud, currency fluctuations and a number of travel companies going bust.
It recorded a rise in overall custom, with a noticeable spike in short and weekend stays at its sites.
The dividend paid to its shareholders eclipses 2008’s £27 million, with the directors sharing a total salary of £4 million.
Bourne Leisure employs more than 12,000 people nationwide and has recently invested hundreds of millions of pounds in improving its parks around the country.
