Recession could be boon for town tourism trade

The recession promises to be an opportunity as well as threat to the town's vital industry.

Tighter household budgets could see more families deciding to stay in the UK this summer. However, too many job losses could mean people forego their breaks.

Overseas tourism could also improve with visitors attracted by the low exchange rate of the pound.

Copthorne Caravans holiday park owner Tony Leney, who runs the Rose Green site with his wife Lindsay, said: "I think we are going to be OK this year because most people are going to be staying in the UK, according to the surveys.

"Hopefully, not too many people are going to be made redundant so we don't lose too many caravan owners.

"We were not too badly affected by the previous recessions."

The site, off Rose Green Road, has been open since 1946 and Mr and Mrs Leney have run it for the past 41 years. It has 90 pitches of which 80 are owned by holidaymakers and ten are let by the couple.

Mr Leney described the reasons behind a long-lasting business as providing a good service at reasonable value.

"People have wanted more facilities over the years and that's why we provide luxury caravans as well as the standard ones," he explained.

He made his comments as about 100 representatives of attractions and accommodation providers in Arun gathered for their annual forum.

This year's session took at place at the Shoreline Conference Centre in Butlins.

The forum also included the launch of the 2009 Sussex by the Sea holiday brochure. The 56-page glossy publication showcases the wide range of attractions and activities on offer to the three million annual visitors.

Arun District Council's tourism manager, Richard Edwards, said the area was well-placed to benefit from the desire of holidaymakers to shun overseas destinations.

"Over the six years from 2006, there will be in excess of 50m invested by the local tourism business in improving their facilities," he stated.

"Butlins is one example of that and another 8m is going into Fontwell Park racecourse. Our companies are investing to improve the quality of what they provide and to keep it at a high level."

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