British holiday company Pontin’s to invest £50m and create 2,000 jobs.

UK holiday company Pontin’s has announced plans to invest £50 million into a development plan that will create 2,000 jobs.

Pontin’s has seen a significant rise in its bookings for the school holidays in 2009 as many British families plan holidays in the UK. The holiday camp chain has witnessed a recent increase in popularity as families opt to take breaks on home soil rather than abroad due to the weak sterling and the credit crunch.

The £50m investment will be used to refurbish and develop Pontin’s six holiday centres across the UK as well as launching a restyled entertainment programme.

The company, which currently employs 800 people, will increase its workforce to 2,000 by this summer, rising to 3,000 in 2010.

Pakefield Holiday Centre near Lowestoft will double in size and capacity. Further Pontin’s sites in Camber Sands and Southport will also undergo extensive refurbishment.

Ian Smith, Chief Executive of Ocean Parcs and Pontin’s, commented: “We are tremendously excited about the investment planned for the development of our Pontin’s Holiday Centres and the employment and tourism revenue that will be generated by this substantial investment.

“It is particularly rewarding to be able to announce these plans which will not only generate increased tourism but create over 2,000 jobs whilst the country is in a recession.”

Pontin’s was founded in 1946 by Sir Fred Pontin and had 24 sites across the country at the height of its popularity. Ocean Parcs bought Pontin’s for £46m in March 2008.