News

FBM Holidays reports big rise in bookings

Published

6 years ago

November 12, 2018

FBM HOLIDAYS is reporting that it has seen a dramatic rise in bookings year-on-year.

According to results posted for Q4 of the companies financial year which runs from November-October, the company has posted an increase of 11.1% in bookings in 2017/2018 over the same period in 2016/2017.

The property portfolio also grew by over 80 properties in the latest period, which has seen a tremendous phase of growth in general.

This comes on top of what was also a very successful previous year, where bookings grew by over 7%, with the latest figures being attributed to new and diverse marketing of both properties and the west Wales region as a whole, and also an influx of holiday home owners joining the firm to take advantage of increased rental throughout the entire booking calendar.

Marketing Executive, Thom James said: “The results we posted for the entire year have been phenomenal and it’s really pleasing to see that they way we have marketed both the company’s portfolio and the assets of the region has paid off, especially in the early half of the year, which is typically the quieter months, where we have seen huge booking numbers.”

Thom James and Tim Brace: At Vacation Rental World Summit in Como, Italy

“2 years ago we changed our approach to marketing and brought forward campaigns that have allowed us to actively reach higher levels of bookings and larger audiences, whilst being able to manage this process from our Tenby headquarters.”

“What is perhaps more pleasing is that we have managed to buck the trend set by owners using larger OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com solely, as their knowledge just isn’t good enough.”

FBM say that whilst larger online travel agencies will continue to increase their own efforts, they are not focusing well enough on experiences or local knowledge.

“It’s purely a numbers game to the larger conglomerates.” continues James.

“They may have more volume, but what they don’t have is local knowledge or information, especially in Wales, which is a huge oversight.

“That’s why we have seen such good numbers this year, and will expect this to continue next year, as we compete very well in regards to audience levels, promoting our owners and their properties to a huge market, but we also have the staff on the ground who have a combined 58 years of local knowledge between them, so going that extra mile for customers is part of the daily routine for FBM, which has meant a huge surge in bookings for us.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.