Bookings at Pontin’s Blackpool increasing as the company launches its 2009 programme
Following their recent announcement that festive 2008 bookings overall are up by 11% on 2007 and that summer bookings for 2009 are up 20%, Pontin’s have confirmed that business at the Blackpool Holiday Centre is doing even better with summer bookings for 2009 up 24% on this time last year and the festive period being up on 2008 with over 3,000 guests visiting the centre.
Chief Executive, Ian Smith, said “ We are very pleased with the performance of the Blackpool centre and the recent Lancashire Excellence in Tourism Skills Awards (LETS) evening held at the centre showed the versatility of the management and staff.
Blackpool are also to be congratulated for achieving a star rating in the VisitBritain Quality in Tourism and the Entertainment team won the “Show of the Year” against fierce competition from the other six holiday centres.”
This announcement comes as Pontin’s launches its 2009 programme with prices slashed by up to 40% against last year’s brochure and a range of early booking offers including £50 Pontin’s Pounds spending money on seven night holidays and three or four night self-catering breaks from £20 per person. But the operator has stated that these prices and deals are only available until 28th February when prices will go up in a new brochure to be published on 1st March 2009.
Ian Smith, Chief Executive, said “we are committed to providing outstanding value for money British family holiday breaks. Whilst continuing to offer top quality entertainment from the likes of Joe Pasquale, Duncan James and our Bluecoats; a range of leisure activities and accommodation, we will also offer savings in our shops, amazing meal deals, big value voucher packs and good service to ensure unbeatable value for our guests at a time when everyone needs a break but is concerned about their budget.”
He continued, “new for 2009 - www.pontins.com/pricechecker - where families can compare our brochure prices against those of other holiday operators such as Butlin’s, Haven and Park Resorts. We have also created Mr Pontastic – the consumer champion of outstanding value for money. He appears in the brochure, on the web site and all around the business to ensure we focus on outstanding value for money in everything we do. We are confident in saying “if you think you have found a better value British Family Holiday elsewhere, then take it.”
The fresh, fun and easy to read brochure includes details of the seven Pontin’s holiday centres in England and Wales and over 50 activities which are included in the price (see editor’s notes) plus what’s new at Pontin’s and the early booking offers.
A redesigned web site will provide up to date information through links to www.pontins.com/entertainment a new video clip gallery, 360-degree tour of facilities, latest prices and price checks through www.pontins.com/pricechecker
New for 2009
a) Amongst the entertainment line up already booked for 2009 – top comedian Joe Pasquale and Duncan James – ex boy band Blue and the new web site www.pontins.com/entertainment for the very latest updates on forthcoming entertainment/.
b) Florence’s Ballet School – the little ones can take part in the classes ready for the big show.
c) Circus School – juggling, stilt walking, uni-cycling and loads more with the professionals
d) Strictly Dance Fever – a chance to learn the dances performed by the celebrities and professionals without getting voted off!
e) Skint or Mint Big Screen Game Show and It’s a Croc Out Family Challenge
f) WiFi kiosks at Camber Sands, Brean Sands and Prestatyn Sands
g) Waterwalkers – the human hamster ball lets you run, roll, flip and spin on water without getting wet.
h) Spectacular events – themed regional breaks with the opportunity to enjoy special events happening close to the centres e.g. Grand National Breaks, Southport; Lowestoft Air Festival; Bodelwyddan Mediaeval Festival, Prestatyn Sands and many more
Price Examples up to 28th February 2009
High Season prices - based on Classic one bedroom accommodation on 18th July
Seven nights self catering at Southport for a family of four - £315 i.e. £11.25 per person per night
Seven nights half board at Blackpool for a family of four – £646 i.e. £23 per person per night
Low Season prices – based Classic one bedroom accommodation
Three nights self catering at Southport (19th June) for a family of four - £155 i.e. £13 per person per night
Three nights half board at Blackpool for a family of four (5th June) - £268 i.e. £22 per person per night
For further information about Pontin’s Outstanding Value for Money British Breaks: visit the web site at www.pontins.com, telephone 0844 499 4242 or visit your travel agent.
