By William Coleman
April brings the English Tourism Week where the very best holiday spots get highlighted for all their hard work and get away offerings. During Tourism Week a family run North Yorks park drew some very high praise following a visit from a local MP.
North Yorkshire MP Kevin Hollinrake has praised a family’s award-winning Yorkshire Moors holiday park for its “tremendous contribution to tourism” in the region.
Mr Hollinrake made his comments on a special visit to Wayside Lakes at Wrelton, near Pickering, during April’s English Tourism Week.
The 10-acre park, recently subject to a £500,000 investment by the family, is based around two picturesque lakes, and provides luxury lodges for private owners.
Mr Hollinrake also took the opportunity to present an Exceptional Service Award to Wayside’s manager and co-director Trevor Jones who has worked on the park for 27 years.
The award is the highest honour given to outstanding park personnel by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, the park industry’s professional body.
Mr Hollinrake, who represents the constituency of Thirsk and Malton, said business owner Mark Goodson was to be congratulated for his vision and commitment:
“This is an excellent and very attractive development which provides the perfect base to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Yorkshire,” said Mr Hollinrake.
“Tourism is one of Yorkshire’s most important industries, and it is five-star developments such as Wayside which stimulate the sector.
“The knock-on effect of an inspirational holiday park like this, in terms of jobs and investment in Ryedale, is very significant, and it has been a privilege to come here,” he added.
Mark Goodson, who owns Wayside Lakes and the adjacent Wayside Holiday Park, said he was absolutely delighted that the MP had found time to visit and learn more about the business:
“Our MP showed a genuine interest in what we are trying to achieve at Wayside, and we are grateful for his presenting my colleague and friend Trevor Jones with a long-service certificate.
“Trevor has worked first for my father Roger, and now with me as my co-director. His hard work, enthusiasm, good humour and commitment to Wayside is exemplary,” said Mr Goodson.
Mr Goodson, whose family has long been involved in the entertainment and leisure sector, said that this year is likely to prove exceptionally busy for the park:
“Last year was very strong for us with almost £400,000 of holiday home sales, despite Brexit, the chilly start to the season, and the football World Cup when everything stopped.
“Most of our new owners are more mature folk who want a comfortable and attractive holiday home in tranquil countryside with easy access to popular destinations.
“Wayside Lakes is set in superb walking country with just a short distance from Yorkshire’s breath-taking coastline, historic market towns, and world-class heritage sites,” said Mr Goodson.
There is more information about the park on its website at www.waysidelakes.co.uk
