As a holiday park operator, you know how important it is to stay on top of reservations, guest communication, administration and more. Your focus should be on creating happy guests, not worrying about updates, migrations or outages in your booking system. That is where a reliable Property Management System (PMS) comes in. It keeps your operations running smoothly, reduces errors and saves you time. But should you choose a traditional on-premise system installed locally, or a modern cloud-based PMS?
At Booking Experts, we believe your system should require no attention. No separate installations, no downtime, no outdated versions. Just a platform that always works with the latest version, without you having to lift a finger. In this blog, we outline the differences for you.
A PMS is the silent engine behind your business
A PMS automates repetitive tasks, reduces errors and frees up time for you and your team to focus on what really matters, your guests. Whether you run a small campsite or manage multiple holiday parks, a reliable PMS makes all the difference. But what sets a cloud PMS apart from an on-premise system?
Cloud PMS offers freedom and flexibility
A cloud PMS runs entirely online. You can log in from your laptop, tablet or smartphone wherever you are. There is no need for software installations, server maintenance or manual updates, everything happens automatically. Imagine you are working from home in the morning. You open your dashboard and instantly see the latest bookings, occupancy and payments. Meanwhile, a colleague at the park processes a last-minute booking and you see it in real time. Smooth, seamless and without delay.
Cloud systems also grow with your business. Expanding to a new park or adding more units is straightforward. You simply scale up without extra hardware or complex IT setup. Connections with booking platforms, payment providers and accounting software are quick to establish. Everything works together without needing to be an IT expert.
On-premise PMS gives maximum control but requires more responsibility
An on-premise PMS runs on your own server or computer. For some operators, this feels familiar. You are in control. You decide where your data is stored, when updates happen and how the system is configured. This can be useful if you have very specific requirements or operate in an area with unreliable internet, as offline systems provide peace of mind. However, that control comes with responsibility.
You need to manage installation, backups and security yourself. Updates must be carried out manually, and remote access is rarely straightforward. In practice, this means more technical effort, higher risk of downtime and less flexibility.
Which option is right for your business?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on how your business operates, your future plans and how much time you want to save on maintenance. Consider these questions:
Consider these questions:
If flexibility, ease of use and scalability are your priorities, a cloud PMS like Booking Experts is the obvious choice. If you operate in a remote location or require a high degree of customisation, an on-premise PMS might suit you better.
Finding the right fit together
At Booking Experts, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every holiday business is different, which is why we take the time to understand your needs. Whether you want to grow, modernise or simply run more efficiently, it starts with choosing the right PMS.
Wondering what a good PMS can do for your company? Schedule a no-obligation consultation with us. We will be happy to show you how it could work for you.