Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith attended the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) Conference 2026 at the QEII Centre in Westminster from January 21 to 22, meeting with industry operators to discuss current opportunities and challenges in the sector.
The two-day event brought together holiday and residential park operators from across the UK to explore sector trends, regulation, and potential growth areas.
During the conference, Sir Julian met with Thomas Marshall, owner of Riverside Caravan Park in High Bentham, along with other park operators. The discussions focused on the economic role of holiday and residential parks, as well as the practical issues operators face in managing and expanding their businesses.
Sir Julian said: “The holiday and residential parks sector plays an important role in the Skipton and Ripon economy, providing high-quality visitor experiences and residential properties. It was great to meet with Thomas and other operators at the conference and hear directly about the developments and challenges shaping the industry. I will continue to represent all stakeholders, providers, and residents, in this really important sector locally.”
The conference also marked the official transition of BH&HPA to its new identity as the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA). The event featured expert-led sessions covering industry regulations, emerging market trends, and operational best practices.
According to a report by the Craven Herald & Pioneer, attendees were able to participate in networking opportunities and visit an exhibition highlighting suppliers and innovations relevant to park management.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, events like this conference provide insight into evolving customer expectations, regulatory updates, and technology solutions for park operations.
Engaging with national associations and peer networks can inform business strategy, support operational efficiency, and help operators remain competitive in a sector that continues to experience growth in visitor demand and diversification of offerings.