TOURIST business owners in Bridport and surrounding areas have had a 'record' summer - but it has also been a challenging season.

The staycation trend brought a welcome boost, in the absence of international holidays, after lockdown restrictions were lifted in May.

However, the season was not without its challenges, with staff shortages and the 'pingdemic' presenting obstacles for many businesses as they tried to recover from the 18 months of lockdowns, closures and uncertainties.

The area got an end of season boost as the bank holiday weekend saw many visitors flock to the coast to enjoy the warm weather.

Paul Loud, owner of the Haddon House Hotel in West Bay, said: "This summer has gone extremely well, we've been incredibly busy. We were late opening this year because of lockdown, but now we're having a record summer.

"We've definitely benefitted from the 'staycation' boom, people aren't going abroad at the moment so there's a lot coming down to West Bay. It's great for the whole country as we've been through such a hard time that it's great to see people putting money back into the economy.

"The only issue is we have is staff, which has been a bit of a nightmare. I think people have had so long off with the lockdowns that they're looking at life differently and have retrained and gone for nine-to-five jobs. Everyone you speak to in the trade cannot find staff.

"Myself and my wife are working seven days a week. Once schools and universities reopen I think we'll have about two full time staff left.

"We're getting to the stage where we may have to close down on a Monday lunch time so our staff can have a day off. We haven't done that in the 40-odd years we've been open."

Kevin French, owner at Eype's Mouth Country Hotel, said: "It has been a very busy season but for this time of year we'd expect that. We have been busy but since we're usually fully booked it's hard to take that further. What would make the difference is if the 'staycation' trend continues into the winter months.

"People are booked further in advance however, and we are starting to see a lot more bookings for September and October.

"We've had to take on a lot of changes as a result of Covid and staffing has been difficult. We've had issues with recruiting and with staff having to isolate so it has been challenging.

"Everyone has had to look at their business and adapt to survive. It's been hard but we've survived it and we're looking forward to some sort of normality next year.

"Our guests have all been very understanding and very polite and very much supportive."

A number of venues have suffered as a result of staff shortages, with several being forced to close their doors.

The Windy Corner Café at West Bay is currently closed until Monday, September 6 as a result of staff isolating, whilst Burgers at the Bay is set to remain closed until Thursday, September 9.

The George Hotel closed for two days this week in order to give its staff some time off.

The Hive Beach Café at West Bay has reduced its opening hours in order to cope better.

Manager Andrew Hartley said: "It’s been an amazing summer, but has certainly had its challenges.

"Quite early into the summer we realised that in order to keep our high standards that we have set for ourselves we would need to reduce our opening times, so we decided to only open for three evenings a week as opposed to five or six.

"Adaptability of the team has been key to this year's success - as a result of the pingdemic, plans and rotas have had to change daily."

He added: "I am so proud of all the staff, the effort and hours they have put in covering each other has been tremendous and they have done it with a willing smile."

West Dorset Leisure Holidays' parks have enjoyed a busy summer season.

The organisation owns a number of sites including Highlands End in Eype, Golden Cap in Seatown, Graston Copse in the Bride Valley and Larkfield in Burton Bradstock.

Group manager James Cox said: "Feedback over the summer has been very positive for guests enjoying the countryside, coastline and attractions but we can’t help the weather at times.

"The majority of guests have also been understanding when it comes to food and drink and the staff shortages across the town.

"We have been proactive with our communication and use of our holiday planner to ensure guests plan ahead and in return we believe this has helped them enjoy their holiday and we hope they will revisit to both us and the area in the future."

A spokesman for the West Bay Holiday Park said: "The park has been full throughout the holidays as families have enjoyed a well-deserved staycation, and our team has worked tirelessly to deliver industry-leading Covid safe standards, and also provide amazing experiences for thousands of holidaymakers.

“After so many months of lockdown, having an uninterrupted holiday season has provided a much-needed boost for the local economy, and that should continue into the autumn with strong bookings at the park throughout September and October."