A regional daily has launched a campaign to encourage more people to come to its patch for the Olympics, after finding that the number of visitors was down on normal years.

The Dorset Echo is calling for more visitors to Weymouth and Portland where the sailing competition is taking place until 11 August as part of the Games.

It has joined forces with Olympic organisers in a drive to boost visitor numbers after traders in Weymouth said business was down by an average of 50pc during the opening days of the sailing events.

The Team GB sailing team and local councillors have also backed the message that people should attend and celebrate the biggest event in the area’s history.

The Echo is urging its readers to use social networks to spread the work that Weymouth and Portland is open, there are no travel problems, plenty of parking, accommodation available, lots of entertainment and great sailing with real medal prospects.

Deputy editor Diarmuid MacDonagh said the campaign had come about after the Echo published a story showing that the streets, park and rides and big screen showing the Olympics were all deserted – but he said things had started to improve since it was launched last week.

He said: “Olympics organisers were predicting an extra 30,000 visitors per day in Weymouth and Portland during the sailing events. The reality is that it has been quieter than a normal July/August week during the school holidays.

“We spoke to more than 50 traders and the overall picture was that business was down by an average of 50pc.

“We also approached organisers and said we were willing to help them get the message out to try and encourage more visitors.

“It is in everyone’s interest that the sailing events are a success despite some obviously poor planning and punitive restrictions imposed by organisers.

“As an integral part of the community the Dorset Echo is using everything at its disposal to try and make the Games a success for the area. We are using a live blog and social networks to get the message out and it is reaping rewards. More people are coming and the town is busier.”

Olympic organisers have already acted to reduce prices at park and ride sites and attractions have lowered their prices to pull in more visitors.

A spokesman for the local 2012 Operation Team said: “While the ticketed venue at the Nothe has been sold out on Monday and Tuesday, visitor numbers have generally been below what was expected.

“However, the local authorities and their partners have responded quickly by amending messages about traffic and transport to welcome visitors to the borough.”