Why Diesel Is Not A Dirty Word When Buying A Motorhome

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By William Coleman

Recently CaravanTimes spoke to Ross Edwards, Managing Director of Travelworld, who wanted to share his thoughts on the diesel engine and why they are not as bad as some people may think. The below article comes directly from the man himself.

Ross Edwards Article

With the recent news that Hamburg will be the first German city to ban older diesel engines, coupled with a flood of ‘dirty diesel’ media coverage over recent years, it’s understandable that customers have been prompted to think cautiously about diesel when considering a new motorhome.

But, there is an important distinction to be made between ‘dirty’ diesel engines and cleaner diesel engines in new motorhomes; a difference that prospective buyers can benefit from knowing.

Older diesel engines, i.e. those that were built before the Euro 4 standard in 2005 are those considered to be the most harmful to the environment and are commonly referred to as ‘dirty’.

Conversely, new motorhomes are fitted with diesel engines that comply with the new European Commission standards of Euro 5 and Euro 6, introduced in 2009 and 2014, respectively, with the aim of reducing harmful levels of exhaust emissions from both petrol and diesel engines.

Both Euro 5 and Euro 6 are fitted with particulate filters and Euro 6 engines have emissions control technology that converts up to 99% of combustion engine exhaust pollutants and particulates.

What does this mean when entering low emission zones in cities?

Many motorhomers are concerned about their eligibility to enter cities with low emission zones and it is understandable that there is some confusion as the rules and limitations within each city do vary for drivers of all types of vehicles.

However, it is key to remember that your motorhome, if it is compliant with Euro 5 or Euro 6 standards, will not, in the large majority of cases, prevent you from entering low emission zones in European cities.

A recent change in this area will be the introduction of a new ultra-low emission zone in London which will take effect on 8th April 2019. Even in these circumstances, diesel engine motorhomes that meet Euro 6 standards will be permitted to enter without incurring a charge.

In addition, the London Toxicity charge which commenced in October 2017 and spans the same area as the congestion charge only excludes owners of the most polluting vehicles which do not meet Euro 4 standards.

And the future?

Investment into diesel technology is nothing new and research and innovation into lowering emissions continues. As a response to the Euro 6 emissions regulations, the use of AdBlue in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) processes has risen enormously and the imminent arrival of the Euro 6+ engine which will reduce emissions even further marks another new chapter in improvements.

Manufacturers such as Fiat, Iveco and Mercedes Benz are making a difference too. Iveco offered its Euro 5 emission levels four years before it became mandatory and it continues its research into optimising diesel engines to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Similarly, Mercedes Benz is working extensively on a full range of diesel technologies, for example, software updates to reduce NOx emissions.

Manufacturers also have plans to electrify some of their commercial vehicle ranges. However, it is crucial to note that although diesel engine innovation and development is high on the agenda for motorhomes, it will not be following quickly in the footsteps of the car industry when it comes to alternative fuel generation.

At present, diesel remains by far, the wisest default choice for those using vehicles for long journeys and customers should still feel free to enjoy the benefits of diesel engines i.e. low Co2 emissions and greater fuel efficiency and performance.

Rightfully, customers are demanding cleaner engines, increased reliability, lower running costs and most of all, an assurance that their diesel-engine motorhome will continue to hold its value. It’s safe to say that all these needs are being met and will continue to be met. The long-term plans and high level of investment into diesel technology by leading manufacturers is testament to a solid and long-term future for diesel.

Dales Park’s Great Green Day Brings Charity Windfall

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By William Coleman

Crafts, cakes and eco-friendly cups have helped raise over £1,000 for charity at a North Yorkshire holiday park’s green-themed fete this summer. Riverside Caravan Park in the village of High Bentham was the setting for the annual event which drew hundreds of local residents and holiday guests.

This year’s theme was “living in a sustainable world” which was mirrored by many of the stalls and activities set up in the grounds of the family-owned park.

