"Couple's Effort Reaps Reward"

As published in North Canterbury News July 2003

Brian and Heather Norton are trying to turn around the Ashley gorge Holiday Park and have been rewarded for just that.
The couple's efforts in increasing patronage of summer campers earned them an advertising voucher as Runners-Up in the Jason's Travel Media Awards.
The Norton's took over the site north of Oxford 18 months ago and in their first year had 2000 holiday makers. But during January this year had 1800 visitors.
"We both had 'real' jobs in Lincoln then we decided to go for a lifestyle change" Heather said. "We looked at a few camps but we kept coming back to this one because of the hills and surroundings."
She said in addition to entering the competition it was a good chance to view the business's performance.
The couple credited an increase in numbers to better weather, marketing (including a website) and aiming to please the customers who stayed at the camp.
The 100 site camp is set in 10ha of bush and sits adjacent to the Ashley River.
Heather said the holiday park serviced mostly the wider Christchurch area, and a goal this Christmas was to have the camp full.

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