Recession-resilient holiday parks booming thanks to Britons enjoying a staycation
BOURNE Leisure, the company behind Butlins and 35 Haven caravan parks across the country, has reported a 28 per cent rise in profits as Britain embraces the so-called “staycation”.
Bourne, which also owns the nine hotel Warner chain, saw profit after tax climb to £68.1 million in the year to December 31, 2008, compared with £53.3 million in 2007.
The profits surge created a bonanza for the Harris, Cook and Allen families who own the group. They shared a dividend pot of £67.3 million, according to accounts filed at Companies House.
Directors said rising profits were driven by higher turnover, at £745 million in 2008.
Butlins, which has three iconic holiday resorts, and Haven Holidays, with 35 caravan parks, attract more than 4 million visitors a year. John Dunford, head of Bourne, recently described the business as “very recession-resilient”.
The group is on track to an even better performance in 2009. Last month, Haven reported a 15 per cent increase in visitors to its caravan parks and a 38 per cent rise in people wanting to buy a caravan to own as a permanent holiday destination.
Recession-resilient holiday parks booming thanks to Britons enjoying a staycation
Butlins has also seen a surge in visitors since 2007, and the opening of the £20 million Ocean Hotel at Bognor Regis has lured more affluent clientele.