BANK holiday was a ‘huge success’ for Weymouth’s seafront traders- and some think tourists thinking twice over holidays abroad is a factor.

Businesses near to Weymouth beach said that the weekend had been a huge success for them, helped by good weather.

The beach was packed throughout, with temperatures as high as 21C on Sunday. And although the sunny weather would have seen people flocking to the golden sands, hoteliers say they have seen more demand for holidays this year.

Mark Wall, owner of Cumberland Hotel on the Esplanade, said that he was getting more calls for extended, week-long breaks than in previous years. He added: “I think security does play into that.

“If you look at going to Turkey or something like that, the holidays are dirt cheap and they still can’t sell them.”

It is predicted that prices to ‘safe’ foreign resorts could soar up to 20 per cent this year due to demand- and some holiday firms are saying Brits may miss out on holidays abroad.

Pete Moore, of Alexandra Gardens funfair, said that footfall had been “exceptionally good” over the Bank Holiday period and suggested that terrorism fears could be bringing more visitors to British coastal resorts.

He said: “I suppose it is to do with security. I think people do think more about it nowadays because every paper you pick up, there’s headlines.”

There have been several high-profile terror attacks in Europe over the last twelve months, including in France and Belgium.

Other popular holiday destinations such as Egypt and Tunisia have also been plagued with violence.

The results of a survey published earlier this year suggested that British holidaymakers were opting for destinations seen as safer, such as Spain and Portugal.

The same survey saw travellers rank security as the most important factor in choosing a break.

Lizzie Holmes, who helps to operate donkey rides on the beach at Weymouth, said: “I do think people are coming to British resorts more."

“I do not know if it is about cost or safety.”

Shara Cornick, of Rossi’s Ice Cream Parlour, said the store had been “really busy” in the midst of the sunshine.

She said: “There was a queue for about six hours. We nearly sold out of ice cream.”

Shara added that Weymouth’s appeal as a seaside town is more likely to attract visitors than terror fears abroad.

“There’s so many lovely things on our doorstep so I think that is more of a reason and Weymouth is getting more things to do.”