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Center Parcs has changed its booking system in time for the summer holidays

05 July 2023 , 14:10
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The iconic holiday camp has decided to drop its booking age requirement from 21 to 18 (Image: Publicity Picture)
The iconic holiday camp has decided to drop its booking age requirement from 21 to 18 (Image: Publicity Picture)

Teenagers are now allowed to enjoy holidays at Center Parcs without adult supervision for the first time.

The iconic holiday camp has decided to drop its booking age requirement from 21 to 18, meaning groups who've freshly finished secondary school can book a cabin.

As a result of the rule change young parents under 21 will be able to enjoy the facilities at the various Center Parcs locations for the first time, without an older adult accompanying them.

A Center Parcs spokesperson told the Mirror: “Center Parcs is a family short break destination, and we recognise that all families are different.

“As part of a regular review of our terms and conditions we made the change to ensure that younger families are also able to make special memories in our safe forest environment."

Woman in 30s dies at Center Parcs as police investigate 'unexplained' tragedy qhiukiuiqkzprwWoman in 30s dies at Center Parcs as police investigate 'unexplained' tragedy
Center Parcs has changed its booking system in time for the summer holidaysThe holiday camp has decided to let in younger groups (BPM MEDIA)

Susannah Streeter, from Hargreaves Lansdown, told The Sun. that the holiday firm had to remain attractive to Brits who may be tempted abroad with the prospect of guaranteed sun and cheap breaks.

She said: “Holidaymakers appear to have fallen back in love with the great British break, but risks remain to sustained growth for Center Parcs, particularly as the lure of the overseas trip is strengthening post-pandemic.

“Tapping into the young adult market, may also help even out the booking season, with the parks super-busy during school holidays and quieter during term time.

Center Parcs first opened in 1987 in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, and has since expanded to sites including Elveden Forest, Whinfell Forest and Woburn Forest.

Center Parcs has changed its booking system in time for the summer holidaysThe owners of Center Parcs are looking to sell it (Center Parcs)

It was reported in May that Center Parcs has been put up for sale, with owners Canadian private equity firm Brookfield said to be looking to roughly double the £2.5bn it paid to takeover the UK and Ireland holiday village chain in 2015.

It is said to be hoping to raise between £4bn and £5bn. More than two million people a year visit the six sites which consist of family-friendly forest cabins, with attractions including indoor waterparks.

Brookfield has reportedly appointed investment bankers to find potential buyers, according to the Financial Times.

Head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, Danni Hewson, told the BBC demand for Center Parks is expected to remain high in the near future with Covid seeing Brits opt for more staycations.

She said: "During the pandemic Brits rushed to snap up sought after places, but even with cash-strapped families ditching the extra 'staycation' in favour of one holiday, it's clear by the prices and availability that there's still more than enough business to go around - so far."

But she added that the cost of living crisis did potentially put a spanner in the works in terms of future growth.

Center Parcs is giving visitors money off if they rebookCenter Parcs is giving visitors money off if they rebook

Milo Boyd

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