WEALTHY Arab tourists could be flocking to Morecambe shortly after a new website promoting North West tourism proved a big hit in a tiny gulf state.

More than 90,000 people from the oil-rich state of Qatar have responded to the website, which features the resort.

That means almost one in every five Qatarians have looked at the area as a possible holiday destination

Although most are believed to be heading for the bright lights of neighbouring Blackpool, many are also understood to have enquired about Morecambe.

Visits from the people of Qatar are likely to prove a big hit with hoteliers as well. While most visitors from abroad spend an average of just £300, tourists from Qatar are said to spend up to £1,500 on a week away.

However, Lancaster's head of tourism, Ron Sands, takes a more cautious approach: "Of course, we would be happy to welcome tourists from the Gulf states, but there are many more important markets for us to target.

"For example, more Australians deportees were tried at Lancaster Castle than anywhere else. The castle's own website gets many hits which result in real visits.. How many of these 90,000 people from Qatar will visit Lancaster, Morecambe or Blackpool."

Simon Dey spokesman for the NWTB, said: "We have been very surprised by the amount of hits from Qatar.

"The Americans and Canadians always show the most interest but we never imagined a tiny, little place like Qatar could be keen on the North West

Nick Brooks-Sykes head of marketing for the North West tourist board, said: "We set up this site at the height of the Foot & Mouth epidemic and I am sure sheer volume of hits is connected for the public's desire for accurate information concerning the disease.

"These figures are particularly significant for helping us market the region at this difficult time."