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Al Fresco Holidays guests encouraged to book their 2022 break now, as travel demand rockets

The UK based tour operator Al Fresco Holidays has seen an increase in accommodation bookings, with demand for its European park-based holidays soaring. The surge in interest comes as testing rules for foreign travel are eased by the British government and entry requirements across the channel are relaxed. What’s more, the company’s own customer research suggests Brits are more determined to take an overseas holiday this year than there were at the start of 2021. With more than 50 destinations across France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Croatia and the Netherlands, Al Fresco Holidays customers can choose from a great range of locations, all offering superb dining options, great kid’s activities, and outstanding sporting facilities. Travellers are urged to Do More this Summer by booking their 2022 Al Fresco Holidays escape now, to ensure they secure the park of their choice and the accommodation type to best suit their party.

Al Fresco Holidays first saw a spike in bookings in early January as the PCR testing requirements were scrapped for returning holidaymakers, before demand swelled further as it became apparent that France would be dropping its ban on British tourists entering the country. The announcement this week that remaining testing rules for those travelling back to England will be ditched all together from the 11 February, has further fuelled demand. Bookings levels are up across all Al Fresco Holidays destinations, with interest in French and Italian parks particularly strong.

(Sanguli Park Costa Dorada Spain)

In December 2021, Al Fresco Holidays conducted consumer research amongst its own database of UK holidaymakers*, exploring the ways in which the pandemic has changed people’s attitudes to travel. The results of the research suggest that consumers are more determined to travel overseas in 2022, with 60% of respondents saying they are likely to book more foreign travel this year compared to 2021. There was also evidence to indicate that travellers are more inclined to choose overseas destinations that do not require a flight, with a shift in preference to ferry travel over flights where possible.

(Bella Italia Lake Garda Italy)

With an Al Fresco Holidays trip, guests can make the most of the great outdoors and reconnect with loved ones once again. They can choose from several accommodation types to suit every budget and a range of party sizes, think family friendly, spacious, stylish mobile homes with quality furnishings, modern amenities, and outdoor decking areas. By booking a holiday now with a deposit of just £99, savvy holidaymakers can enjoy up to 40%** off their 2022 escape, with offers on Easter, half-term and the school summer holidays available now.

As travel to Europe continues to open, the safety and the financial protection of all its customers remains Al Fresco Holidays’ top priority. For this reason, the company continues to offer its Covid Promise, which provides peace of mind across every aspect of a holiday. For any holiday booked in 2022 that needs to be cancelled because of FCDO travel advice, a full refund can be provided, and guests can move the dates of their holiday up to seven days before departure without any charge. Additionally, as an ABTA and ATOL protected company, everyone’s holiday is in good hands.

More news from Al Fresco Holidays

Relax and unwind with Al Fresco Holidays’ new offering in the Netherlands

The Camping 't Hop park in the Netherlands is new to the Al Fresco Holidays brand in 2022, and offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation deep in the Dutch countryside. Easily accessible by car from the Hook of Holland (via ferry from Harwich), the site is located among Friesland's green meadows, forests, and canals. The park provides a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of family-friendly activities, including football, table tennis and fishing facilities. Guests can choose to swim at the heated on-site indoor pool or take a dip in the nearby crystal clear Slotermeer lake. Boat, paddleboard, and canoe hire is available throughout the season, allowing holidaymakers to discover the network of nearby beautiful low-lying waterways. The adventure continues back on dry land, with bike hire available and superb cycle routes to explore. Kids will love the animal farm and playground, and grown-ups will enjoy the park’s traditional restaurant with an outdoor area and cosy interior.

A new five-star holiday option in the south of France

The Domaine de la Yole campsite in France is also new to Al Fresco Holidays guests this year. The five-star park has its own vineyard and farm, conveniently located close to Béziers airport in the historic province of Languedoc. With four pools, waterslides, and a sandy beach just a short walk away, it is a destination that is ready-made for family fun. The park offers a variety of on-site sporting activities including archery, mini-golf and tennis, while the large bar and terrace is the perfect spot to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Béziers itself is situated ten miles to the north of Domaine de la Yole and is rich in Roman and medieval heritage, with a magnificent gothic Cathedral at its centre. Renowned for its eclectic food and shopping scene, the city is the capital of the Languedoc wine industry and is the ideal place to sample the regional produce.

The return of a French favourite

Les Prairies de la Mer is an excellent holiday park on the French Riviera, perfect for families with older children and for sun worshipers of all ages. Benefiting from direct access to a beautiful sandy beach, Les Prairies de la Mer is just a five-minute walk from the bustling seaside town of Port Grimaud, with its stylish bars and restaurants. The park boasts two impressive lagoon pools and there is a luxurious spa with an outdoor jacuzzi. During the day guests can try their hand at horse riding, windsurfing, tennis, archery and more; and come the evening, live bands feature amongst the extensive programme of entertainment. With travel to Europe challenging during the pandemic, Al Fresco Holidays paused sales of the resort in 2021, but is delighted to announce that the park is back on sale for 2022 by popular demand.

New splashtastic facilities

Al Fresco Holidays and its partners continually invest in the holiday product, ensuring guests can expect the best when it comes to in-resort facilities.

In 2020, a new waterpark opened at the Pra Delle Torri resort on Italy’s Venetian Riviera. It features six slides, including a white-knuckle ride called the 'Aquatube'. In 2022 the waterpark will be further expanded to include the spectacular 'Space Boat' slide and the 'Blackhole'.
La Vallee is a popular family park on the Normandy coast with an onsite aqua complex, featuring fantastic waterslides, including the awesome ‘Space Bowl’. For 2022 the water facilities are being extended with a brand-new jungle themed ‘Spray Park’.
La Chapelle is a lively park set in lush grounds in historic Roussillon in the south of France. The large waterpark onsite has several brilliant new waterslides for the 2022 season as well as a new aqua playground, suitable for children of all ages.

Go There
A seven-night, self-catered stay at La Vallee park in Normandy, arriving 11 June 2022, is priced from £502 for a two-bedroom Azure mobile home, which sleeps up to six (was £708, saving 30%)**. The park is 40 minutes from the ferry terminal at Caen, where Brittany Ferries operate a daily service to and from Portsmouth.

* The survey was sent to 100,000 recent British and Irish Al Fresco Holidays and Eurocamp customers and enquirers on 10 and 13 December 2021. There were 1,676 respondents.

** For full details about the Al Fresco Holidays offers and for terms and conditions, visit the website. Price quoted excludes travel although transport can be arranged through Al Fresco Holidays.

To start planning your Al Fresco Holidays visit: www.alfresco-holidays.com or call 0161 332 8900

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