Blue Chip Holidays Launches New Lodge Holiday Concept

Exeter-based Blue Chip Holidays, the South West’s largest four and five star self catering holiday specialist, has announced the launch of its new lodge holiday concept with the appointment of Sam Wrigglesworth who joins the business as Head of Lodges. Sam joins from Hoseasons Holidays where he was Business Development Manager with responsibility for the growth of its Lodges and Parks division nationally.

Sam’s appointment is part of Blue Chip Holidays’ ambitious plans to increase its property portfolio from 890 properties to in excess of 1,200. The launch of the new lodge division, headed by Sam, will focus on filling a gap in the market for a collection of high-end lodge developments in the South West and across the UK.

The business, which already has a selection of more than 75 individual lodges and some small collections, is looking to work closely with larger developers and site owners to expand on this fast growing sector. Already this year strong trading and the addition of a range of new luxury lodges in Devon, Wales and Somerset at South View Lodges just outside Exeter, Strawberryfield Park near Wells, and Black Hall Lodges near Knighton, has led to record booking levels.

By the end of 2014 Blue Chip Holidays aims to have in excess of 200 four and five star lodges for its customers to choose from. These will be supported by the dedicated lodge area on its website, a bespoke reservation system and tailored administration solution to meet the specific needs of lodge developers and owners.

Commenting on his appointment Sam Wrigglesworth said: “The lodge market in the South West and the wider UK is faced with a fragmented ownership base, a high volume of independent operators and only one key agency player. There’s a great deal of disparity in quality and no clear standout leader focussing on high end lodges. Through the launch of our dedicated new lodge proposition we aim to own this space, providing both a better experience and service to customers, and superior returns to owners and investors.”

He added: “Lodges are the new boom in the market providing high end, contemporary 4 and 5 star self-catering properties in secluded settings, which are perfect for couples, families and groups of friends. My goal is to identify lodge developments that meet the needs of our customers and have the potential for high returns for investors. Following a near sell-out summer and strong forward bookings for 2014, we are in a very good position to match strong demand from our affluent customers with a much larger number of high end holiday lodges.”

Commenting on Sam’s appointment Alan Taylor, Managing Director of Blue Chip Holidays, said: “Sam has superb industry experience and an intimate knowledge and understanding of the lodge sector. Having headed up an equivalent division at The Hoseason’s Group his insight, commercial expertise and first-hand experience of working in partnership with lodge owners puts him in an excellent position to help developers and investors maximise bookings and income. We look forward developing this important part of our business.”

Lodge owners and investors interested in contacting Sam Wrigglesworth should call: 08453228387. Alternatively owners can visit www.bluechipowners.co.uk