New figures just released by TripAdvisor show that Weymouth & Portland is captivating new markets across the globe, with the news that the area has been rated the fourth best up-and-coming travel destination in the world.

The figures show a growing number of travellers searching for holidays to Weymouth to discover for themselves the natural beauty, increasing quality and the broad range of facilities and activities on offer, such as the beautiful beach, picturesque, working 17th century harbour and world-class sailing at the heart of the World Heritage coastline.

The Borough Council’s Tourism and Economy teams have been working hard to capitalise from the benefits of hosting the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Increasing the town’s tourism offer to new markets is one area of work being undertaken.

Emma O’Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor, 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 when it hosts the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games.”

The increased interest will enable the area to extend the holiday season beyond the traditional summer period, which will strengthen the local economy. Accommodation providers are not only investing to deliver quality holiday accommodation but are also providing the facilities to rinse, dry and store guest’s equipment.

Simon Williams, General Manager for Regeneration, said: “Weymouth is more generally known for its safe sandy beach that has been providing generations of families with memorable holidays. We are developing and delivering new and innovative promotional campaigns that are reaching new markets which will supplement and compliment our main family market. We are working closely with a host of national and international partners, like Visit Britain and Visit England, who are enabling us to deliver key messages to a much wider audience.

“The news that we are the fourth-best up and coming holiday destination in the world is evidence that the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is already beginning to take shape, and that the hard work that has been involved in converting this to lasting benefits for the area is paying off.”