18th August 2011

WEYMOUTH: Innovative Homestay project to expand

MORE than thirty households have already registered under a unique programme to host families in preparation for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Weymouth and Portland Homestay scheme is a flexible campaign offering home to home accommodation within Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester.

Interest is so keen that home to home accommodation could be expanded to other Dorset areas while the scheme could also be evolved to provide accommodation for events that suit the niche market such as hiking on the Jurassic Coast.

Weymouth and Portland tourism spokesman Councillor Andy Blackwood said: “This interesting and innovative project will expand the style of accommodation available to our visitors.

“Host families will have an exciting opportunity not only to share their experience of the range of attractions in this area but also to develop new friendships with people from all over the world.”

The scheme will also enable host families to generate income from their own home and be a part of local, national and international events including the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Visitors will benefit widely from the scheme because it not only offers a unique connection to the community but also, in the case of international visitors, a chance to embrace English life.

A grading structure focuses on four key areas — location, facility, hospitality and cleanliness – as well as the ability to ensure both visitors and host families’ needs are met since each pairing is adapted to suit both parties.

Weymouth and Portland Homestay owners Jennie Parsons and Fran Davies each have 20 years experience organising inbound international visitors to the area.

Jennie said: “We set up the Homestay scheme as not only did we want to create a legacy for Weymouth and Portland after the 2012 Games, but we also wanted to involve the local community in events happening within our area.

“Through sharing these events with visitors, not only will hosting families experience something new, but during the process they will also create friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Weymouth and Portland visitor officer Lindy Parmley is working with Homestay and said: “It offers both visitors and hosting families a more personal experience which is one of the reasons why I feel this campaign has already received a vast amount of interest.”

Anyone wanting more Homestay information or to register their interest in becoming a host family should visit www.weymouthandportlandhomestay.com.

PHOTO: At the Homestay launch are, from the left, tourism spokesman Councillor Andy Blackwood, Homestay provider Ros Rowbotham, Sir Samuel Mico scholarship student Brianna Fairbank, Homestay co-owner Jennie Parsons and visitor services manager Lindy Parmley.

WEYMOUTH: Innovative Homestay project to expand

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