SINCE Boxing Day, Butlin’s in Minehead has already had more than 48,000 guests booking holidays for 2013.

The family resort saw record sales in 2012, with summer holiday occupancy at 99%, and the company is predicting even better results this year, despite challenging economic times.

Part of the credit for the impressive figures so far has been put down to the launch of its new TV advert in late December.

Butlin’s has invested more than £8 million within the last year into its Minehead resort, building two new restaurants, with plans for one more to be built this year.

Along with building work, Butlin’s has invested heavily in new shows and entertainment this year, with Sesame Street Live launching in February half-term and a circus over the summer holidays.

Rachel Kepinska-Smith, brand manager at Butlin’s, said: “Our new TV advert really represents the infectious, feelgood happiness of getting away from the daily routine and going on a great holiday.

“A Butlin’s holiday is all about getting your sparkle back and our ad has plenty of sparkle. Holidays are about families spending quality time together and getting to know each other again.”

The news has been welcomed by Minehead Chamber of Commerce, whose chair Graham Sizer said: “Things have been particularly tough in Minehead over the last year mainly because of the summer’s bad weather, so this is the sort of news we need.

“Many traders rely on what Butlin’s delivers. We have seen a few major national names disappear from our High Street recently though our local independent shopkeepers have remained resilient so far.

“Good news has been thin on the ground so this will give all Chamber members heart.

“The town’s links with Butlin’s continue to grow and if their new ideas can put a smile on their visitors’ faces in 2013, it may spread into the town.

"Sparkle is what we need. Let’s hope this will also be sparked by the town’s new series of festivals being planned."