A study of tourism has revealed an upsurge of visitors to Worthing.

Carrier Direct Marketing, which won a three-year contract to market the town, contacted almost 1,000 people who requested the Worthing Holiday Guide in 2002.

The study revealed that last year:

More than 20 per cent of visitors came in August, double the figures in 1998 to 99.

Day visitors increased by nine per cent compared with 1999, and those staying between two and seven nights increased by 23 per cent.

The number of repeat visitors had increased by ten per cent.

The number of visitors in the 65-plus age group had risen by 30 per cent compared to 1999.

Approximately 4.5 per cent were unlikely to visit Worthing again, compared with 15 per cent in 1998 and 1999.

The most appealing aspects of Worthing were that there was plenty to see and do, its countryside and its friendly people.

Councillors were considering the report today.