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After more than a decade working across holiday parks, campsites and now at RMS, I’ve seen firsthand just how much the UK parks industry has evolved and how much opportunity is still out there for parks that are ready to evolve with it.
And trust me, it’s worth it. UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA) Report 2024 shared that UK parks and campsites generated over £12.2 billion in visitor spending and supported more than 226,000 full-time jobs. That’s not just strong, that’s thriving.
Below, I’ll be diving into the trends I’m seeing, the biggest challenges operators are facing, and my top tips for boosting bookings and revenue in 2025.
When COVID hit, the industry came to a grinding halt, but when lockdowns lifted, it absolutely boomed. Glamping, touring, holiday parks – you name it. People were desperate to get out, and parks were perfectly placed to deliver that much-needed escape.
It was a great ride, but we all knew that peak wouldn’t last forever. As soon as flights restarted and overseas options came back, things shifted — and fast. Today is a very different landscape:
At the same time, there’s been a noticeable pivot toward glamping and eco-conscious outdoor stays with a bit of flair. Yes, people want nature — but they also want a cozy bed and good signal while they’re in it.
And the classic two-week break? It’s on the way out. The “extended short stay” is now the most popular type of getaway in the UK, with travelers opting for more frequent, bite-sized holidays over one big trip. That means more churn, faster turnaround, and a bigger need for operational flexibility, especially for parks still sticking to Friday-to-Monday rules.
Common challenges for holiday parks and campsitesLet’s be honest: running a park isn’t a walk in the woods right now.
Between rising costs, staff shortages and guest expectations, operators are constantly juggling priorities. A lot of long-running parks — especially those run by families are still using spreadsheets. And hey, if it’s worked for 50 years, why change it, right?
Except now, guests expect:
If you’re not offering that, someone else will.
And here’s the kicker... holiday park guests actually stay 82% longer and spend 12% more per day than the average UK tourist. That’s according to the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA) 2024 report, which highlights just how valuable these guests can be. So, if you get the experience right, the payoff isn’t just big — it’s long-lasting.
Another big hurdle? Flexibility. The old-school model of Monday-to-Friday or Friday-to-Monday just doesn’t cut it anymore. Guests want two-night stays, midweek breaks, and more freedom to book when it suits them, not your team schedule. If parks want to stay full, they’ve got to rethink rigid booking structures and meet guests where they are: spontaneous, selective, and schedule-savvy.
The parks that are embracing change are seeing some real wins. Here’s what I’m seeing out there that’s really working:
It's time to shake up the old-school “Friday to Monday” booking model.
I’m seeing parks who are offering two-night minimums, nightly pricing, and flexible check-in days are filling more gaps, especially with guests booking late. Some have even started pushing out last-minute weekend rates on Thursdays, and boom, they fill up Friday and Saturday.
Tech’s not just for hotels anymore. Parks using remote door locks, housekeeping automations, and mobile apps are delivering a smoother guest experience and saving serious staff time.
I love seeing how parks are using RMS features to automate check-ins. Imagine arriving early, getting a text that your unit is ready, and skipping the reception queue altogether. Guests love it, and it saves your team a massive headache on busy days.
If your rates don’t flex based on demand, you’re leaving money on the table.
More parks are using dynamic pricing to adjust rates based on occupancy and local demand, just like hotels do. It’s smart, quick, and helps you stay competitive. Even tweaking prices for school holidays or weather patterns can make a difference.
The best time to upsell? When the guest is right in front of you at check-in.
That’s your golden window. Offering an upgrade from a Silver to a Gold unit for an extra £80 while the guest is excited (and right there) often gets a “yes” much faster than an email ever would.
Loyalty programs are a massive untapped opportunity in holiday parks.
A few points here, a small perk there — early check-in, a bottle of wine, a discount on the next stay and suddenly, guests are booking again for next year.
According to the Mintel UK Holiday Centres and Parks Report 2024, 90% of guests are happy with their park stays, but the ones they come back to? Those are the parks that go the extra step. Whether it’s better food, more activities, or just a smoother, more thoughtful experience overall.
No one wants to be chasing card details at check-in, especially during busy periods. Automating payments before arrival saves your team time, reduces risk, and avoids those awkward moments at reception.
It’s smoother for staff, safer for guests, and adds a layer of security that manual processes can’t match.
If there’s one piece of advice I could give to any holiday park owner, it’s this:
Get a PMS that fits how you operate.
Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Pick the one that can flex with you, that understands seasonal pricing quirks, flexible bookings, and your park’s operational needs.
At RMS, we’re proud to work closely with parks across the UK, helping them modernize, future-proof, and stay guest-focused.
The most exciting thing I’m seeing? Seeing parks break away from old pricing structures and embrace dynamic, flexible models. That shift alone is going to unlock so much more potential for parks to fill units, increase revenue, and invest back into creating brilliant guest experiences.
The UK holiday park industry is shifting fast — and parks that stay flexible, guest-focused and tech-savvy are the ones that will come out on top.
Guests today want premium experiences, more flexibility, and the ease of booking at the touch of a button, often just days before they arrive. Parks that stay stuck in old models risk missing out on valuable bookings and loyal guests.
But it doesn’t take a complete overhaul to make a big impact. Offering flexible stay options, using dynamic pricing, and automating check-ins can unlock huge gains, both for guest satisfaction and the bottom line.
It’s about smart evolution, not total reinvention. Keeping what makes your park special, while making it easier for guests to book, arrive, and enjoy their stay.
By Jason Davidson
Business Development Executive
