Center Parcs UK is making major changes to its booking rules
Center Parcs UK is making a major change to its booking rules – and a travel expert reveals it could leave holidaymakers disappointed
Center Parcs UK has made a major change to its booking rules.
Previously, vacationers had to be at least 21 years old to book a trip to one of the vacation villages, which are known for waterslides, spas, and a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Now, in a move that will attract a younger market, the leisure business has reservations open to travelers aged 18 or older.
A representative told MailOnline Travel: ‘Center Parcs is a family short break destination, and we recognize that all families are different. As part of a regular review of our terms and conditions, we’ve made the change to ensure that younger families can also make special memories in our safe forest environment.”
A tourism expert has suggested the decision – which was implemented at the end of May – could affect middle-aged travelers seeking a ‘civilized’ holiday at the company’s holiday parks, which currently welcome more than two million visitors a year .
Center Parcs UK has lowered the minimum booking age from 21 to 18 to attract a younger market. Pictured is the UK’s original holiday village in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Beverley Boden, head of the tourism department at Teesside University, said The sun: ‘This is a new way for Center Parcs to diversify its product and increase the occupancy rate during the term.
“It is an opportunity to enter a young market and given the crisis in the cost of living, it will help them seek new sources of income to maintain the ground and generate new revenue streams.
“Obviously this will have an impact on the traditional middle class boomers looking for a civilized escape, but entering a new market could be the way to generate revenue, which is to appeal to the masses in a difficult time. economic climate.’
The rule change will apply to all five UK locations, as well as Center Parcs in Ireland
The rule change applies to all five UK locations, including the original holiday village in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, as well as Center Parcs in Ireland – Center Parcs Longford Forest, which opened in 2019.
However, Center Parcs Europe, which operates as a separate company, does maintained a minimum booking age of 21.
Reservations where the booker is under the age of 21 will not be considered valid.
The news comes just weeks after Center Parcs UK was put up for sale for £5bn by its owners, Canadian private equity firm Brookfield, who bought the holiday village chain in 2015 for around £2.4bn.