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Bermuda has seen a large increase in the number of foreign visitors, according to the Bermuda Department of Tourism (BPT).

Figures for August of this year show an increase in arrivals of 26.6% year-on-year, meaning 36,650 passengers landed on the island during the month.

The BPT has cited the UK, and in particular the decision of British Airways to extend its service from Gatwick to a flight a day, as the main source of the improved visitor numbers.

Statistics show that in 2006 there were 49.9% more UK tourists in the country than there were in 2005.

This pattern is also present in figures from July, when there were 26.3% more UK tourists, and September, where the figure is 23.7%.

'We are extremely pleased with the uplift in UK visitor numbers and that British Airways' additional services have been such a success,' said director of tourism in Bermuda, Cherie-Lynn Whitter.

'The daily flights make Bermuda even more accessible and given that it is only a six-and-a-half hour journey, UK visitors are also beginning to think of us for shorter breaks as well as extended holidays.'

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