14 • SPOTLIGHT • WINTER 2018
The South West is the most significant
region of all, accounting for 18% of
trips, 21% of nights and 19% of spend.
Wales accounts for 7% of trips and spend and 8% of nights.
Statistics compiled by the National Caravan Council show that there has been a general increase in caravan sales volume over the last seven years and whilst touring caravan sales have waned somewhat, this has been outweighed by the shift towards motorhomes, for which sales volumes have almost doubled. Despite a dip between 2011 and 2014, holiday home sales have increased overall.
Therefore, trading conditions are generally positive and anecdotal evidence from our discussions with operators bears this out; the strong demand we are experiencing for holiday park assets, currently far outstripping supply, is based upon trading success.
Traditionally, a significant barrier to entry which has prevented mainstream investment has been an absence of professional management companies. This is no longer the case as indicated by the trading names and professional management teams attached to the current private equity investors; Bridge Leisure
accounted for 13% of trips, 17% of nights and 9% of spend in
Caravan or camping accommodation
2017. This reflects its position within the accommodation market as being a value product.
Management, Verdant, Away Resorts and Park Leisure are all experienced operators who bring a professional management approach. They are adept at maximising returns from holiday parks, often those that have yet to achieve their potential under previous owners who have typically adopted a ‘lifestyle’ approach.
Just down the A38 from Bristol is a perfect example of how professional management can transform a holiday park. Colliers advised the Darwin Leisure Property Fund (now in its tenth year and with nine holiday parks within the South West) on the purchase of the then Broadway House Caravan Park in 2008. A popular but somewhat dated caravan and camping site, it was privately owned and typical of a ‘lifestyle’ business, reflecting the interests of the owners as a highly regarded BMX venue. It now trades as Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa and is an Enjoy England 5 Star Gold Rated holiday resort, awarded the 2017 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.
Colliers International
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
