Center Parcs enthusiasts are expressing dissatisfaction following the announcement of a revised refund policy by the well-known holiday park. Effective this October, guests must now cancel spa or activity bookings at least seven days in advance to receive a full refund, as opposed to the previous policy of a 12-hour cancellation window.
If cancellations are made with less than seven days’ notice, a 50% cancellation fee will be applied. Center Parcs operates at five locations across the United Kingdom, offering half-term breaks starting from £799 and summer school holiday bookings starting at £949, as stated on their official website.
The recent changes have sparked disappointment among customers. Some have shared their discontent on social media, with one individual stating, “I find this really unfair. We will wait until we arrive to book any activities.” Another commented, “That’s terrible. The effect will be that we book significantly less activities, if any at all.” A third person expressed, “How disappointing and incredibly unfair for a venue that already charges excessively.”
In response to the feedback, a spokesperson for Center Parcs clarified the rationale behind the policy adjustment, emphasizing that guests staying at Center Parcs from October 12, 2026, onwards can now amend or cancel activity and Aqua Sana Forest Spa bookings up to seven days before the scheduled start time to receive a full refund. Cancellations within seven days will incur a 50% fee, aiming to reduce late cancellations and unused spaces for popular activities and spa experiences.
Meanwhile, Center Parcs is gearing up to launch its inaugural resort in Scotland by summer 2029, a move expected to create 1,200 job opportunities. The new site is projected to boost tourism in the region by 38%, contributing £87 million annually to the Scottish economy.
During a visit to the site earlier this year, First Minister John Swinney emphasized the importance of economic growth reaching all parts of Scotland, particularly underserved areas. The investment in southern Scotland through this project aims to address regional inequality and provide employment prospects, with 30% of the new jobs targeted at young individuals aged 16 to 24.
Swinney expressed optimism about the project’s impact, highlighting the initiative to plant new trees alongside local school children at the site and looking forward to witnessing the development before the resort’s grand opening in 2029.
