A Padstourism providers was praised this summer by its local MP Scott Mann.
The North Cornwall MP was invited to cut the tape on the business’s new reception and office building.
Located just a short distance from seven idyllic sandy beaches, the park was acquired by family-owned Kerdene just over fifteen years ago.
Then providing just very basic guest accommodation, it has now been transformed into own a holiday home.
St Merryn Park today provides around 300 holidays lodges and other leisure properties, all set in landscaped grounds near the area’s spectacular coastline.
Open throughout the year, features include tennis courts, a sports field, children’s play areas, a shop with Cornish food and drink specialities, and a restaurant and bar.
Mr Mann was shown around the park by co-owner Leigh Ibbotson who told the MP that St Merryn’s holidaymakers spend over £2.25 million annually in the region.
The majority of this, said Mr Ibbotson, benefitted many other small and often family-run businesses which are heavily dependent on tourism for survival.
Centrepiece of the park is now its new near-£100,000 reception and office building which was opened by Mr Mann at a tape-cutting ceremony.
As well as providing a smart and modern check-in and information resource for guests, the premises also include a hairdressers and beauty treatment facility.
The MP congratulated the family on its achievements in creating a high quality environment where couples and families could enjoy the best of Cornish hospitality.
Mr Mann said he recognised the valuable role played by holiday parks such as St Merryn in supporting the region’s tourism economy, and the jobs it sustains.
He also praised the park’s status as being one of only two holiday parks in the UK which are accredited by the fair-pay lobbying body, the Living Wage Foundation:
“St Merryn Holiday Park is a great and growing success sto open their new offices,” said Mr Mann.
“The park is a champion of the living wage, and is an asset to them on their expansion and growth,” added Mr Mann.
Mr Ibbotson said his family’s business is a keen supporter of the organisation’s aims, and he has addressed other business in the South West on the benefits of being a living wage payer.
There is more information about the park at www.kerdene.co.uk