Hand-made jewellery, cards and gifts were among the handicrafts on offer, all produced in the region, along with locally-sourced food and snacks from cakes to bacon butties.

Also being lapped up were reusable bamboo cups from the Bentham Environmentally Sustainable Town (BEST) group which coffee-lovers can use to strike a blow against plastic waste.

All of the proceeds from the gala day, just over £1,000, are being donated by Riverside Caravan Park to the British Heart Foundation, one of the charities the business supports.

The park first began welcoming camping guests in 1969, and today provides holiday homes to own as well as pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes.

Thomas Marshall, whose father founded the business, said that sustainability was a subject close to many people’s hearts, and fitted very well with the fete’s focus this year.

Riverside Caravan Park has been praised by botanist David Bellamy for its care of the natural world, and has been presented with his prestigious conservation award at its highest gold level.

“Our fete is an eagerly awaited event, both by holiday home owners and the local community, and this year’s was about the biggest and best-attended to date!” said Thomas.

“We particularly wanted it to showcase crafts and skills from the area, as well as items of delicious local produce which hasn’t had to travel hundreds of food miles.

“But best of all, everyone had a really good time and put their hands deep into their pockets for a very worthy cause,” he added.

Thomas and his wife Jane are helped in the running of their business by their daughter Isabel. There is more information about the park at www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk

Keep Calm And Keep Blooming This Summer

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By William Coleman

Cumbria’s Holgates Holiday Parks have returned from the North West in Bloom awards with a whole bunch of floral and conservation accolades.

The six-strong group scooped no fewer than nine top prizes in the annual competition which saw hundreds of businesses and communities take part from across the region.

But there was a tenth fanfare after the glittering ceremony when parks owner Michael Holgate gave special thanks to a member of staff who helped make it all possible.

Kim Hodson-Walker, warden at the Holgate group’s Netherbeck Park, was praised by Michael for her “amazing energy and inspiration” in laying the ground for the awards.

Green-fingered Kim, assisted by other park staff, helped all six Holgates parks gain top gold honours in the North West in Bloom awards.

There was another gold too for the fantastic floral displays at The Royal gastro-pub in the village of Silverdale which the Holgates group owns.

But the judges still hadn’t finished, for they then went on to name the company’s flagship Silverdale park as the overall winner in the “Best Caravan Park” category.

And the spotlight continued to beam on Silverdale as it was announced that it had been awarded a discretionary trophy for its outstanding conservation and environmental achievements.

The judges noted the raft of work undertaken at Silverdale to protect and benefit the natural world.

It includes the planting last year of eight miles of new hedgerows as well as thousands of native trees, and the creation of numerous wildlife habitats in its grounds.

The North West awards are in addition to other accolades won by Holgates for its many green initiatives, including the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

However, said Michael Holgate, these latest NW accolades have a special significance:

“We were up against literally hundreds of contenders in this competition, and it was wonderful to see Kim and her team take centre stage time after time!” he said.

“Holiday guests often comment on how visually stunning our parks look, not just in spring but also right throughout the year, thanks to Kim’s careful planning.

“She also gives priority to high nectar-bearing blooms, including wild flowers, which provide valuable foraging for butterflies, honey bees and other pollinators,” added Michael.

The business was started over 60 years ago by Michael’s father Frank who is remembered in the NW bloom awards with a special prize for biodiversity.

The Frank W Holgate Memorial Trophy was this year presented to a village community from Garstang, near Preston, which transformed a wasteland into a thriving public garden.

Football Fever Is In The Air At Park Holidays

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By William Coleman

The 2018 World Cup is almost upon us, 4 days for those who are counting, and it seems the football fever has gripped the touring nation. Football fanatics are boosting bookings over the World Cup period for the major holiday group.

Footie fans are showing the red card to their bosses this year during the World Cup, a bold maneuver, and taking additional time off to enjoy the World Cup, according to Park Holidays UK.

