Visitor air arrivals to Bermuda by air have increased by nearly 8 percent in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The number of air arrivals in the first quarter totaled 30,824, compared to 28,865 visitors arriving by air in the first quarter of 2010.
Each individual month in the first quarter of 2010 registered growth in numbers over the previous year for the Caribbean island. Bermuda saw a 5.5 percent increase in visitor air arrivals in January ; a 2.7 percent increase in February; and a 9.9 percent increase in March.
The largest growth area in air arrivals came from Canada, which saw a 50 percent increase, attributed in large part to additional airlift supplied by WestJet. The first quarter of 2011 brought 6,469 air arrivals from Canada as compared to 4,314 from the previous year.
Air arrivals from the U.S. grew by 2.7 percent, with air arrivals increasing to 19,705 visitors, as compared to 19,181 from the previous year. Within the U.S., the Northeast continued to account for the majority of visitors; however, air arrivals from southern states such as Florida (increased by 8.6 percent) also increased in numbers.
Moving forward into the second quarter of 2011, Bermuda will see additional airlift out of gateways located in Baltimore and Atlanta with the introduction of service provided by AirTran. The carrier’s Baltimore service commenced on April 7 and Atlanta service will begin on May 26.
The Bermuda Department of Tourism recently extended its popular “Compliments of Bermuda” promotion, inviting visitors to enjoy every third night free for hotel rooms booked in April at participating properties. In addition, travelers to the island who book a three-night stay in May will receive the fourth night free, and guests booking a four-night stay in June will receive their fifth night free at select hotels. The exclusive promotion is available at more than a dozen participating hotel properties, available for booking through May 30 for travel through June 30.
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