Cumbria set to benefit from continental drift
Substantial numbers of continental visitors will be joining British families on holiday in Cumbria this year, according to the director of a top Ambleside holiday park.
Extra overseas demand, believes Henry Wild of Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, has been fuelled by the recent royal wedding which helped put the world spotlight on Britain.
International publicity for next year's Olympics and the greater buying power of the Euro, he believes, are also playing their part in drawing continental crowds to Cumbria.
"Booking figures for this season are very high, and I think this year we'll be seeing a greater number of overseas guests than ever before," says Henry.
"The British have clearly decided to make it another stay-cation - but summer is also turning into something of a come-cation for many continental families," he added.
Skelwith Fold provides more than 150 pitches in its grounds, and Dutch visitors with touring caravans and motorhomes traditionally make up the largest sector of overseas visitors.
But bookings are also coming in from other parts of mainland Europe and further afield, says Henry, with reservation even being received from Switzerland, Singapore and Australia.
As regional director of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, to which over 100 parks in Cumbria belong, he believes that other businesses are also witnessing greater overseas demand.
"The Lake District may be a quintessentially English destination, but I think there will be a great continental atmosphere on many Cumbrian parks this summer," he commented.
"More guests from mainland Europe is great news for accommodation providers like us, but they will also have a very positive impact on Cumbria's tourism economy," said Henry.
"Over the past few years, British families have decided that this country offers a much more pleasant holiday experience - and far better value - than crowded and overpriced foreign resorts.
"Hopefully, this year's guests from the continent will also feel that Cumbria really does put the Mediterranean in the shade, and that in so many ways we're even nicer than Nice!" he added.
ends
More press information from Henry Wild on 01539 432277
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225