Tourism in Bognor is booming, claims an industry expert

Daniel Humphreys, of Tourism South East, said the town was a leading example of how demand for holidays was growing.

"The fact that Butlins are investing so much in increasing the standard and amount of accommodation provision in Bognor is further evidence there is growing demand for holidays in the area," he said in a letter.

"All of the market intelligence indicators we have been seeing over the last two years have shown that interest in holiday opportunities in the south east of England is growing. And the caravan sectors '“ both static and mobile '“ are showing particularly high levels of growth."

Mr Humphreys was commenting about plans to increase a Shripney caravan park by almost 50 per cent.

Mr C Lineton wants to add 12 mobile homes to the 25 caravans which are on Shripney Garden Caravan Park off Shripney Lane. The park is open 11 months of the year and closes only in January.

Mr Humphreys said in his letter of general support for Mr Lineton's plans: "Our market intelligence suggests there is indeed a great demand for this type of accommodation in the area. Self-catering demand is a good indicator of the level of demand for static caravans as it is a similar type of offer.

"Our research shows that during the months of June, July, August and September average occupancy levels for self-catering units in West Sussex are above 80 per cent.

"This is a very high level and would suggest many refusals are being made by operators. Other factors are also proving there is an increase in demand for this type of accommodation.

"The sales of camping and caravan equipment have risen sharply recently. Many of the larger operators, such as Haven Holidays, are dramatically increasing investment in their static caravan sites to respond to the increase in demand."

* Haven Holidays runs Church Farm Holiday Village in Pagham.

What do you think? Send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click here to add yourself to our readers' map.