The Premier of Bermuda has called for a low-cost flight service from the UK to help boost tourism from this country.
Dr Ewart Brown, who is also minister for tourism, said visitor numbers from the UK increased 22% when Zoom was operating twice-weekly flights from Gatwick to Bermuda. However, numbers returned to previous levels when Zoom ceased operations in August last year.
The UK market makes up 10% of tourism to the island, with British Airways operating the only daily route from Gatwick.
Speaking on a visit to London this week, Brown said: “We came to let airlines know the government of Bermuda will subsidise an effort to introduce a low-cost flight.
“The majority of visitors to Bermuda book through travel agents, but I think they would have a lot more success if there were cheaper flights available.”
Bermuda will not be investing in marketing or advertising activity in this country until a flight is launched, he added.