NEWS RELEASE: Cutting Across The UK Holiday Market 30 Mar 09
It will be the end of an era for Blue Chip Vacations, the largest provider of luxury 4 & 5 star rated holiday accommodation in the South West, when founder, and Property Portfolio Manager, Sylvia Cutting retires from the business at the end of this month.
Experienced in the property industry, Sylvia set up Blue Chip Vacations in 1999 when her son-in-law Liam Gavin (now the company’s managing director) purchased property on a luxury development at Brixham harbour which she let out for him when not in use. Soon other owners began to ask her to manage properties for them too and the company was underway.
Sylvia comments “I realised early on that there was a definite gap in the UK market for high-end holiday home lettings. It was always my aim to bring the joy of the fantastic accommodation I had experienced abroad to people at home, so for me the main focus has always been the standard of the accommodation and what we can offer our prospective clients.”
Blue Chip Vacations now has over 550 4 & 5 star properties across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset and is the largest provider of luxury accommodation in the South West and fastest growing self-catering holiday business in the UK. Going from strength to strength the company even appears to be recession proof, earlier this year reporting a 55% increase in bookings for 2009 compared to the same period a year ago, and currently recruiting to capitalise on this growth and lay solid long-term foundations for the business by adding 25% more staff across the business.
Managing Director, Liam Gavin comments, “Sylvia’s vision and drive has been the backbone of this company from day one. She saw that the public wanted something more than the traditional British seaside guest house and as the market for such holidays declined she was quick to provide the top spec accommodation they sought. She’s going to be greatly missed, but perhaps now she can sit back, glass of something sparkling in hand, and enjoy seeing the successful business she has created continue its growth and develop as a national brand. These are certainly exciting times for the company and Sylvia can be very proud of what she has created.”
www.bluechipvacations.com
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Notes To Editors:
Blue Chip Vacations has over 500 4 and 5 star rated properties on its books across the West Country.
The company is the largest provider of 4 and 5 star holiday accommodation across South West UK and the fastest growing self-catering holiday company in the UK.
By letting a property through an agency such as BCV, owners can benefit from favourable CGT and inheritance tax treatment, as well as the new ‘entrepreneurs relief’ announced last November.
Blue Chip Vacations has recently signed the new Peter de Savary properties at Babbacombe, Devon include 2 period apartments, originally fishermen’s cottages, and a 4 bedroom detached cottage. They are available for rental from the beginning of May.
Blue Chip Vacations recently won a silver award at the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards in the category of Tourism Website of the Year, and was awarded the silver award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) last year.
For further details, contact:
Simon Whittam on 01752 823414
enquiries@swpr.org.uk
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NEWS RELEASE: ENVIRONMENTAL HOLS IN THE SOUTH WEST – EASTER AVAILABILITY
With sustainability and green issues now much in the consciousness of holidaymakers as they plan their yearly breaks, Blue Chip Vacations, the largest provider of 4 & 5 star luxury rated holiday accommodation in the South West has always been an advocate for preserving the environment. A member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK, BCV not only offsets its own carbon emissions but offers holidaymakers the opportunity to offset the emissions from their Blue Chip Vacations stay too, with all monies raised donated to the World Land Trust . Businesses opting to join the GTBS are assessed against a rigorous set of criteria covering areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. Following its work on office energy efficiency Blue Chip Vacations has been awarded the Silver GTBS award.
Two brand new properties to the Blue Chip Vacations portfolio, which fit with its environmental aspirations completely, are to be found nestled quietly in tranquil countryside at the foot of the stunning Quantock Hills. Situated beside a lake in the hamlet of Mill Cross (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Mill Meadow is an exclusive development of 18 luxury timber Eco-Holiday Homes.
Each Eco-Home is manufactured in Finland using the highest quality, slow grown timber with the most advanced manufacturing and construction methods in Europe, and as such provide a highly rated ecologically friendly holiday home. Integrated into the design are ground and air source heat pumps; under floor heating; solar hot water; solar electric; rain harvesting; low energy lighting; and excellent levels of insulation including triple glazed windows. Each new home is also fitted with at least one bird and bat box and all landscaped areas of the complex are carefully managed to encourage and maintain the diversity of wildlife. Sensitive management of the habitat has resulted in significant increases in badgers, foxes, bats and all manner of birdlife, flora and fauna.
Blue Chip Vacations represents two of the eco-lodges, Woodpecker Lodge and Kingfisher Lodge, both sleeping 6. A short walk to the sought after village of Kingston St Mary with its beautiful church, thatched cottages, mews and welcoming local pub, whichever way you turn you find yourself strolling or cycling along miles of leaf lined lanes with rolling fields and the Quantock Hills and Exmoor stretching out before you. Nearby activities include local stables, with trails across the bridleways and hill trails. Fishing in the local lakes and rivers or enjoy watching the Somerset County Cricket Club.
WOODPECKER LODGE, Kingston St Mary, Somerset - Sleeps 6
Easter weeks beginning 4 & 11 April – £637pw
Weeks beginning 18 & 25 April – £539pw
Weeks beginning 2, 9 & 16 May – £571pw
Bank Holiday week beginning 23 May – £876
KINGFISHER LODGE, Kingston St Mary, Somerset - Sleeps 6
Weeks beginning 21 & 28 March – £449pw
Easter weeks beginning 4 & 11 April – £637pw
Weeks beginning 18 & 25 April – £539pw
Weeks beginning 2, 9 & 16 May – £571pw
Bank Holiday week beginning 23 May – £876
Meanwhile, over in Devon….
