Starting Up in Self Catering

Self-catering holiday accommodation is a very important sector of the Welsh tourism industry, and has considerable appeal to a range of overseas and domestic markets. In recent years, demand for self-catering accommodation has increased across the country, and has particularly benefited from the continued growth in second/ additional holiday taking in the UK. Perceived advantages of self-catering accommodation are the freedom to come and go in relative privacy and affordability for family groups.

Setting up a self-catering property can represent an ideal opportunity for people with second homes, or for owners of redundant farm buildings. Nevertheless, it is important to realise that through operating a self-catering property, you will be setting up a business, and, as such, there are a number of areas of legislation with which you must comply. In addition, you will also want to ensure that your property meets current consumer expectations and achieves high occupancies, so getting, impartial information on operating and marketing your property is essential.

Talk to other owners of self-catering units – take a couple of holidays/short breaks in the type of unit you hope to operate – before you finally make up your mind whether this option is for you.

A full introduction to setting up a self-catering business can be downloaded by clicking the link below. The document provides information under the following main headings:

Starting Up

Preparation

Financial Objectives

Furnishing and Equipment

Information/Guest Pack

Administration

Managing the Rental Process

Marketing

If you would like to download the full document please click on one of the links below:

Starting a self catering business (Word Document 177Kb)
Starting a self catering business (PDF Document 176Kb)