HOLIDAYMAKERS have given Weymouth the thumbs up in a summer tourism study.

They delivered a vote of confidence for the seaside town with 83 per cent of visitors pledging to return.

The chamber of commerce has just published the results of the survey held by Weymouth College students on the seafront and in the town centre earlier in the year.

Students George Davies, Megan Flux, Angelika Hardej, Sam McDonald, Naomi Oakley-Smith and John Rumbelow carried out the survey.

Chamber president Nigel Reed said: “The Chamber finds these surveys extremely useful and, while they are a snapshot of a small number of the many visitors to the area, They do provide a useful insight.

“It is hoped that we can continue these surveys on a regular basis with support from Weymouth College.”

Most of the 91 visitors questioned had been to Weymouth before and two-thirds were visiting for the day.

Eight came from overseas: France, Germany, Poland and China.

There were visitors from Blackpool, Yorkshire, Cornwall, Liverpool, Wales and Durham. One had travelled from Jersey as well as some from the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Bristol and Gloucester.

A total of 16 had come to Weymouth to visit the Pavilion Theatre.

One was walking the coastal path and others were meeting friends or visiting family. Some were sightseeing or looking for work.

Many visitors were shopping and 35 had come to Weymouth specifically for the shops.

Five were going to Brewers Quay.

Twenty-five people said they were spending up to £50 and eight thought they would spend up to £100.

Twenty-five people were staying a few hours and 24 all day.

Some 29 were staying one night or more, 19 for a week, two for a fortnight and eight for the weekend.

Some 71 visitors said they will return to Weymouth, with only eight claiming they will not be back.

Keeping the town tidier, better shops, cheaper prices, better signs, more toilets, better parking and better weather were among the suggestion for improvements.

Visitors also praised the beach, the good atmosphere and tidyness of the town but were critical of poor and expensive parking, traffic jams and shops.

The twice-yearly visitors’ surveys are organised by Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce through Secretary Michel Hooper-Immins.

Janine Hodson, who is programme area manager of hospitality services at Weymouth College, encouraged the students to undertake the surveys. Chamber executive committee member Ali Cocks analysed the answers.