HAVEN Holidays has credited a £55m investment programme for strong business at its 35 UK holiday parks.

The investment in 2010 included improving pools and entertainment venues, food and drink outlets, landscaping and new accommodation.

Company surveys showed an 16% rise in the number of customers rating the firm’s 2011 holidays as better value than during 2010.

Commercial manager Neil Davies said that despite the economic downturn families were not foregoing their summer holiday.

He stated: “We have seen more families staying in the UK in preference to overseas holidays.”