Lake District Visitors Want Luxury In The WildLOCATION and luxury are the two most important factors for anyone now choosing a holiday in the Lake District, according to a survey of today’s visitors. Finding accommodation with a lake view, in sight of mountains or within inspiring open countryside carries more i nfluence these days than either cost, a friend’s recommendation or a good reputation. At the official start of British Tourism Week (March 12-16th) which aims to demonstrate the contribution tourism plays to the local economy, Graham Hodgson, Chief Executive of South Lakeland Parks which operate the Lake District’s largest holiday parks, commented: “Location, location, location used to be the buzzword of the property industry and it is now the mantra of the tourism industry too. At South Lakeland Parks we offer quality parks in quality locations. ” As a commitment to location and luxury, South Lakeland Parks operates two five star sites on Lake Windermere, which offers pine lodges or static holiday homes for sale or hire. Mr Hodgson said: “Price is now less important to visitors than it was four years ago, although tourism businesses must remain competitive. More than ever the modern visitor to the Lake District wants to stay by a lake and wake up to birdsong.” “That’s a priceless experience for some people because if they live in a town or a city where there is always noise and stress, then this is something that could be missing from their lives. They make a lifestyle investment in choosing to holiday or have a home by a lake.” As well as resident wildlife such as deer, rabbits and squirrels, South Lakeland Parks’ sites at White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow Park, Bowness-on-Windermere, offer contemporary luxuries such as show-home interiors, an a la-carte restaurant, heated indoor swimming pool and saunas, on-site entertainment and serviced bars. Mr Hodgson explained: “At the same time as visitors enjoy going back to nature, they also expect all the modern facilities they get at home. They are looking for luxury in the wild and that’s what we aim to give them.” The statistics were revealed in a major survey which asked 1,500 visitors to the area about how they made their holiday choices. Interviewees were asked to prioritise what influenced their choice in where they stayed. The answers are as follows:
2006 2002
1: Location 1: Location
2: Facilities 2: Price
3: Availability 3: Facilities
4: Quality/grading 4: Availability
5: Reputation 5: Quality/Grading
6: Price 6: Reputation For more information or interviews, contact Caroline Guffogg at South Lakeland Parks on 015395 69830 or caroline.guffogg@southlakelandparks.co.uk
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