Holiday parks say 'we are ready to re-open'

Managers from five parks in Lincolnshire, representing three operators – Parkdean Resorts, Away Resorts and Haven – are writing to MPs explaining that holiday parks are ready to re-open with a set of stringent safety and hygiene measures in place.

Their letter also highlights the economic risks of a delayed reopening for the Lincolnshire economy which relies heavily on tourism.

Holiday parks up and down the country are prepping tirelessly to ensure the great British holiday is the best it has ever been with staycations set to provide a welcome breath of fresh air for Britain’s families. Holiday parks are perfect locations for social distancing with self-contained and self-catered accommodation that is at least five metres apart. The average park is 24.3 acres, with 160 pitches that overlook beautiful countryside and coastlines.

The letter to MPs from local holiday park managers outlines a number of operational processes and procedures that all parks will meet, in adherence with the latest Government guidelines and instructions, including:

* Implementing and enforcing a social distance policy

* Park staff will manage the flow of customers in and out of parks with the implementation of one-way systems and separate, entrances and exits where possible

* Floor markings will be clearly visible to remind everyone to abide by the 2m social distancing rules

* Reminding all holiday makers to respect local communities and government guidelines at all times

* Ensuring in-depth cleaning procedures

* Specially trained cleaning staff will deep clean caravans between every new customer visit, with high touch points on park cleaned several times each day

* Park safety signage promoting handwashing and respiratory hygiene will be prominently placed throughout parks with staff reinforcing this message on an ongoing basis

* Hand sanitiser will be made available at key hygiene stations

* ULV Fogging Machines will be used where possible to combat airborne pathogens and disinfect large areas on parks

* Restricting access to communal facilities

* Each park will carry out a detailed risk assessment to comply with health and safety legislation

* Communal facilities, including restaurants and cafes will remain closed

* Check-in policies will be revised to limit contact between employees and holidaymakers

* Operating self-sufficient facilities, such as convenience shops, allowing people to stay on park without the need to access local shops/supermarkets

* All shop tills on park will have perspex screens installed and clear signage encouraging contactless payments

* Trollies/baskets will be disinfected regularly

* Floor markings and one-way-systems will be used in all stores to encourage social distancing

The summer is a make or break time in the year for holiday parks and local economies that rely on tourism to survive.

Holiday parks are highly seasonal and are a major employer directly, indirectly, and via local supply chains. In Lincolnshire, holiday parks employ 1,233 people, and tourism employs more than 20,000 people in total, contributing £1.58bn to the local economy in 2018.

With each holiday park providing the customer base for numerous other businesses, including local suppliers, shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and visitor attractions, the letter to local politicians warns that if parks are not operational this summer, many businesses dependent on holidaymakers will fail, and the economic and social impact will be directly felt in areas which are already under tremendous economic pressure.

Ros Pritchard, Director General of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, said: “Preparations are well underway for the reopening of our parks and achieving ‘COVID-19 Secure’ status. From new social distancing signage and deep cleaning protocols, to hand sanitiser and increased ventilation, everything that can be done outside, will be done outside this summer. After a time of great uncertainty and stress, families need a well-deserved break that is safe and hassle free and our communities which live by tourism need them back to support local businesses. So we’re calling on local politicians to support local tourism jobs and save our summer season.”

Steve Double MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, said: “Particularly in these difficult times, it is important to acknowledge the role played by tourism in the UK, so while going through lock down, and crucially as we seek to emerge from it, we must provide the support the sector needs to bounce back as quickly as possible.”

Michelle Coe-Baxter, Head of Tourism at county accountancy and business advice firm, Duncan & Toplis, said: “Coronavirus could not have come at a more unfortunate time for businesses which depend on tourism. Most caravan parks for instance, will have only just opened and hotels and guest houses will have been eagerly waiting for the influx of visitors with the arrival of Spring. This is going to be devastating for businesses, many of which won’t have had significant revenue since September and owners will have invested in their businesses over the winter expecting to reap the rewards now.”