TOURISM businesses across South East Cornwall received a much-needed boost this week as glorious weather during the school half-term led to an influx of visitors.
In Looe struggling businesses breathed a sigh of relief as the good weather saw holidaymakers and visitors flood the town.
"Hopefully this is a sign of things to come and if the weather continues it should be Looe's saving grace," said Jon Prinn, operations manager at Hannafore Point Hotel in West Looe.
"Our visitor numbers are up on this time last year," he added.
"After a really difficult start to the year this is just what we all need."
Hundreds of people gathered in the town for the annual Festival by the Sea and Looe Raft Race over the weekend.
"It was fantastic," said Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall councillor for Looe West, Lansallos and Lanteglos.
"We have been absolutely blessed with some fantastic weather and it's helped bring people out, particularly the day visitors."
She said initiatives such as Love Looe are helping to bring people into the town and supporting local businesses.
"But we shouldn't be complacent," she warned.
"We are competing with the rest of Cornwall and we have got to shout about what we have got to offer – and we have an enormous amount to offer."
Family attractions across the region struggled to bring in visitors at the start of the year.
Staff at Siblyback Lake, near Liskeard, said the cold weather kept people away, but last week saw a large increase in visitor numbers.
"It's great. The weather is finally playing the game. We have seen lots more people trying out our new activities – the high ropes course and wake-boarding circuit – over the half-term weekend," said Tommy Haydu, manager at Siblyback Lake.
"We have had lots more visitors here compared with the same time last year so it gives me hope for the rest of this season," he added.
Tim Jones from the Devon and Cornwall Business Council said a spate of good weather over a half-term period provides an estimated £105 million to the South West economy.
"Good weather is absolutely crucial to the tourism industry and all the structures that support it."
Edythe Coles, chair of South East Cornwall Tourism Association (SECTA) said: "The weather makes all the difference. Everything looks better in the sunshine."