A CORNISH holiday park has been described as an “asset to our tourism industry” by one of the county’s MP’s after he officially opened their new reception and office block.
St Merryn Park, near Padstow, was acquired by family-owned Kerdene just over 15 years ago and since then has been transformed into one of the county’s leading places to own a holiday home.
It now provides around 300 holiday lodges and other properties in stunning grounds close to Cornwall’s north coast.
Open year-round, the park also features tennis courts, a sports field, children’s play areas, a shop with Cornish food and drink specialities, and a restaurant and bar, StayUK News reported.
Scott Mann MP was shown around the park by co-owner Leigh Ibbotson who told him that St Merryn’s holidaymakers spend over £2.25 million annually in the region.
Mr Ibbotson said the majority of this benefitted many other small businesses nearby which are heavily dependent on tourism for survival.
Centrepiece of the park is now its new near-£100,000 reception and office building which was opened by Mr Mann at a tape-cutting ceremony.
Mr Mann said he recognised the valuable role played by holiday parks such as St Merryn in supporting the region’s tourism economy, and the jobs it sustains.
He also praised the park’s status as being one of only two holiday parks in the UK which are accredited by the fair-pay lobbying body, the Living Wage Foundation.
“St Merryn Holiday Park is a great and growing success story here in Cornwall, and I was delighted to be asked to open their new offices,” said Mr Mann.
“The park is a champion of the living wage, and is an asset to our tourism industry. Congratulations to them on their expansion and growth,” added Mr Mann.
