Weymouth is fourth most sought-after travel destination in world (From Dorset Echo)

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Weymouth is fourth most sought-after travel destination in world

11:00am Tuesday 4th May 2010 in News By Lucy Pearce

WEYMOUTH is the fourth most sought-after travel destination in the world, according to a travel website.

The revelation comes as Weymouth and Portland prepares to host the sailing events for the 2012 Olympics when the eyes of the world will be on the beauty spot.

Holiday review website TripAdvisor disclosed the rankings when it unveiled the winners of its 2010 Travellers Choice Destination Awards.

Top of the table is the German ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirch.

According to TripAdvisor, Weymouth has seen a huge increase in popularity and has been labelled by the website as an ‘emerging hotspot’.

The site identifies up-and-coming travel destinations based on the increase in search activity over the past year and figures show that there are a growing number of travellers conducting research into Weymouth.

Emma O’Boyle from TripAdvisor said as a classical seaside resort Weymouth was a ‘surprise’ entry at number four.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see travellers appreciating the town’s beautiful beach and old-fashioned English hospitality.

“What’s more, Weymouth will soon secure its place on the global stage as it hosts the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games.”

Steve Davies, events officer for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, described the figures from TripAdvisor as being ‘fabulous news’.

He said: “We do receive a number of accolades but to receive another one showing us to be the fourth searched-for holiday destination globally is fantastic.

“It is certainly fabulous news and a credit to both the accommodation providers and the tourism and information team that works so very hard.”

Nigel Reed, the president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, added that the rise in popularity could be down to a number of factors, including the Olympics.

He said: “I think the Olympics will make a difference because a lot of people outside of London see Weymouth as an Olympic venue. A lot of people are also looking to go on a holiday or a short break within the UK.

“Being by the sea, it’s a place that appeals to a lot of people.”

He added that the surge in people researching into Weymouth holidays could be down to effective internet searches.

Mr Reed said: “We have some very good search engines out there that advertise Weymouth very well.

“But while it is good news that more people are enquiring about it, business people need to make sure that they actually come here and enjoy themselves while they are here.”

However, Dave Price, the chairman of the Weymouth and Hotel Guest House and Leaseholders Association, took issue with Weymouth’s place in the table.

He said: “Around 90 per cent of the hotels and guesthouses in our association say they are down on enquiries and bookings compared to last year.”

London fails to reach the top 25 as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, despite it being crowned the party capital of Europe.

Comments(19)

I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY DON'T LIKE THE NEW ECHO WEBSITE says...
12:05pm Tue 4 May 10

This is great news- however, unless some serious investment is found, the town will become stale and stagnant.
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The Pavilion needs a lot of work, a lot of the buildings on the Esplanade are tired and tatty, the general area at Greenhill (particularly the bowling and tennis area) needs a complete overhaul and parking charges are obscenely expensive.
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So, whilst Weymouth may be one of the most searched, it won't get many repeat visitors.
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Also, there are far too many people in the town that do not like change (or anything remotely "different") which will deter any investors.