Power of variety: Increase revenue & enhance experiences with additional accommodation
The caravan and holiday park sector recognises the importance of offering a wide range of accommodation options at different price points to cater to a broad audience
Image courtesy of Uniplan Group
The caravan and camping industry is open to innovative trends that delight guests and boost profits and is constantly seeking new ways to meet the diverse needs of modern-day travellers.
This sector, in particular, recognises the importance of offering a wide range of accommodation options to cater to a broad audience from traditional campers, and budget-minded travellers to those who desire more comfort or even a luxury experience.
In the last 10 years, the importance of providing alternative accommodation styles has become clear with guests demanding more varied, flexible, accessible, and sustainable experiences.
Glamping tents have also popped up in caravans and holiday parks, the popularity of this luxury style of camping accommodation is an important reminder that holiday parks are there to be enjoyed by all.
To learn more about the power of offering a variety of accommodations, AccomNews investigated how parks can leverage this for success.
Modular accommodations
Offer the ultimate flexibility in terms of layout, design, and functionality. For added ease, these prefabricated structures can be easily transported and assembled onsite.
Offering insulation and heating during colder months and ventilation and air conditioning for warmer seasons, modular units ensure guests can enjoy their stay year-round.
Units also come with multiple bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and bathroom facilities, providing the potential for a permanent or semi-permanent housing solution.
Cabins and cottages
Generally, smaller units offer cosy and private accommodation, typically featuring a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchenette.
Cabins can be designed to suit all styles of park and guest preferences, from rustic to contemporary.
Many accommodation operators also choose to designate some of their cabins as ‘pet-friendly’, allowing an accommodation to cater to the needs of families travelling with their four-legged friends.
Pods
These are compact modular units designed for efficient use of space, they can be cute and unique. They often offer an open-style room, featuring a queen bed or include bunk beds for small families.
Pods have become a popular choice for solo travellers, couples or small families that value simplicity and affordability. It’s an accommodation style that also allows guests to engage with other travellers through the use of shared facilities, something that many guests still appreciate.
Safari and glamping tents
Mimicking the experience of camping in a traditional tent, without any of the set-up or pack-down. They offer a unique and immersive outdoor experience and can provide all the comfort of fully furnished accommodation- with some even providing 5-star luxury.
They often include separate sleeping areas, living spaces, and private bathrooms and allow guests to enjoy the beauty of nature without compromising on amenities.
Current design trends
It’s important for holiday parks to continually assess guest preferences and stay updated with current design trends to provide modular accommodation options that meet the evolving needs and desires of their clientele.
From an aesthetic perspective, guests often gravitate toward contemporary and stylish designs. Clean lines, minimalist decor, and modern furnishings. Interiors that feature comfortable seating, quality bedding, and well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms also help ensure an enjoyable stay.
Guests will always appreciate well-thought-out layouts and functional designs, open floor plans that maximise space, along with ample storage.
Add touches that speak to the environment with natural materials and earthy tones to serve as a reminder of their stunning surroundings.
It’s also very important to make the most of outdoor areas, most guests expect a deck, veranda, or patio to enjoy the surrounding natural environment. Outdoor seating, barbecue facilities, and fire pits are also big-ticket items for guests.
Accessibility continues to be a priority for accommodation providers. It’s imperative to ensure those with disabilities or mobility limitations also have an enjoyable stay and adding modular units is a great way to cater to these guests.
Features such as ramps, wheelchair-friendly pathways, wider doorways, and accessible bathroom facilities can be designed and added to your new units.
Sustainability continues to be a key focus, with guests actively seeking out accommodation providers that align with their own eco-conscious values.
Modern modular accommodation designs inherently focus on sustainability and often incorporate energy-efficient features, such as solar panels and water-saving systems. Additionally, parks can prioritise the use of sustainable materials in the construction of their additional accommodation and furnishings with reclaimed wood or bamboo flooring.
Look to install energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption. Also, consider implementing recycling and waste management programs to reduce environmental impact.
Ultimately, guests appreciate accommodation that offers a balance between comfort, functionality, and a connection to nature, at different price points. By offering a variety of accommodation styles and designs throughout your park you will satisfy more guests and a wider range of preferences and budgets.
Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