History meets modern day luxury in three beautifully restored cottages at Old Manor Farm, close to Watcome Beach, Torquay. The Barns are part of The Old Manor Farmhouse, a 16th Century listed Devon longhouse, and all have retained much original character with stunning oak beams enfolded by the cob and stone structure, as well as high, beamed vaulted ceilings.
Modern luxuries have been introduced such as king-size beds, roll top baths, TV/DVDs and washing machines to name a few. For further pampering, on-site massages, manicures, pedicures and facials can also be booked. Nearby there is an excellent selection of local shops while close too is Torquay town centre, the harbour and beaches and its diverse range of activities – shops, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, bars, clubs, golf, sailing, tennis, squash, diving, fishing, tenpin and green bowling, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and pools! All three cottages – Sweet Rose; Honeysuckle and The Barn - can be booked together to accommodate parties of up to 14 guests.
SWEET ROSE, Sleeps 2
A cosy romantic retreat, whether celebrating an anniversary, Valentine’s, honeymoon or just simply a lovely break together; but also for the individual for that extra luxury and peace.
Weeks beginning 21 & 28 March – £230pw
Weeks beginning 4 & 11 April – £326pw
Weeks beginning 18 & 25 April – £276pw
HONEYSUCKLE, Sleeps 4
A two bedroom property, beautifully refurbished. Like Sweet Rose and The Barn this also has Wi-Fi access for guests bringing their own laptops.
4-10 April – £483
Week beginning 25 April – £442
Weeks beginning 2, 9 & 16 May – £469pw
Bank Holiday Week beginning 23 May – £720
THE BARN, Sleeps 8
Ideal for the extended family or two families holidaying together as the main beds can be configured as required.
Week beginning 29 March – £545
Week beginning 4 April – £728
Weeks beginning 18 & 25 April – £615pw
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NEWS RELEASE: UK TOURISM CRITICAL TO REPAIRING THE UK ECONOMY
Contact: 01752 823414 18 March 2009
As VisitBritain and UKinbound gear up for the third British Tourism Week, 23-29 March 2009, Blue Chip Vacations, the largest provider of luxury 4 & 5 star rated holiday accommodation in the South West, calls for more Government support for the industry.
Managing Director, Liam Gavin comments, “Tourism is Britain’s fifth largest industry – worth £114billion, 8.2% of the nation’s economy. It can provide a valuable stepping-stone to fulfilling, long-term employment for people who might otherwise be excluded from the workforce. During this period of economic slowdown the UK holiday sector is one of the few positive success stories around. Many sectors are experiencing significant slowdown but we are actively recruiting and adding 25% more staff across the business. There will obviously be challenges ahead, but we are expecting a good year for UK tourism.”
Blue Chip Vacations recently reported a 55% increase in bookings for 2009, compared to the same period a year ago. It represents over 500 handpicked 4 & 5 star properties across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Each property chosen for its stunning location, amazing coastal or rural views or hi-spec interior. Properties are reviewed each year to ensure they meet the high standard set not only by Blue Chip Vacations, but also by Quality in Tourism.
Bernard Donoghue, co-chairman of British Tourism Week comments, “This year more of us are considering taking a holiday at home instead of overseas thanks to the economic climate. Every day, more of us are inspired by the appeals of heritage sites and historic buildings, our stunning countryside and cinematic landscapes or contemporary cities. We want to ensure that the many sectors that make up our industry are prepared to unite in generating a lasting legacy.”
Launched in 2007 the aim of British Tourism Week is to demonstrate that tourism is critical to the UK economy. BTW 2009 will highlight the contribution made by businesses large and small, public and commercial to galvanise the commitment of organisations and individuals to further improve and develop the industry.
Liam Gavin continues, “The World Tourism Authority (WTO) is forecasting the industry will see an average growth of 4.1% over the next 5 years. In these troubled times it makes sense to capitalise on industries that – in part due to the weak pound – are thriving. In 2007 the UK ranked sixth in the international tourism earnings league, behind the USA, Spain, France, Italy and China, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t top it in 2009.”
VisitBritain’s Chief Executive Tom Wright CBE comments, “Tourism’s importance to the UK’s economy is often unappreciated, despite continued growth and record numbers of visitors. Our industry suffers when we fail to recognise that every business contributes to a greater whole. Together, during British Tourism Week, we hope to change the perception that the different sectors – from transport and tour operators to accommodation providers, travel agencies and attractions – operate independently.”
For further details, contact:
Simon Whittam on 01752 823 414
or 07802 416 420
enquiries@simonwhittam.co.uk www.bluechipvacations.com
Notes To Editors:
Blue Chip Vacations has over 500 4 and 5 star rated properties on its books across the West Country.
The company is the largest provider of 4 and 5 star holiday accommodation across South West UK and the fastest growing self-catering holiday company in the UK.
Blue Chip Vacations recently won a silver award at the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards in the category of Tourism Website of the Year, and was awarded the silver award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) earlier this year.
British Tourism Week culminates with the Best of Britain and Ireland trade and consumer event at London’s Excel from 26-29 March. The week is organised by VisitBritain and UKinbound with the support of the Tourism Alliance, Tourism Society, ABTA, the Travel Association, VisitScotland, VisitWales, VisitLondon and Britain’s regional tourist boards.
