Back and blazing – hot deals from the Park Holidays UK cancellation desk
Industry: Travel & Leisure
Its 40 years old, but the "cancellations desk" is back, and is proving once again a massive hit with holidaymakers.
Southern England (PRUnderground) July 10th, 2013
It’s 40 years old and last made an impact around the time of Ziggy Stardust – but the “cancellations desk” is back, and is proving once again a massive hit with holidaymakers.
That’s the finding of Park Holidays UK which says that demand for its last minute cancellation deals has “approached meltdown” since being launched two months ago.
The group’s cancellations desk opens for just one hour every day at lunchtime, and offers suddenly available last-minute holidays at up to 70 percent discount.
There are no catches, says the company, but starting dates are often a week or less away, and customers have to choose from what’s available rather than specify preferences.
But if they are prepared to be flexible, it says, the savings can be very substantial indeed.
A recent example was a week’s stay for six at Waterside Park in Paignton, Devon, booked originally for £406.00 – and re-sold as a cancellation for £129.00 – a 69 percent saving.
The company reports this year as being a record-breaker for bookings – which, it says, inevitably means more people than last year having to cancel due to a sudden change of plans.
When cancellations arise, they are “hot-tagged” for re-sale at half-price or less for just 72 hours, after which they are marked up to the full price and returned to Park Holiday UK’s website.
The company, which owns 23 holiday parks in Southern England, says that quick-fire sales enable it to save a considerable sum in administration costs.
“Putting cancelled holidays back into our online booking system takes staff time, causes delay, and incurs expense,” commented Tony Clish, director of Park Holidays UK.
“The holidays have already been specified by the original customer, so many may include features such as top-grade accommodation or extras such as meal vouchers.
“The concept of the cancellations desk was introduced by package travel firms around forty years ago, but declined when this type of holiday went out of fashion.
“But many people still remember the amazing bargains that they or their friends managed to pick up – and that’s exactly what we’ve brought back,” said Tony.
There is, he emphasises, no element of a “mystery buy” about the holidays; customers will know the exact specifications of each stay before they decide to buy.
Park Holiday UK’s cancellations desk is open between 12.00 noon and 1.00pm every day of the week, and is accessed on a special number: 0843 178 7090.
The locations of parks and details of their facilities can be found at www.ParkHolidays.com.
About Park Holidays UK
Park Holidays offer a range of facilities designed to give you the best value for money holidays you are likely to find in the UK. With 25 fully equipped parks stretching across south England’s coasts, from Devon to Suffolk, Park Holidays are the perfect choice for family breaks.
From traditional caravan holidays to camping and even static caravans for sale, Park Holidays have everything you need for a great value getaway.
For further information and bookings, contact Park Holidays on www.parkholidays.com or 0845 815 9789.