Park Holidays UK have said they are experiencing a booking increase of 20% during the tournament. The event kicks off on the 14th June for four weeks and numbers are up from the same time period from 2017.

But, says the group, later summer bookings are as buoyant as ever, suggesting that many people are taking an extra break to cheer on the England squad.

Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish confirms that the company is going all out to create a festive atmosphere of football fun at its 29 parks in southern England.

Large flat-screen TVs will bring live action screenings of around 50 world cup matches to its bars and clubs, along with soccer-themed quizzes and competitions.

Because the World Cup is taking place outside the school holidays, says Tony, holiday prices are especially keen across all types of its accommodation.

Week-long stays in the period from mid-June to mid-July can still be booked from just £199.00 for a family of up to six people in a fully-equipped holiday home.

There is, however, no question of side-lining any holiday guests who might be less keen on the football feast being served up by Park Holidays UK.

They won’t have to suffer any penalties, says Tony, because while soccer-passionate partners get their fix, the group’s parks offer plenty of other attractions.

The leisure facilities include swimming pools and outdoor and indoor play areas, plus a day-long programme of activities and games for youngsters of all ages.

Each member of the family will, in addition, be provided with a free entertainment pass which includes entry to evening cabaret shows featuring professional acts.

Tony does suggest, though, that families keep their eyes on the ball when it comes to availability.

There would not normally be a risk of the group’s parks having to hang the “no vacancies” sign up before high summer, he says, but this year could be different.

Bailey Of Bristol Bristanbul Documentary Part 2

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By William Coleman

Part 2 of the the Bailey Bristanbul Tour, or leg 2 as we were calling it during the tour, may have been more epic than the first. It was on part 2 of the tour where we ran into the majority of the issues that occurred during the 21 day intercontinental journey.

During this leg we had another wave of new team members, 1 of who is a celebrity chef, Dean Edwards, who was cooking up a storm in the Pegasus and actor Ryan Philpott, border control issues, man made paperwork issues and memories that will last a lifetime.

The second part of the tour took us to a lot more “less popular” destinations across the Europe. The only reason I say that is I have never heard of anyone going to Bosnia or Albania for a holiday in recent years. Crossing through these countries showed many things, the most important being how beautiful the landscapes are and how some are still quite underdeveloped.

Our time in Turkey was fantastic as we crossed over the Bosphorus. The main aim of our mission was to make it to Istanbul, and we did in style. 5+ hour stand still traffic through the centre of Istanbul’s trading back streets while towing caravans and driving motorhomes. Living the touring dream!

Some of the more beautiful places on leg 2 were Budapest and the Prague, if you have not visited these places I urge you to do so. If you do go to Budapest make sure you visit the ruin bars, as seen in this documentary. Prague is also packed with things to do and see from museums to bars to cultural walks around Prague Castle. On a trip like this you really are spoilt for choice.

Watching part 1 and 2 of these documentary brings back loads of great memories, and some harrowing ones. This tour was such an amazing experience and I hope you guys enjoy the documentary. Also keep an eye out for a certain handsome CaravanTimes team member…

Somerset Park Raises Its Rex Factor

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By William Coleman

A Somerset holiday park could soon become one of the UK’s most popular doggy destinations after it opened a new cafe which is welcoming both humans and hounds.

Holiday Resort Unity near Burnham-on-Sea is putting pooches on a pedestal by offering them their own food and drinks menu when they visit with their owners.

The new cafe, called Coast, is located on Brean Leisure Park which is adjacent to Holiday Resort Unity, and provides a raft of fairground rides and other attractions.

Bonzo’s special menu includes starters, main courses and desserts – plus, of course, a selection of drinks such as Pawsecco and Bottom Sniffer Beer, both made for dogs.

And instead of being forced to lie on a hard floor, Tyson will have his creature comforts provided for by a soft blanket on which to recline.

Holiday Resort Unity, which has been family-run for over 70 years, is one of the Somerset coast’s largest and most popular parks with holiday homes to let and buy.

