NEARLY a third of Dorset hotels are at risk of failure in the next year, it is claimed.

Research has shown that 29 per cent are in danger of failing, with five per cent classed as high risk. Insolvency trade body R3 has revealed these shocking figures with less than three months until the sailing events.

James Stares, vice chairman of R3’s southern committee, pictured, said: “This is surprising news considering Weymouth and Portland will be the epicentre of the Olympic sailing activity.

“The majority of tourists coming to Weymouth for the Games are likely to have booked their accommodation already so hoteliers will be reliant on the general tourism market to pick business up.”

Hoteliers pessimistic

WEYMOUTH hoteliers were pessimistic about the upcoming summer.

Dennis Smith, of Whitecliff Guest House, said: “None of the regulars are coming.

“This is my fifth season here and it’s started off as the worst season ever.”

Craig Willis, owner of The Wilton Guest House in Gloucester Street, said: “My bookings are drastically down on last year. We are losing about £300 a week and we haven’t really had any Olympic bookings.”

Paul Nash, of Seaspray Guest House, said: “They keep going on about the legacy – but what legacy?

“A load of ruined businesses and a bench outside the train station?”

Wayne Nicholas, owner of Spindrift Guest House, said: “All of my regulars are boycotting Weymouth because of the Olympics.”

Meanwhile, Dorchester hoteliers said they were also feeling the effects of the Olympics with regular visitors avoiding the county town.

Gary Cutler, owner of Bay Tree Bed and Breakfast in Athelstan Road, said: “The Olympics are not helping us.

“I have no Olympic bookings.”

Mel Stevens, of Westwood House in High West Street in Dorchester, said: “We haven’t got as many booked in for the summer, even though it’s Thomas Hardy week, which is unusual.

“It must be because of the Olympics.”

Another Dorchester guest house owner, who did not wish to be named, said: “Many of our regulars aren’t coming because of the Olympics.

“They said the congestion will be too bad.”