We talked with Huw at Celtic Holiday Parks to find out more about his parks and vision for the group in Pembrokeshire.
NACO: We’d love to know how you came to own your own Holiday Parks?
HUW: My family moved from our North Wales farm in 1999, to start our holiday park journey in Pembrokeshire, which we feel is one of the most beautiful parts of the World. We purchased Croft Country Park in same year and then continued to expand by purchasing Noble Court with over 60 acres of land to explore and Meadow House in Amroth, which has the most spectacular sea facing views. With Pembrokeshire being a key British holiday destination and home to the UK’s only coastal National Park visitors flock to the Parks which feature both rental and owner accommodation.
NACO: What was the vision for the Celtic Holiday Parks group?
HUW: Celtic strives to stay ahead of trends and visitor demands, with continued development plans focussing on providing luxury boutique style facilities within a holiday park environment. Each step we believes improves the visitor experience and delivers something very special ranging from the “Charlie’s” brand of restaurants at each Park, through to “Celtic Wellbeing” beauty and fitness. From a small start of just 6 including family running Croft Country Park all those years ago, the company now employs over 62 local people. Visitiors from over 20 years ago would now see some elements totally unrecognisable as we continued to invest in affordable luxurious holidays.
NACO: What’s the most enjoyable aspect of running and developing the Parks?
HUW: Providing guests and owners with happy memories that will live with them forever, it’s as simple, yet as complex as that. Visitor expectations constantly rise, as such we strive to put Celtic at the forefront of development in the UK, especially in the glamping sector, with an investment of £7 million over the last 24 years. This includes the relatively recent creation of “Celtic Escapes” glamping and luxury lodges and holiday home ownership opportunities which have sold very quickly with the prominence of “staycations” over the last 2 years or so.
NACO: Where do you see the future of the Parks over the next 5 years?
HUW: I’m passionate in seeking out new ideas and implementing in Celtic. Recently launched “Charlies Celtic Tavern” is something truly unexpected, with a full size giraffe and upside down cow hanging from the ceiling! It’s been a delight to see guests and owners enjoying traditional holidays, with very non traditional facilities where Celtic have evolved over the years. We continue to develop new facilities, spas, cafes and restaurants, together with tree houses and additional glamping products. Safari tents, Stargazers, hot tubs and the overall vistas at the Park provide instagrammable moments much desired by guests discovering new experiences and sharing with others.
NACO: If you could give one statement of advice to anyone looking to get involved in the industry what would it be?
HUW: Listen to customers. Whilst we like to lead the way in development, it’s essential to take on board what customers want for their holiday, and improve guest experiences. We were recently awarded the Hoseasons Diamond Award for customer service voted through the experience of visitors themselves.
By listening we know and understand that guests still expect a great fun holiday, but would rather visit a cocktail bar than a clubhouse, enjoy gastro pub style meals and treatment rooms with first class facilities. Keep on delivering the magic … it’s fun as an owner and fun for the customer too.
For further information:
www.celticholidaypark.com/meadow
Tel: 01834 812 438