Director Alan House said the park has always been pet-friendly – but until now, dogs had to wait patiently outside its food and drink venues. which didn’t seem fair:

“We listen very carefully to our customers all the time, and their feedback on this issue was that they didn’t want their four-legged friends separated from the family at meal-times,” he said.

“So when we created Coast, we decided to go the extra mile and not only invite dogs in to the café, but to present them with their own three-course menu to chew over.

“Now we have solved everyone’s doggy dilemma at a stroke, and customer reaction has been brilliant!” added Alan.

He said that with a new stretch of the England Coast Path just opened alongside Brean Leisure Park, an increase in the number of dog walkers would be inevitable.

All pet owners would be welcome, said Alan, whether staying on the holiday park or not.

Touring, Camping And Keeping The Kids Entertained

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By William Coleman

As a child when I went away on a touring holidays with friends and family the one thing I always looked forward to was being able to sleep in a tent. Although there was enough space for us to sleep in the motorhomes, statics or towing caravans the idea of having our own space/fought/castle was all part of the adventure.

Now that I am in my 30s I now see that the tent provided was actually a tool to keep us entertained, which really worked. Having a tent felt like we were living out in the elements and it was like we were given responsibility to look after ourselves as little adults.

It is also quite important for mum and dad to have their own space when they go on holiday. I’m sure that every parent loves their offspring to bits but when on holiday it is nice to have some calm, down time. A tent can provide that freedom you need all while making sure the kids have a great time.

Another aspect of the tent accommodation that I loved was the kit that my parents provided me to make sure I had all I needed. It was almost like a little loot box of handy tools and gear from torches to sleeping bags.This little toy box of tools was the most exciting part of staying in a tent as a youngster.

So for mum and dad here’s some first hand knowledge and tips for you if you want to take a tent with you on your caravan holidays.

The Tent

The age of the little ones will determine what type of tent you use. I was not allowed to stay on my own or with friends until I was around 9-10 years old. So at that age I wasn’t too interested in a bright gimmick tent, I was an adult at ten, in my mind, so I wanted the real deal.

A two room is always a good choice if there are 3 or more staying in the tent. They are not that expensive and it gives the children enough space and avoids any petty squabbles.

If you really want to make the kids smile, and remove the stress of putting a tent up, you can buy those great little pop up tents. One throw and the tent us up and ready to use. Easy to put up and pack away and they take up very little space when they are stored away.

‘<' . strtolower('Array')he Tool/Toy Box

So when you go camping one of the first things you do prior to leaving is lay out all the kit you need. This can be turned into a super fun activity for kids; it gets them involved, they get to pick their own gear and most of all it teaches them what they actually need for a touring or camping trip.

As I mentioned it was the torch that blew my mind as a kid. You could keep the tent illuminated as well as make sure there are no monsters roaming around outside the tent. Now the torch is packed you then add the fun stuff like hanging lights, seating and actual toys.

Then you move on to your bedding. Every kid loves a sleeping bag, I have no idea but kids go mad for them and they really do not mind what they have on them. Thankfully you can buy many different types for all ages online for not a lot of money. Also invest in the camping floor mats, I’ve woken up after sleeping on the floor and been a little bit cranky.

Safety Items

There is a little bit of fear of leaving the children to their own devices and alone in a tent outside the van. So what do you do to make sure the children are safe and sound.

It may seem simple but a whistle goes a long way. If you hear that sound at the early hours of the morning you are going to spring out of bed. If you want to keep in contact, I would because I’m a worrier, get yourself some walkie talkies.

Not only will they give you peace of mind but children find them super exciting and will be able to contact you instantly should anything go wrong.

Why Glamp at a Festival?

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By William Coleman

With festival season almost upon us a lot of people are choosing what type of accomodation to choose. Do you take the motorhome/caravan and risk getting stuck in traffic? Take the train and a have a tent rolled up in the backpack? Or avoid all the hassle and pick a glamping option?

