Argyll Holidays sold to Cove UK’s portfolio
One of the region’s leading holiday brands has been sold to the renowned international resort operator Cove Communities.
Argyll Holidays, which owns eight holiday parks across Argyll and Bute, will be the fifth acquisition by Cove Communities under Mark Seaton as managing director of Cove UK.
The international resort operator is expanding its growing portfolio and was attracted to Argyll Holidays for its unique locations and attractive tourism and lifestyle proposition in Scotland.
Known for the natural beauty and picturesque lochside locations of its parks, Argyll Holidays has grown to become a prominent business in the Scottish tourism industry as well as a valuable contributor to the local economy.
Cove UK is intent on building on Argyll Holidays’ strong reputation and commitment to serving its owners, guests and the local community for years to come, and has a pledge to source at least 20 per cent of produce locally, build local partnerships and actively engage in local community initiatives.
The company’s Go Wild outdoor activities and environmental education programme is already flourishing at its other parks, including Seal Bay Resort (formerly Bunn Leisure) in West Sussex and Gwel an Mor in Cornwall.
Investment in owners, holidaymakers and team members is a key priority for Cove UK. It says its dedicated training centre, Cove Academy, will complement the great work of the Argyll Academy, which has been investing in the development of Argyll team members for 10+ years. The academy works with local partnerships, and local and regional skills providers to help establish effective networks for team developments.
Mark Seaton, Cove UK managing director, said: ‘Argyll Holidays represents everything that Cove looks for: stunning properties, beautiful and unique locations, and an aspirational lifestyle offering.
‘Simply put, they are the best at what they do. We are delighted to add Argyll to our portfolio and will continue the exceptional work that the Campbell family has started.
‘Most importantly we will grow and develop the vision of Argyll under Cove, through sustainable business practices, a commitment to environmental conservation and investment in people and the local community.’
Owned by the Campbell family who started out as sheep farmers, Argyll Holidays was established in 1967 with the development of its flagship park, Drimsynie Estate, Lochgoilhead. Since then, it has grown to a group of eight holiday parks in and around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Keith Campbell, director of Argyll Holidays, said: ‘We as a family have put heart and soul into developing our group of parks.
‘We’ve invested in sustainability and kept quality at the heart of all our business practices, resulting in multiple awards, including the Scottish Family Business of the Year and thousands of satisfied holiday home-owners and holiday guests.
‘Whilst we have been approached over the years by different buyers, Cove was the first company that we felt understood what we stand for and could continue what we started.
‘Cove is the ideal custodian of Argyll Holidays, sharing as we do, the same missions and values, and commitment to the preservation and investment in the destinations we own.’