DORSET'S stunning world heritage coast could be shown off to passengers aboard a new luxury cruiser sailing out of Weymouth.

Tourism bosses today welcomed the plans by boat operators, which they said would boost the economy by more than £1 million.

The cruise boat, which carries more than 180 passengers and has been specially designed to accommodate the disabled and school parties, would create 12 local jobs and be a new attraction at the heart of the famous coast - recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Maid of the Harbour, which is operated by Brownsea Island Ferries, was due to sail this summer but discussions over a suitable berth in Weymouth has put the plans on hold.

Now the tourism action group the World Heritage Coast Hospitality Association is calling for all sides to reach an agreement.

Alan Davis, chief executive, said association member David Hedgeman, who owns Brownsea Island Ferries, was very keen to run the cruiser but had 'come up against a brick wall' dealing with the authorities.

Mr Davis said: "This is a unique opportunity for Weymouth. It's important this issue is resolved for the sake of tourism in the area.

"Businesses of this sort are the future for Weymouth, especially in the light of New Look pulling out."

Mr Hedgeman argues that his boat should be based at number four berth by the Pavilion because of its central location - and not at the Pleasure Pier which has been suggested by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

He claims the pier is unsuitable - and has been backed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Captain Jim Bird of the MCA said in a letter the pier would be an unsatisfactory berth because 'there is no guarantee that it can be used except in very calm weather.'

Alan Davis said research by Bournemouth University suggests the cruise boat operation will attract more than 12,000 extra visitors a year to Weymouth - about half of whom will stay in the area overnight - generating more than £1 million for the local economy.

Brownsea Island Ferries says Maid of the Harbour would not affect boat trips currently running out of Weymouth because it would operate four new routes - Lulworth, Worbarrow Bay, St Alban's Head and Portland - and offer a completely different service.

Mr Hedgeman would run his cruiser from March to November under a five-year agreement.

Councillor Peter Farrell, chairman of the borough's economic and regeneration committee, said: "The council sees the heritage coast playing a major part in helping to regenerate Weymouth.

"We are fully behind the principle of heritage coast cruises and are working to resolve this issue. We hope we will see the cruise boat operating for the summer 2005 season."