As we start to prepare for staycation holidays in 2021, we want to share what the Best of British Touring & Holiday Parks have been doing to ensure your safety this year. Covid secure destinations are clearly something new we have to think about, to protect not just ourselves, but those around us. Here are some things to consider when booking your holiday destination for 2021 and beyond.
1. Good To Go – Tourist Board Standard
'Good To Go' is the Tourist Board industry standard developed with a view to assure customers that tourism venues are following industry and Government public safety guidance on cleanliness and social distancing. Venues apply for the standard and are assessed accordingly. Best of British Holiday Parks were keen to sign up as soon as the 'Good To Go' standard was announced last year. Look for this standard on holiday park websites to ensure they are part of the initiative.
2. Detailed Covid Secure Arrangements
All of the Best of British Touring & Holiday Parks are implementing the required health and safety measures ahead of reopening, to ensure the safety of staff, guests and the local community. Many of our holiday parks have detailed the exact measures they are taking to keep you safe, so visitors know exactly what to expect on arrival at the park. One of our holiday parks in Central England, Eye Kettleby Lakes in Leicestershire, have carefully listed the safety measures they are undertaking. These include:
- Hand sanitiser units are stationed around the park and at each lodge/ pod entrance.
- After each guest, the bollards are cleaned on every pitch before the next arrival.
- Large protective screens in front of the reception desks and bar.
- Enhanced and more frequent cleaning regimes.
- Signage to remind guests to social distance at all times.
- We offer a contact free check in procedure. Please be sure to read your welcome email before you arrive on site.
By providing this level of detail, you can be confident that your holiday venue is doing their best to keep you safe.
3. What's Available At The Park?
As we move toward a full re-opening of the tourism industry, we are all aware that the Government are taking a phased approach and assessing the results of each stage. In England, for example, self contained accommodation can open from 12th April. However, not all facilities will be available immediately. Here's a great example from one of our Devon holiday parks, Ladram Bay. They have prepared a simple checklist for visitors showing which facilities will be open from 12th April. If you are uncertain of what facilities will be open, please double check with the individual park prior to booking or setting out on your journey.
4. Know Before You Go
The 'Know Before You Go' campaign from Visit England has been designed to support tourism recovery, reassure visitors, build visitor confidence and encourage them to visit responsibly. It also reassures local residents that steps have been taken to protect them too. All in all, it is designed to keep us all safe, whether visitor or resident. It gives visitors the opportunity to prepare for socially responsible travel and gives them the ability to research what local restrictions on services and facilities there may be.
5. Differences in England, Scotland and Wales
It is important to note that England, Scotland and Wales, all have different arrangements for the reopening of the holiday park industry. There are also differences in travel and socialising restrictions, so it's best to double check the rules both in your own area and the area you plan to travel. Blair Castle Caravan Park, in Scotland (photographed), plan to open on 26th April all being well. Do check with the individual park their expected opening date and whether tourists from other countries are able to travel across the border.
6. Refund Policies – Covid 19
It would be wise to familiarise yourself with the refund policy of your chosen holiday park prior to making a booking to ensure you are covered for all eventualities. As Best of British holiday parks are all independently owned and run, each park will differ. However, they are all familiar with the need to provide booking confidence in these most unusual of times. Many of our parks have amended their existing cancellation policies to allow for more flexibility. For example, Brighouse Bay in Scotland have a very clear Covid 19 booking policy available on their website.
We wish you happy holidays at home in 2021 and beyond, as we support British tourism to get back on its feet. Our 5 star, independent and family owned holiday parks can't wait to welcome you for a well deserved break.