TRADERS from across the town have reported increased business this summer compared to last year.

Hoteliers and businesses said that regular visitors were returning and that hotel bookings on the seafront were up on 2012.

Kathryn Knowles, from the Seascape guesthouse, said the Olympics had made Weymouth recognisable.

She said: “I think it’s put us on the map.

“People have seen how lovely it was on the TV.

“We are definitely busier than last year.”

Terence Holder from the Cavendale said he felt that last year had been a ‘disaster’ with the Olympics but said trade is better this summer.

Mark Wood, who runs the pedalos on the seafront, said the Olympics last year damaged local businesses along the seafront.

He said: “I can already tell it’s going to be much busier this summer.”

Darren Deadman, owner of The Boat Cafe, said: “Weymouth has really been put on the map by the Olympics and it has boosted trade for everyone along the seafront.”

  • COUNCILLOR Ian Bruce, spokesman for tourism and culture at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “We got an awful lot of things provided for residents and visitors because of the Olympics - the relief road, seafront improvements and Chesil Beach Centre.

“The TV coverage was great and if people have seen a place on the telly they want to some and see it for real.

“I have noticed more foreign visitors and more number plates from overseas in the area.

“The Olympics is part of the package and it’s an opportunity for businesses to cash in on.

“Sunny weather and the return of Condor are very much as important to the tourism industry.

“Everything adds into the positive image of the borough as a destination.”

He added: “The council has also logged in to a number of national campaigns focusing on coastal escapes.

“There are more than 200 festivals and events which the council has an input into and we only have a limited budget.

“Weymouth now is very much more attractive to visitors than it was before the Olympics.”

“Hosting the Olympic sailing games in 2012 really showed Weymouth and Portland off to the rest of the world as not only a beautiful place to live and work, but also a fantastic place to visit.

“The glorious July weather in 2013 has really helped to boost tourism in south Dorset and we have seen an increase in European visitors and the return of our traditional guests who visit the borough year after year.

“Tourism will continue to be a significant business sector in the borough and many businesses have seen a significant increase in customer numbers including hotels, restaurants, pubs, leisure activities and the service sector.”

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