Daish's Holidays which runs two hotels in Weymouth sees huge bookings boost

Daish's Holidays is a family-owned and operated business that has 12 hotels, including The Russell Hotel and Hotel Prince Regent, situated along Weymouth's seafront.

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The Russell Hotel, on The Esplanade. Picture: Dorset Echo

A spokesman from Daish’s Holidays, said: "It's reassuring that despite 2021 not being quite the return to normal that businesses had hoped for, we're continuing to see a steady growth for our holiday bookings, with our current bookings overtaking our pre-Covid levels for 2019.

"The continued complications surrounding overseas travel means that UK staycations are still remaining the holiday choice for many.

"With some not having taken a trip since the pandemic began, it is great to see that traveller confidence is returning with guests choosing to make the most of our off-peak season, as well as the typical busier summer months."

The expected high influx of visitors to Weymouth comes following a report by Visit Britain, which has forecast growth in 2022 for domestic overnight tourism spending to be a 64 per cent increase on 2020, and 65 per cent of the 2019 level.

This is coupled with Weymouth Beach being ranked 19th in Tripadvisor's annual Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2022, the Best of the Best Beaches across the European continent.

Louise Matthews and partner Steve Costello, who have taken over the Gresham hotel in Weymouth

Louise Matthews, co-owner of The Gresham guest house, opened her hotel on May 29 last year and said the staycation boom of 2021 saw her business at full capacity until end of September.

She said: "When we opened it was a baptism of fire.

"I think summer 2022 is going to be different compared to last year. I can see it being busier. The staycation boom brought a lot of people to the area who discovered Weymouth, and they'll likely return.

"Last year was mad and bookings have been steady so far. We’re loving it and it’s gone very quickly."

Josephine Parker from the Ebike Café, in Custom House Quay, said: "What has really surprised us so far in 2022 is how many visitors we have been getting through the door here at the café.

"Our team here are very chatty and customers have been telling them how much they are enjoying their visits to Weymouth and it’s only the start of the year, normally the quietest time.

"With all the signs looking extremely positive, we've been working behind the scenes getting ready for another busy season.

"We're just putting the final touches to our Specialized eBike Experience Centre at the café - where not only will you be able to buy an eBike, but you’ll be able to hire one too. For the hour, for a day or even a week.

"This summer looks like it’s going to be another very busy year of staycations."