TUI UK’s much-loved family resort concept ‘Holiday Villages’ is celebrating its 20th birthday, with a range of activities set to take place across the eight resorts over the summer. More than three million Brit’s have stayed in a Holiday Villages resort since the first one opened its doors in 2004, with the hotel brand fast becoming a staple for an all-inclusive family holiday.
‘Holiday Villages’ offer a great range of all-inclusive dining options including buffet and a la carte restaurants, snack bars and ice cream on tap. They are also a place where the whole family can be entertained from day to night, with kids clubs, High Ropes Courses, professionally run academies and HV Live – an evening entertainment program.
A recent survey by TUI UK revealed the essential elements for a great family holiday, according to the nation’s parents, with a water park (42 percent), a banging breakfast buffet (41 percent) and access to kid friendly food (41 percent) all featuring highly.
In addition, four in ten (37 percent) say an epic adventure playground HAS to be part of a perfect family holiday. A a good choice of restaurants (37 percent), unlimited ice cream on tap (36 percent), an all-inclusive resort (34 percent), a pool with a shallow end for small children (33 percent), giant pool inflatables to splash about with (25 percent), live music (25 percent) and making holiday friends (25 percent) also make the top 30 checklist.
One in six (18 percent) believe that keeping the little ones entertained at an all-day kids’ club is paramount, while 15 percent think a daily siesta is essential for a perfect family holiday.
The research also found that the average British families go on three breaks a year, with 46 percent of parents admitting that they take their children on more family holidays now than they went they were the same age.
TUI’s Holiday Villages Product Manager Natalie Johnson said: “Holidays have changed significantly over the last 20 years, but one thing is clear, spending time together as a family without the pressures of everyday life is the most important thing and we’re delighted to have created two decades of memorable family holidays.
“This research demonstrates that the formula for a perfect family holiday remains the same: a great range of all-inclusive dining options, exciting activities for the kids to enjoy, like our signature Aerial Adventure high ropes courses and entertainment options from day to night.”
Entertainer Saskia Rudge first visited a Holiday Village with her family when she was 14 years old and said she instantly fell in love with the concept.
“There was a world of activities at my feet including opportunities to dance and perform through the stage academy and evening entertainment. I was in awe of those on the entertainment team who would put on the most amazing shows, singing and dancing with cool screens and lighting. Almost five years later, I am now working within Holiday Village in the role that I looked up to for so many years. I still have so much love for all things Holiday Village and it’s so exciting to me that I could now be the one to inspire the future generations of performers, as well as bringing people the fun and excitement that they have waited all year for,” said Saskia.
In fact, British parents are so passionate about family holidays that 87 percent would take their extended family away with them, if money was no object.
A big swimming pool (46 percent), onsite entertainment that caters for everyone (45 percent), going all inclusive (45 percent) and having child friendly food (45 percent) are the key ingredients for keeping everyone smiling and cheerful.
According to British parents, the top international holiday destinations this year are Turkey (35 percent), Cyprus (31 percent), Majorca (28 percent), the South of France (24 percent) and Costa Del Sol (23 percent).
