SHORT-break holiday specialist Center Parcs has reported a surge in bookings, with one reservation being taken every minute on average during January so far.

Center Parcs, which currently operates four sites, including one in Elveden Forest in Suffolk, and is due to open a fifth next year, had its best-ever summer in 2012, with 98.6% occupancy.

Average occupancy across the whole of last year, during which the company invested £41million back into the business, totalled 97%.

Sales and marketing director Colin Whaley said: “We are delighted with the level of bookings we have taken in January so far. Our popularity continues to grow thanks to our commitment to continually investing in all four villages such as the recent launch of a new £4m Tropical Cyclone family water ride at Elveden Forest.

“We have also started the construction of lodges and leisure facilities at our fifth village, Woburn Forest, which is scheduled to open in spring next year, giving our guests even more choice when booking a short break.”