A Devon-based marketing consultant has launched a new independent awards programme designed to recognise excellence across the UK’s holiday park industry.
The Holiday Park Awards, founded by former Beverley Holidays Head of Marketing Melanie Brook, will celebrate the parks, people and suppliers helping to shape one of Britain’s most important tourism sectors.
Entries will open on 22 September 2026, with finalists announced in February 2027 and the inaugural awards ceremony taking place on 22 April 2027.
The awards are expected to attract more than 150 entries from holiday parks, suppliers and industry professionals across the UK, with between 350 and 400 guests anticipated to attend the ceremony.
Brook, who now runs Devon-based JEM Marketing, spent four years working within the holiday park sector before launching the awards.
She said: “Throughout my career, I’ve entered and won awards on behalf of holiday parks, but I kept hearing the same thing from operators across the country. Many felt there simply weren’t enough relevant opportunities to showcase what they do.
“Smaller and independent parks often told me they were competing against some of the biggest operators in the country for a very small number of awards. Others had no meaningful sector-specific awards available to them at all.”
The programme will feature 34 award categories, including dedicated awards for holiday parks, suppliers and individual achievements. Unlike many existing programmes, the awards will also recognise holiday home ownership experience, an area rarely acknowledged within industry awards despite its importance to operators and owners alike.
The initiative has already attracted support from across the sector, with Parks in Video, Holidaymaker App and Newton Abbot based Parklink confirmed as sponsors ahead of entries opening in September this year.
Brook added: “Holiday parks make a huge contribution to local economies, support thousands of jobs and create memorable experiences for millions of holidaymakers every year. These awards are about recognising the people and businesses making that happen.
“Being based in Devon, I’m particularly passionate about showcasing the fantastic parks we have here in the South West while creating a platform that celebrates excellence across the whole of the UK.”
An independent judging panel will assess entries, with finalists announced in February 2027.
Further information can be found at holidayparkawards.co.uk.
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