Glamping is taking off in a huge way: it’s expected that by 2020, there will be 21 million glamping trips made in the UK alone, generating revenue of £3.2 billion.

If you’re heading to a festival this year – or are thinking of going to one – but are put off by the idea of camping and everything that comes with it, then why not consider glamping instead?

Here, shipping container experts Cleveland Containers look at five reasons why you may want to glamp at a festival instead – besides getting your own bathroom facilities (although that is a huge bonus!)

Your Comfort Isn’t Compromised

The horror stories you here about the toilet situations are enough alone to put thousands of would-be festival attendees from actually going.

If it’s creature comforts you can’t be without, then ditch the regular camping for glamping at your next festival. You’ll still be at one with the great outdoors, but you’ll get to sleep in an actual bed and enjoy running water – and the toilet facilities will be of a much higher standard!

Plus, if it rains (which, let’s face it, when it comes to British weather it probably will), then at least you’ll be warm and dry, instead of slumming it in the mud with everyone else! From yurts to treehouses and log cabins, there are lots of festivals offering glamping accommodation – such as Isle of Wight, Bestival and V Festival.

Safe and Secure

One of the issues that can put people of festivals is the security – especially when it comes to your belongings. One in five attendees are victims of crime, with £270,000 worth of swag stolen from festival goers in 2015.

So, you either have to choose between carrying your belongings with you at all times, lock them in the car, or run the risk of having your tent (and possessions inside) ransacked, right? Wrong – there is an alternative: glamping. The fact that you can have locks on your door means that automatically, your items are more secure than if you were staying in a tent – and many glamping sites over 24 hour security too. It’s just one more reason why glamping can be the ideal option for your next festival.

Hassle Free

Staying in a tent at your next festival? Have fun setting up your sleeping quarters for the weekend – and don’t forget to pack it away again. It’s no easy task.

Glamping is infinitely less stressful, as your accommodation will already be set up for you – that means no setting up or packing away. Why would you want to spend hours in the dark trying to figure out how to assemble your tent, and then struggle to pack it away in a small bag by the end of the weekend?

Glamp instead and you can choose to arrive and leave whenever you want, safe in the knowledge that you’ve saved yourself a large amount of time and hassle.

. But You Still Get to Enjoy the Festival!

If it’s the music, atmosphere and time enjoyed with friends you’re after, then glamping will still enable you to experience all of that.

Ultimately, if you’re the kind of person who likes their home comforts, and you don’t want to sweat the small stuff, then glamping could be the ideal option when attending future festivals. You can be in the heart of the festival when you want – but veer away from the crowds when you choose to, and wind down.

Just because you’re switching slumming it in muddy fields to a higher standard of accommodation, doesn’t mean you won’t get to enjoy the festival – and in fact, it probably means you’ll have an even better time.

It’s Great for Young Families

0.6% of all festival goers are under 16, which may not sound like much as a standalone statistic; but when you consider the fact that 30 million people attended a festival in 2016, it suddenly becomes quite a lot – 180,000 to be precise.

Glastonbury, Latitude and Greenman are just a few festivals that are hailed as family-friendly, and if you want to join the trend and bring your little ones along to your next festival, we wouldn’t blame you if the preparation puts you off a little. After all, who thinks a long weekend camping with no electricity or running water with kids is a good idea?

Well actually, glamping can allow you to enjoy the festival as a family, without having to sacrifice your home comforts. It also means that you can take your children away from the heavy crowds so they can have a good night’s sleep without being disturbed, whilst they get to experience something new.

Ultimately, glamping won’t take the festival experience away from you, and it brings many benefits. If you’re put off by the idea of camping and not being able to wash your hair for five days, then actually, glamping could be the reason to sway you to attend your first festival.

