Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord marked English Tourism Week with a visit to Oakdown Holiday Park in Devon, highlighting the role of tourism in supporting local economies and businesses.
The visit underscored the industry’s contributions and provided an opportunity to discuss challenges affecting holiday parks and tourism operators in the region.
Oakdown Holiday Park, located near Sidmouth, offers a variety of accommodations, including touring and camping pitches, luxury holiday homes, shepherd’s huts, glamping pods, and barrel pods.
According to a report by the Sidmouth Herald, the park also features amenities such as a new children’s play area and the Oakmead Golf Course and Café, which Mr. Foord explored during his visit.
Led by park manager Jason Taylor and park representatives Alastair and Roger Franks, the tour showcased the breadth of the park’s offerings and its significance in East Devon’s tourism landscape.
The MP engaged with park operators on the operational realities of running a holiday park in today’s economic climate, particularly in light of rising costs and evolving guest expectations.
A park spokesperson noted the importance of such visits in fostering awareness among policymakers.
“We welcomed Richard Foord MP to our holiday park near Sidmouth this weekend as part of English Tourism Week celebrations. He toured our facilities and discussed the importance of tourism to the local economy.”
English Tourism Week, an annual initiative by VisitEngland, aims to emphasize the economic and social impact of tourism businesses.
For holiday park operators, events like this provide an opportunity to advocate for industry needs, from regulatory considerations to infrastructure investments that support tourism growth.
By engaging with industry stakeholders, policymakers can gain insights into the sector’s challenges, including the need for continued investment in facilities, workforce development, and sustainability initiatives.
As holiday park businesses navigate a shifting economic landscape, visibility and support from government representatives can play a role in shaping policies that foster long-term growth.
