A busy Bank Holiday Monday put a smile on the face of Pembrokeshire's tourism operators following a mixed season.

Sunshine, packed beaches and bumper visitor numbers - particularly to outdoor attractions - saw the school summer holidays ending on a positive note.

"August has held up reasonably well, despite the disappointing weather and reduced visitor spend," said Wales Tourism Alliance chairman Chris Osborne, of Tenby's Fourcroft Hotel.

Bank Holiday weekend business at Folly Farm was up by eight per cent, with Monday seeing more than 5,000 visitors. And numbers are on track for a 15 per cent increase in trade this week, said managing director Chris Ebsworth.

Heatherton County Sports Park reported its 'busiest ever' season, with the combination of dry weather and its two new activities, the Tree Tops Sky Tower and Walk on Water.

And Battlefield Live at Llanteg has seen a 100 per cent increase in visitors from last year, with some making special journeys of over two hours and others calling in more than once during their holiday.

Over 60 per cent of Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group members reported a busiest year than in 2009, with the season seemingly longer with more mid-week activitity bookings.

Although there have been reports of empty rooms in the accommodation sector in the past couple of weeks, a number of hotel and guest house operators have been more than pleased with the season.

Amongst them is Tenby's Giltar Hotel where trade has been 'very buoyant', said owner Malcolm Brace, who added: "Our programme of refurbishment has made a vast difference to use, and it has definitely shown in our occupancy rates."

Pembrokeshire Tourism's chief executive, Alison Belton, commented: "We had a good start to the season in April and May and the June lull was thankfully overcome in July and August, with business generally picking up across the county.

"The key is in improving and continuing to invest in products - as shown by Heatherton and the Giltar Hotel in Tenby - and to be fully aware of the impact of internet marketing

"It appears that many visitors are still keeping an eye on their spending with regard to accommodation and eating out, keeping their money for activities and outings which will give them lasting memories.

"Certainly the increase in 'staycations' is continuing, with a fair share of our visitors choosing the county as an alternative to destinations abroad.

"This repeat business is essential, and with a great product we can certainly keep visitors coming back year on year, and must continue to work hard to converting more and more people to the county in the first place.

"A detailed survey of tourism businesses within South West Wales is taking place later this month and will give a more in-depth picture of their trade over the past year and their outlook for 2011."

Matthew Evans, CEO of Coastal Cottages told the Observer: "The self catering market is always susceptible to market forces around January and February; a time that this year was tough for every industry and consumer with snow topping off the economic cake quite ironically!

"Coastal Cottages are slightly different in that they have many niche markets they have created and are now extremely dominant in, especially within the pet friendly and pre school children markets.

"The launch of the Coastal Concierge service has also seen a rise in the top end visitor, many of whom now have chefs brought in and activities and attractions all pre-booked before their arrival.

"The markets are changing, and becoming far more experience and value driven, but this has to be seen as a positive for Pembrokeshire as its on we can compete in very well indeed."

Meanwhile, visitor numbers were up at Tenby TIC where their figures were up from the last two years and a really busy time was reported over the Bank Holiday weekend.

As we went to press yesterday (Thursday), the sun was shining and hopes are high for a sunny September!