For more information on Cleveland Caravans visit them directly, https://www.clevelandcontainers.co.uk/

Motorhome Company Goes Bust Costing Customers Thousands

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By William Coleman

For a lot of us our motorhomes, campers and caravans are our pride and joy. They are our escape from life and our main form of holiday relaxation. So to have a trusted company go under and leave you financially out of pocket and without a touring home is a nightmare come true.

St Andrews Motorhomes, in Fife, have unfortunately gone under and caused a lot of issues for their customer base. Once couple in particular have been hit particularly hard by the companies downfall.

Pensioners Carol and Robert Moore, from Dunoon Argyll, put their pension funds into a Peugeot Boxer that they then decided to sell on. The funds from the sale, approximately £32,000 was going to go toward a trip to Canada that the pair had hoped to go on.

The conformation of sale had been received by the couple but they have yet to be given any money. The alleged sale took place over 2 months ago.

To make matter even worse the St Andrews Motorhome store has now completely closed and their is not site of the company owner, Christine Galloway, and she cannot be contacted.

The Daily Record spoke with Carol, who has actually reported the matter to the police: “There are scores of us in the same boat now. The motorhome was sold for just over £27,000 but we were being told we would be getting £32,000 so something doesn’t add up.

Other customers have been to the police but have been told it is a civil matter. We are all in limbo and are absolutely sick to the stomach over this.”

It seems as though the company does not have the best repaution with a lot of negativity being sent their way online with bad review and some harsh words left on social media. One unhappy customer took to Facebook as said: “”Beware! Do not trade with this company, I have been ripped off.”

There is some good news in this story. The firm’s solicitor confirmed a petition to wind up the almost 20-year-old business was lodged in court yesterday. Asked if there was any further advice for affected customers, Robin Millar added: “If people want advice, they should contact their own solicitors.”

I just hope that none of our readers have been affected by this awful business.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Dorset Expansion

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club has just announced its second UK site purchase for 2018, with the award winning Bingham Grange Touring & Camping Park in Dorset joining its network of over 200 Club sites.

The newly named Bridport Bingham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, located just a few miles from West Bay and Bridport seaside towns is available to book now from just £24 per night based on two adults and a standard pitch.

This popular touring park located in an idyllic setting overlooking an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is perfectly situated for exploring the Jurassic Coast from Lyme Regis to Weymouth and Portland, including the magnificent Chesil Beach. Further inland, rolling hills and picturesque villages are the inspiration of Hardy’s novels and include historic market town of Dorchester, or “Casterbridge” to Hardy fans. With its shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and bistros, museums, attractions, glorious gardens, river walks and a Roman Town House, Dorchester offers plenty to see and do.

Onsite facilities are second to none and are located in a honey stone barn at the centre of the Site. The barn houses a small shop and award-winning individual shower rooms as well as Buzzard’s Restaurant serving a variety of delicious meals for those that don’t want to cook.

Bridport Bingham Grange has carefully designed and landscaped pitches to preserve the rural ambience of the estate. Grange Garden’s mature planting provides shelter and privacy for touring vehicles, while tent campers in the Valley View field will appreciate the stunning countryside views and amazing sunsets. There are 103 touring pitches and 29 tent camping pitches.

The Site has previously been awarded AA Campsites 5 Gold pennants and a ‘Platinum’ award from ‘Loo of the Year’. Dog owners can take advantage of the all-weather dog walk area which extends along two sides of the site and is one of the largest on any caravan park in Dorset.

Safari Camping LandsTo Cumbria

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By William Coleman

A lot of sites across the UK are adding huts, yurts, pods and other forms of static and glamping accommodation to help the masses enjoy touring style holidays. Now safari camping has been taken from the plains of the serengeti and introduced to Ambleside in time for the 2018 summer.

Skelwith Fold have now officially lifted the flaps on their brand new 5 Star safari tents. Now guests can stay at shoot the local wildlife to their heart’s content, with their cameras and phones that is.

