Breaking old patterns is difficult. I know all about it: after 17 years at Kontour, I still regularly automatically answer the phone with Hielke "...from Kontour." Oh no! I'm from Recreation now. It's tempting to get used to things. The recreation market has also been following the same path for years. But: patterns that were logical for a long time could easily hinder further professionalization today. That calls for a fresh perspective on existing challenges!
Recreation is starting this year knowledge partner at Pretwerk.nl. They will inform our platform readers about new concepts and current dilemmas in the holiday park and hotel market. If there's a topic you'd like to learn more about, please send your article suggestion to redactie@pretwerk.nl
editors Pretwerk.nl
Dare to look ahead
Many holiday park and hotel owners focus heavily on day-to-day operations, while the product itself – the holiday homes – is outdated at a large number of parks and no longer meets the needs and wishes of guests.
At the end of last year, I took off my hard hat. With our new company, Rekreation, I can apply my knowledge of the market and development (in the broadest sense) from a different perspective: that of the owner with a long-term vision. Something that has always occupied me can now be put front and center. And the more I delve into this, the more convinced I become that an integrated approach combined with innovation can lead to a new step in the professionalization of our market. In short: try to address the bigger picture over the long term, with innovative adjustments. Don't focus on where you will be at the end of this year, but on where you need to be as a whole in a few years.
Approach your vision as a single organization, instead of "different islands" running the park independently, with diverse interests and different revenue models, sometimes with conflicting approaches, without seeing the true need for innovation. But: innovation is more desirable than ever.
Need a little help?
Sooner or later, the vast existing stock of holiday homes will have to be made more sustainable. That's the perfect time to take a much more commercially oriented approach to real estate and streamline the entire operation. This can be achieved by leveraging all the innovations already available on the market, but currently only used sporadically.
And it's precisely this aspect of sustainability that often causes entrepreneurs to stumble. Because it requires a huge investment! And the houses should last a while longer, right?
No! Let go of this short-term thinking. Develop a plan for sustainability and upgrades and take control of the entire operation. Look at this from the perspective of an asset manager. Asset management is about how to keep the real estate (the assets) in good condition for the long term and throughout their entire life cycle. First, determine your strategy: who will your (new) target group be, what (re)positioning will you choose, and what does this new target group want to experience? The clearer your strategy, the better you can make the right choices in materials, layout, and systems, as well as in park development and nature. The good choices you make today will literally carry over into the future!
With such a solid plan, banks and other financiers know their cash flow will be secure for the coming years, and they're much more likely to be willing to help. Because one thing is crystal clear: we'll continue to go on vacation, and the number of foreign tourists will only increase in the coming years.
With thanks to (editor of this article):
Hielke Tillema, director of Recreation
"It's very difficult to see the forest for the trees. That's why we want to support park owners and developers in realizing the full potential of their location or park, with a fresh perspective from the outside. No loose advice or reports that ultimately disappear into a drawer, but guidance at the strategic level, including the actual implementation. So that the dreams from the concept phase ultimately come to life in the finest details, in terms of real estate, park design, the right software, and smart technology. This leaves more time for what truly matters: running your business and giving guests an unforgettable stay. We'd love to dream with you!"
Hielke Tillema