Weymouth has been given another boost ahead of the summer after it was revealed as one of the top UK seaside destinations for the season.
With airport chaos triggering a demand in UK staycations, it appears Brits are planning on heading to the seaside this summer.
And a Google search trend data survey by Blackpool Pleasure Beach has revealed the 10 most popular seaside locations for 2022 holidays - with Weymouth placing sixth on the list and Lyme Regis ninth.
Blackpool was top with 60,500 Google searches a month.
The study found that 'Weymouth hotels' had 14,800 Google searches a month, making it the sixth most Googled UK seaside holiday destination by Brits.
News of the study was revealed amid soaring temperatures which saw thousands head to Weymouth Beach this week. Yesterday was very busy at the coast - the hottest day of the year so far.
When the Echo spoke to visitors and hotel owners this week, some said that long queues at airports were putting people off going abroad, despite travel restrictions lifting, and people were choosing to holiday at the coast instead.
Lee Mudkins, general manager at the Prince Regent Hotel, said: “We are fully occupied all the way to November, and I think that speaks for itself.
“People aren’t as confident with travelling abroad, partly because of this trouble with airports, so it is simpler to just book a holiday in the UK this year.
“We have lots more demand and daily walk-ins who we have to turn away because we are full, and that will probably echo across a lot of the other hotels as well.
“I am not surprised Weymouth was searched so much, I have been here for years, and I have certainly seen interest grow in the last few, especially with our newer attractions.”
John Sutton owner of the 12-bedroom guest house Redcliff said: “The airline cancellations and long queues are turning people away from international travel at the moment, but when airlines get their act together people who usually travel abroad will do so again."
He added: “Weymouth is always full in the summer regardless, we’ve been here eight years and never had a year we weren’t full.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Weymouth came 6th, it is a very well-known seaside destination.”
Cllr Ann Weaving, Mayor of Weymouth, said: “With an award-winning beach, fabulous parks and gardens and a jam-packed events programme, it’s no surprise that Weymouth is one of the country’s top seaside destinations.
“With so many people still opting for a staycation rather than choosing to travel abroad, we’re greatly looking forward to another busy summer holiday season in the town – you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a beautiful sandy beach and sunny skies.”
The most popular seaside locations for UK holidays in 2022 according to Google search data are:
1. Blackpool - “Blackpool hotels” 60,500 Google searches a month
2. Brighton - “Brighton hotels” 49,500 Google searches a month
3. Llandudno - “Llandudno hotels” 22,200 Google searches a month
4. Whitby - “Whitby hotels” 22,200 Google searches a month
5. Bath - “Bath hotels” 22,200 Google searches a month
6. Weymouth - “Weymouth hotels” 14,800 Google searches a month
7. Tenby - “Tenby hotels” 12,100 Google searches a month
8. Hastings - “Hastings hotels” 9,900 Google searches a month
9. Lyme Regis - “Lyme Regis hotels” 6,600 Google searches a month
10. St Andrews - “St Andrews hotels” 6,600 Google searches a month
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