The park’s new glamping style retreats are located in a quiet corner of Skelwith Fold’s 130 acre tranquil grounds. Within the grounds of the site you will be able to spot all different types of birds along with deer, red squirrels and kites. So if you are a keen eyed photographer or you just like to relax with the wildlife this may just be the summer hot spot for you.

One of the fantastic things about these safari huts is the toilet situation. There are no pitch black walks to the nearest lou with these as they are come with private bathrooms and a well equipped kitchen and dining area. This way when natures calls you will not be bumping into nature’s nightlife.

Skelwith Fold, crowned as Lakeland’s top holiday park in last year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards, believes its safari tents will appeal especially to young families.

With all linen provided, there’s one double bedroom, and another with two bunk beds in addition to generously sized living areas, and electrical sockets.

There’s also a private balcony for al-fresco dining, or just relaxing and listening to the birdsong.

Henry Wild believes that Skelwith Fold’s safari experience will capture the imagination of those who love the idea of camping, but not the flap of putting up a tent:

“Almost everyone loves the notion of sleeping under the stars, but the kerfuffle of erecting a tent and packing it away afterwards can take the edge off the experience,” he said.

“Safari tents neatly sidestep this problem, but still provide that wonderful sense of being out there in nature, and coming closer to the sights and sounds of the countryside.

“But we’ve not overlooked life’s little luxuries, so guests can expect to find a pod espresso maker and other touches to reward themselves for taking on our challenge!” added Henry.

Owned by the Wild family for over 20 years, Skelwith Fold holds the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level for environmental excellence.

In March this year, it was also named by the as the AA as North West England’s top destination for touring caravan and motorhome owners, as well as glampers.

There is more information about the park and its safari tents at www.skelwith.com

Wales Park Gets MP Opening

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By William Coleman

North Wales MP David Jones has declared open a new country club at a family’s holiday park near Rhyl, and praised its contribution to Wales’s tourism economy.

Mr Jones, who is MP for Clwyd West, was at Caeran Caravan Park near Abergele to see how the award-winning business plays its part in attracting thousands of visitors each year to the region.

He made his visit during the recent annual Wales Tourism Week which is designed to put the spotlight on Wales’s £5 billion tourism sector.

The MP met with business owners Arthur and Pamela Jones who acquired the park seven years ago, and who have since invested much time and energy into create a first-class holiday setting.

During his visit, David Jones took time out to cut the ribbon on The Mill, the park’s recently built country club where guests can meet and relax when staying.

The MP commented: “I was delighted to see how investment in the new facilities at Caeran Caravan Park is helping the business go from strength to strength.

Our area is one of the most attractive in the country, and high quality parks such as Caeran give holidaymakers access to the very best that North Wales has to offer.

“Wales Tourism Week helps focus attention on a vitally important industry for our local economy, and I am very pleased to show my support,” he added.

Bounded by the River Elwy in a picture-postcard valley, Caeran was founded around 1960 and provides more than 50 privately owned caravan holiday homes in its seven acre grounds.

The park is a holder of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Bronze Award which celebrates tourism businesses making exceptional efforts to protect the natural world.

The park, Arthur Jones told the MP, allows people to own a holiday home in Wales and contribute to the economy without diminishing local housing stock or artificially inflating prices.

Many small enterprises in the region, he said, rely on the spending generated by holiday home owners and other visitors to sustain their businesses and the jobs they provide.

“We were delighted that Mr Jones was able to join us at Caeran Caravan Park, and to learn more about our sector and how it helps attract families to North Wales,” he said.

“Mr Jones clearly recognises the importance of tourism to this region, and is aware of the many challenges as well as opportunities faced by businesses such as ours.

“We feel very privileged and live and work in this wonderful corner of Wales, and are grateful for the continuing support and encouragement of our MP,” he added.

In addition to co-managing Caeran with Pamela, Arthur is Secretary of the Clwyd branch of the BH&HPA, the national representative body of the holiday parks industry.

More information about the park is available at www.caerancaravanpark.co.uk