THE managing director of a touring and camping site in Abergele which will not welcome guests for the 2023 season has said that financial pitfalls made re-opening “unviable”.
Manorafon Touring and Camping, which offers views of Gwrych Castle, said in a statement on its website that it made the decision to stay closed this year due to “soaring energy prices”.
It still hopes to re-open next year, but the adjacent Manorafon Farm Park will still be open in 2023.
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Abergele touring and camping site to remain closed throughout 2023
Will Arrowsmith, managing director of Manorafon Touring and Camping, said the decision was a “very difficult” one to make.
He said: “In just a little over 24 months, our electricity tariff has tripled. A similar increase in gas prices, along with inflation, make it unviable.
“We've been unfortunate in the timing of our energy contact renewals, and I hope other parks operating locally were a lot luckier.
“Manorafon Touring and Camping was opened by my Nain and Taid back in 1962 and we are the third generation to welcome guests, so it's been a very difficult decision.
“Although we won't be opening the touring and camping site this year, the business will still have overheads to meet.
“We are working hard to bring other plans to fruition to meet these costs and will review the energy market ahead of the 2024 season.”
The campsite was closed for 17 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Its facilities include 16 premier hard stand pitches with grass area, seven hard stand pitches, and 40 grass pitches.
Manorafon Farm Park, meanwhile, which is under the same ownership as the campsite, was crowned “Go Attraction of the Year” at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards in November 2022.
Will added: “Fortunately, Manorafon Farm Park continues to go from strength to strength. Despite a much larger footfall, energy consumption is far less than that on the campsite.
“We're also lucky in the fact that the farm park has been able to step in and ensure our team remain employed and busy.
“We'll miss our regular caravaners and campers but are looking forward to welcoming holiday makers, locals, and day trippers to the farm.”
The full statement on Manorafon Touring and Camping’s website reads: “With regret, due to the soaring energy prices, we have decided to remain closed for 2023.
“After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to operate as our guests expect and remain competitive.
“We apologise for any disappointment this may cause, and we hope to welcome you to stay with us in the future.”
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