TRADERS said that tourism is up this year but that the boost may be down to the recent heatwave and Condor’s return as much as the Olympics.

Hosting the sailing promised to attract more visitors to the area – an extra 30,000 a day – with the borough showcased to millions worldwide during TV coverage.

But the predicted number failed to materialise as many traders, tourist attractions and hotels suffered a poor season.

Local businesses said trading this summer is better than the slump of 2012 but say the hot weather earlier in July and return of Condor Ferries are as much to thank as the Olympic legacy.

They also called for more action to capitalise on the worldwide exposure given to the area to ensure visitors come.

Craig Dunkerley, general manager of Sea Life Weymouth, said: “This year so far has been great.

“Yes some of this will be driven by the Olympic effect but it will also be driven by people just returning to their favourite holiday destination, the fantastic weather and local business driving people here.

“Last year was a terrible year, previous years were also below par and for some businesses this has had long lasting damage.”

He added: “Overall the Olympics was and is a fantastic opportunity for the town and surrounding area.

“It gave world wide publicity to the area that money can’t buy.

“However there is currently no brand or plans in place to capitalise and drive additional visits to the area.

“Tourism is the life-line of the area and the council need to do more and act quicker with the support of private business to help protect the future.”

Some businesses did badly during the Games and say they have not seen a positive legacy either.

Dave Price, chairman of Weymouth Hoteliers, Guesthouses and Leaseholders Association, said: “The tourism trade took a hammering last year.

“It was down in June, July and up to August 15.

“When the Olympics ended business returned to normal levels but it was too late.

“The weather this year in June and July to date has helped immensely and visitors are returning but I wouldn't say from talking to them it is because of the Olympics and the pictures shown on TV.

“The legacy so far for Weymouth is the loss of the Tourist Information Centre, the removal of the bus service out to Portland Bill, and the Pavilion fiasco.”

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