Daish’s Holidays: what groups can expect on a short break

Tell us about your role and what it involves

I joined Daish’s Holidays in 2015 as head of sales marketing. My original role was to head up our expanding contact centre sales and marketing teams. In 2017 I completed my Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence exam and took on responsibility for the company’s fleet of coaches and team of drivers. Following the company’s continued expansion and in recognition of my widening responsibilities, I was appointed as commercial director in 2020.

Despite the growth we’ve achieved in the last ten years, we still maintain a relatively small leadership team. This means that for me, no two days are ever the same. My role varies from marketing activity required for driving sales, speaking to drivers and the coaching team on topics ranging from tours and routes through to compliance, as well as working on hotel operations and customer service.

Why are groups so important to Daish’s Holidays?

Many Daish’s customers are enjoying retired life, so group holidays offer this demographic an opportunity to socialise and connect with like-minded people. This can lead to strong friendships, and we often see groups of the same people on further holidays together and this, in turn, builds a loyal customer base for the business.

Group bookings often come from clubs and societies which tend to return for future trips because we can tailor a coach holiday to any of our hotels on whichever dates are best suited to the group.

What’s new for groups to enjoy?

We are always refreshing our hotel menus and constantly reviewing our nightly live entertainment. We’re always investing in our coach fleet and have taken delivery of nine new Mercedes Tourismo coaches this year, with a further six on order for 2025 already. We’ve also just acquired the Sandringham Hotel in Weston-Super-Mare.

What makes Daish’s stand out?

We offer four-night holidays at our hotels around England and Wales. Our destinations cover 11 locations: Blackpool, Bournemouth, Eastbourne, Isle of Wight, Lake District, Llandudno, Newquay, Scarborough, Torquay, Weymouth and now Weston-Super-Mare. Groups have the option to travel in comfort from pick-up points around England or self-drive.

We also offer free places depending on group size to provide the best price possible to group organisers. For instance, if the group size is between 20 and 34, we provide one free place. If the group size falls between 35 and 44, we give two free places. For group sizes ranging from 45 to 50, we offer three free places. Moreover, if the group size exceeds 51, we provide up to four free places.

What top tip would you give to a group organiser booking for the first time?

I would suggest setting a trip itinerary, to ensure you cover everything the group wants to get out of the holiday, and book day trips or excursions in advance, especially with a large group. We can help group organisers with the booking of excursions and Daish’s offers various day trips depending on destination. Day trips are also bookable at reception so the group leader can organise this upon arrival if easier.

What Daish’s hotels would you recommend to groups?

The Daish’s Hotel on the Isle of Wight is our flagship venue, with the original building an 18th century coaching inn. Situated on Shanklin high street, there is plenty to occupy group members no matter their interests. 

Or, I would recommend the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne for group holidays. Officially the UK’s sunniest resort, groups can enjoy the fabulous seafront promenade and pier or participate in scenic walks around Beachy Head and Seven Sisters Country Park.

When is the best time of year for groups to book with Daish’s?

The winter months are the best time of year for groups to book as we have lots of activities and festivities to get involved in. It’s a particularly jolly time with lots going on, including Tinsel and Turkey, and Twixmas breaks in November and December and our amazing half price bar offers in January, February and March.