Top UK tourism role for Paignton park owner Claire

Claire Flower, director of multi-award winning Beverley Holidays in Paignton, has become the national chair of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA).

Claire was elected to the office by fellow members of the association to which some 3,000 holiday and residential park businesses in Britain belong.

She will now be helping to spearhead a fast-growing industry which generates £12.2 billion of visitor spending each year, and supports over 226,700 full-time jobs.

In her new role, Claire will take on a range of responsibilities, including talks with national and regional governments on matters affecting the parks industry.

It's a task for which she is well qualified having served as the association's vice chair for the past two years, and held senior posts within various HARPA executive committees.

Claire is also an active member of HARPA's Devon branch, and is a director of the English Riviera BID Company for which she additionally acts as its media spokesperson.

Beverley Holidays, of which Claire is a director, was established by her family, the Jeavons, just over 65 years ago on a small pocket of farmland with spectacular ocean views.

Through a policy of continual investment, it has grown to become one of Devon's most highly acclaimed parks, winning a raft of awards for its high standards and environmental responsibility.

Claire has also been personally honoured for her local community engagement, and has been presented with Visit Devon's annual award for Outstanding Contribution to Devon Tourism.

Beverley Holidays has also been applauded for its longstanding commitment to supporting local community organisations and charities with regular fundraising events held on the park.

Last year saw the completion at Beverley of a £2 million-plus investment in features such as top-end holiday caravans with private hot tubs, and enhancements to the outdoor pool and restaurant.

Accommodation options at the park include luxurious holiday homes to hire and to own, pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, and new accessible caravans.

Claire said she is especially excited to be assuming her role as national chair at a pivotal point in the association's 75-year history.

In January this year, the British Holiday and Home Parks Association became known as HARPA – but, says Claire, much more than just a fresh identity has come into being:

"We now represent even more positively the modern and dynamic park businesses which our members operate, and helping them realise their ambitions for the future," she said.

"HARPA will be championing the interests of our members with even greater vigour, further reinforcing the influence our association has among decision-makers.

"We will also be highlighting more strongly the breadth and diversity of today's park businesses, and the many benefits they bring to local economies and communities.

"My family has been actively involved with our association for many decades, and I feel proud and privileged to be able to play a part in its continuing evolution," added Claire