Finalist in the Go North Wales Tourism Awards
wo of the most popular and sought-after holiday parks in North Wales have been nominated and reached the finals in a prestigious industry award event.
Marine Holiday Park in Rhyl and Tan Rallt Holiday Home Park and Spa in Abergele – both run by the Williams’ family – are on the short-list at the highly-acclaimed Go North Wales Tourism Awards, which celebrate their 30th anniversary this year.
Marine Holiday Park, well-known for its work throughout the pandemic supporting hundreds of NHS staff by offering free accommodation and at a time when the park was taking zero in holiday-maker revenues, is one of three finalists in the Go Resilience & Innovation sector. The park is also a finalist in the Go Holiday Park of the Year category.
Tan Rallt has also been named as one of three finalists in the Go Holiday Park of the Year category.
Hundreds of entries have been received for this year’s Go North Wales Tourism Awards which were unable to take place last year as a result of the pandemic.
Wyn Williams, Managing Director and Owner of both parks, said: “It has been a very tough year for the industry – like many other industries of course – with us all facing unknown and very treacherous waters. So to now be nominated – and indeed reach the finals – in these prestigious awards, really is something very special.
“This recognition is absolute testament to the hard work and commitment – and indeed resilience – of all of the team here. Every single one of them has gone above and beyond to not only ensure we pulled through this extremely challenging time but that we were also able to give our holidaymakers and indeed holiday home owners, the very best break/holidays which were both in a safe but also fun and enjoyable environment.
“We did what we felt was right in our hearts at the time and when everyone was experiencing difficult times we offered free accommodation to hundreds of NHS staff. We didn’t do it for recognition – I am a father, a husband and just genuinely wanted to support. You do what is right at that moment, despite not taking any revenues from holiday-makers, we just felt we had to and indeed wanted to support the incredible work of our nurses and doctors.
“Everyone here is now quite emotional when we look back at what we have come through – and to now be recognised by the industry’s finest!”
Throughout the pandemic, Wyn and his team worked to create a safe environment where people would be allowed to return to holiday as soon as Government rules allowed – but at the same time tried to balance safety with ensuring everyone could have the best time possible.
Park owners invested more than £500k at Marine during lockdown, including developing stylish beach huts where holiday-makers could sit and enjoy a drink – socially distanced and with table service. An outdoor BBQ area, ice cream parlour, a new adventure playground, and play area were also developed with the team ensuring they spent their time in lock-down improving all facilities for guests.
Fast-track and contactless check-in was also introduced, allowing guests to check in from their cars and without the need to queue.
Meanwhile, at Tan Rallt, a new outdoor covered seating area was created enabling guests to still enjoy the park’s fine dining; a new spa therapist was recruited pioneering the latest treatments and products available in the beauty industry and all within a covid-safe environment.
In addition to this, the parks have an ethos to always source locally and recruit a local workforce – something they have continued to honour post pandemic.
