Jan 1 2009 by David R. Jones, Daily Post

OWNERS of caravan parks in mid Wales have invested millions of pounds to make the sites some of the best in Europe, says a leading local industry figure.

Tony Bywater said that by working together the parks have attracted thousands of tourists to the region and have promoted caravanning as a holiday option.

“Mid Wales – both inland and at the Cambrian Coast – and the Heart of England now have some of the finest caravan parks in Europe and a series of national awards to prove it,” he said.

“By working together we continue to promote the image of our caravan parks as offering something special to owners from across the West Midlands and North West England.”

Mr Bywater is chief executive of Salop Leisure which has itself invested in excess of £5m in the seven mid Wales caravan parks that it owns in the past five years. The most recent investment, in 2008, was £2m at Min-y-Don Holiday Home Park, near Harlech Castle.

The company has sales centres in Machynlleth and Shrewsbury.

Mr Bywater added that the important contribution that the holiday home industry makes to the economy of mid Wales should not be underestimated.

He said: “In mid Wales alone, we estimate that holiday home parks generate around £90m a year for the region's economy, with caravan and chalet owners supporting a wide range of local businesses during their stay.

“Parks are now staying open for up to 10 months a year, so there is no such thing as a holiday season any longer.”