MP GRAHAM STUART flew the flag for East Yorkshire tourism this spring when he paid a visit to family-run Willow Pastures Country Park in Skirlaugh.
His visit came in the wake of this year’s English Tourism Week which puts the spotlight on England’s tourism sector, and the huge annual contribution it makes to the UK economy.
Mr Stuart, who is MP for Beverley and Holderness, toured Willow Pastures with members of the Cook family who opened the park in early 2018 as a new development.
Since then, it has gained a reputation as one of East Riding’s most highly-regarded parks for couples and families wishing to own a luxury holiday lodge to enjoy regular escapes.
The top-end lodges provide a host of pampering features such as private hot tubs, and are set in landscaped surroundings deep in the countryside, but just a short distance from Hull.
The MP heard how the family, which has developed a number of well-established businesses in the area, has invested substantially to provide a first-class holiday environment.
Mr Stuart also saw a recently completed development of 20 new lodges sited on the park, and learned that Willow Pastures had recently gained consent for a further 18 lodges.
Park Owners, Emily and Vanston Cook, showed the MP around the facilities available to owners, including a new mini-spa and farm-style shop with regional specialities.
Mrs Cook said that park customers make a valuable contribution to the local economy by their spending in other nearby businesses such as shops, attractions, restaurants and pubs.
She told Mr Stuart that recent research had showed England’s holiday parks sector to be generating over £9.2 billion of annual spending and helping to sustain over 170,000 FTE jobs.
Mrs Cook said: “We were delighted that Mr Stuart was able to join us at Willow Pastures, and to learn more about our business and how we help attract visitors to East Yorkshire.
“He has long been a champion of the holidays parks sector and the holiday home manufacturing industry, and has a thorough grasp of both the opportunities and challenges we face.
“We are looking forward to a very busy year ahead, and are grateful for the support which Mr Stuart provides to this and our company’s other businesses,” added Mrs Cook.
Speaking after his visit, Graham Stuart said: “East Riding is one of the best places in the country, and Willow Pastures provides the perfect place for people to enjoy all our region has to offer.
“Emily, Vanston and their team have been ambitious in their investment in our area, and I am delighted to see the plans I first saw in 2019 become a reality.
“They are creating jobs, supporting local shops and giving tourists from across the UK a fantastic place to stay. Willow Pastures is an asset to our town,” said Mr Stuart.
Willow Pastures also provides a sub-letting service for owners wishing to create a second income by letting out their lodges at chosen times of the year.
Other businesses in the family company include a country store, national fencing contracting and a popular garden and shopping centre in Skirlaugh.
There is more information about the park on its website at www.willowpastures.co.uk