August holidays by the seaside are being sold with up to pack and go.
The holidays are all cancellations, some with a short-fuse starting date of just days.
Park Holidays UK says a sharp rise in bookings this year has inevitably meant an increase in the number of people having to make last-minute changes of plan.
When this happens, the holidays are reduced sharply in price for 48 hours, and made available only to people calling the company’s “cancelled deals desk”.
The group, which owns 26 holiday parks in Southern and Western England, says that quick-fire sales enable it to make big savings in administration costs.
Its cancellations desk opens for one hour every day between 1.00pm and 2.00pm – and families are offered a choice of suddenly available dates and destinations.
A recent example was a three-night stay for six at Golden Sands holiday park in Dawlish, Devon, sold originally for £658.00, and discounted by 60% to £269.00.
If holidays remain unsold after 48 hours, they are marked up to avoid:
“Putting cancelled holidays back intor of Park Holidays UK.
“The holidays have already been specified by the original custop-grade accommodation or extras such as meal vouchers.
“Many people this year have shunned overseas holidays, which means there are even more last-minute bargains available,” added Tony.
There is, he emphasises, no element of a “mystery buy” about the holidays; custo commit.
Park Holiday UK’s cancellations desk is open between 1.00pm and 2.00pm every day of the week, and is accessed on a special number: 0343 178 7090.
The locations of parks and details of their facilities can be found at www.ParkHolidays.com.