DEMAND for caravan holiday homes at parks across mid Wales is booming after lockdown according to a dealership with a base in Machynlleth.

Salop Leisure, based at Treowain Industrial Estate in Machynlleth, is reporting high demand for holiday homes at both inland and coastal mid Wales parks.

The company says sales of caravan holiday homes on some parks are significantly up on the same time last year and vacant pitches across the region are being snapped up.

It supplies caravan holiday homes and lodges to more than 100 parks across Powys, Ceredigion and the Meirionnydd region of Gwynedd.

One coastal park reported 60 pre-booked appointments in the first week after reopening following the coronavirus lockdown restrictions. An inland mid Wales park reported 16 new customer enquiries on the first day of reopening.

“Pitches that were vacant on many mid Wales parks at the start of the year are now full”, said Salop Leisure’s managing director Dylan Roberts.

“The feedback we are receiving is that customers are planning to holiday in mid Wales for the foreseeable future, not just this year. Covid-19 and also Brexit are key considerations when people are planning their future holidays.

“Staycationing is definitely a strong trend and Mid Wales seems to be a very popular destination, which is great news for the region’s tourism industry and all associated businesses.

“Many small businesses across Mid Wales who rely on tourism have suffered at the hands of cheap flights and European package holidays in recent years. The tables could now be turned.

“Uncertainty about airlines, restrictions on foreign travel and the progress of the pandemic in other countries makes people apprehensive about leaving this country.”

He added: “It’s reassuring to know that most holiday home parks have achieved ‘We’re Good To Go’ status, the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.”