BOURNEMOUTH’S economy will be boosted by £300million this year with almost a million holidaymakers giving the resort their seal of approval.

And the lure of Dorset’s countryside is expected to generate £722million from 2.38million holidaymakers.

A survey by Travelodge shows Bournemouth as the nation’s 20th favourite ‘Staycation destination’ this year, with 993,600 Britons choosing to holiday in the town.

Each will spend an average of £308 on accommodation, dining, entertainment and local attr-actions with nearly half taking a week’s holiday and 13 per cent having a fortnight’s break.

The findings reveal that a third of British holidaymakers are including a short break in Bournemouth as part of a tour of UK locations. The study also showed that 65 per cent of British adults are holidaying on British shores; a huge increase from last year when 41 per cent opted to holiday at home and 2011 when just 35 per cent choose a ‘staycation’.

Travelodge district manager Matt Hawdon said: “With three hotels in Bournemouth we have certainly experienced a rise in our room bookings this year. Interestingly, we have seen a surge in holidaymakers taking lots of short breaks, rather than just one big holiday.”

Bournemouth tourism director Mark Smith said: “The findings are fantastic news for our town and confirm the importance of tourism to the local economy.

“We’ve already seen unprece-dented numbers coming to the town outside the peak holiday season, with 240,000 visitors over some weekends in July.

“Our seafront team has also reported record numbers for July, and August looks set to be another excellent month.”

Poole tourism manager Graham Richardson said: “We have certainly noticed an upturn in visitor numbers.

“Apart from the weather, we have been promoting the town and advertising in London to tie in with a social media campaign. We are confident that we can take advantage of these increased visitor numbers.”