Center Parcs secured the Best Use of Technology in Operations Award at the Operational Excellence Awards UK 2026, distinguished for intelligent use of technology and large-scale data analytics to improve operational performance across its holiday village estate.

Project Nexus delivered a £3.1 million payroll benefit, saved 102,000 hours against budget, and increased productivity to £60 per labour hour. The programme maintained 95% forecast accuracy throughout, showing that data-led planning can sharpen decisions on labour and demand at scale.

Judges commended the company’s approach. “Center Parcs impressed the judges with its intelligent use of technology and large scale data analytics to improve operational performance,” the panel stated. “Project Nexus delivered a £3.1 million payroll benefit, saved 102,000 hours against budget, and increased productivity to £60 per labour hour while maintaining 95% forecast accuracy. Crucially, these gains were achieved without affecting guest satisfaction or increasing staff turnover, demonstrating a strong balance between efficiency and service quality.”

The recognition reflects a wider shift in hospitality and leisure operations, where labour cost pressures make workforce planning a strategic priority. Operators that can forecast demand accurately are better placed to match staffing to need without eroding the guest experience.

The outcome that stands out most is the balance achieved. Efficiency gains often come at the expense of service or colleague wellbeing, but Project Nexus improved productivity while guest satisfaction held and turnover did not rise. That combination is a useful benchmark for other operators weighing technology investment.

Heading into the 2027 awards cycle, Center Parcs’ achievement shows how large-scale data and technology can deliver measurable financial returns while protecting the experience that defines the brand. Organisations that treat analytics as a tool for service quality, not just cost control, are well placed to set the benchmark for the next cycle.

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