Lancashire holiday boom as families refuse to tank up
Soaring petrol prices are driving many Lancashire families to take their holidays inside the county - and to seek out destinations which don't take a such a heavy toll on hard-pressed budgets.
The claim is made by Lancaster caravan park owner Henry Wild who is a director of the national organisation representing 3000 holiday parks in the UK.
Bookings at his own park, Moss Wood in Cockerham, have seen a large increase this year from holidaymakers living in Lancashire - some journeying from less than 30 miles away, he says.
And, believes Henry, the trend is being experienced by many other parks across the county.
Escalating petrol prices are one reason why doorstep destinations are being preferred to traditional but further-flung regions such as Scotland and Cornwall, he believes.
However, suggests Henry, it is not necessarily Lancashire's tourism "honey pots" which are seeing the benefit. Resorts such as Blackpool are being increasingly shunned in favour of areas which make fewer demands on family finances.
The result is that a number of new Lancashire "hot spots" are warming up on the county's tourism map, says Henry who is a director of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association.
Despite a so far lack-lustre summer, Henry reports that home-grown business is booming at Moss Wood. With a tank of petrol costing up to £100 for some drivers, he points out, the saving of a few hundred miles can make a significant difference to the cost of a holiday.
Walking, cycling and bird-watching are the top three pastimes of guests at Moss Wood Caravan Park, he reports - even for families with youngsters on tow.
Visits to paid-for attractions such as theme parks still figure on the holiday agenda, says Henry, but they now tend to be the highlight of a stay rather than an everyday indulgence.
"Overall, this trend is very good news for Lancashire - not least because it will ensure that tourism spending is more evened-out across the region. This will help sustain a wider range of rural businesses, and the jobs of the people they employ," he added.
Tourist board figures, he said, show that the parks industry last year accounted for 89.2 million holiday bed nights - and a visitor spend of £2.9 billion.
Moss Wood Caravan park has won many major accolades for the excellence of its surroundings, including a top five-star grading - and a special conservation award from David Bellamy who praised the way in which the park was helping holidaymakers to re-connect with the countryside.
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More press information from Henry Wild on 01524 791041 (mobile 07831 394533)
PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
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