ORGANISATIONS are being invited to take part in a new initiative designed to keep more visitors on Portland.

The Portland Visitor Information Centre is keen to launch a Portland Passport this Easter, promoting the island’s attractions.

The centre, based at The Heights Hotel, held a presentation for organisations on Thursday to explain the project.

Speaking to the group, Mike Deadman, manager of the Portland Visitor Information Centre, said: “We have to work hard to try and generate interest and tourism on the island.

“There is so much to see and do. There is a selection of events held throughout the year and there are many other festivals.

“We are really pleased Portland has quite a lot to offer the visitors.”

The Portland Passport will be a double sided pamphlet given to visitors for free, available to pick up at various destinations.

Mr Deadman said: “When someone takes a passport they are given a list of destinations they can visit on Portland.

“The more businesses taking part will offer a greater incentive to visit Portland on more than one occasion.”

It is envisaged participating businesses will have stamps to mark the passports, as well as a sticker to display in the store window.

Once someone’s passport is complete, they can enter a draw to win a free break on Portland.

Mr Deadman asked those in attendance if they’d sign up to the passport scheme at a cost of £25 for the year.

In addition, those in attendance were offered the chance to advertise their businesses on the new portlandtourism.co.uk website.

Money paid towards the passport scheme and website will be spent on the production of Portland maps.

The latest print run of Portland maps has been paid for by Portland Town Council.

Mr Deadman said they would look at the logistics of a family passport and the Centre was working with Portland Port to see how it could assist the scheme.

Nigel Hopkins, from Portland Bill Lighthouse, lent his support to the passport scheme.

He said: “We have had some great support from Mike since we started. The maps we have have been really helpful.

“People pick them up and start to look around.

“One of the things we are trying to do is extend the season and get people in our real down times.”

Cllr Rod Wild, Mayor of Portland, said: “I think it is a great idea. It was a good presentation and I hope as many people sign up to it as possible.”

Mark Jackson, from Seventyseven Bed and Breakfast, said he would be willing to stock the passports.

He said: “The idea of doing the passport is great. It gives some sort of form to a visit, a reason to be here.”