The possibility of Bermuda hosting the America’s Cup could be beneficial to the Island according to a street survey held yesterday by The Royal Gazette.

On July 8 it was announced that Bermuda and San Diego were the final two venues in contention to host the 2017 America’s Cup sailing championship.

Malcolm Raynor, 52, Southampton said: “It would help to increase tourists to create more business for taxis, hotels, any industry that can support the tourism industry.

“For the long term well you couldn’t buy the global coverage of the America’s Cup in Bermuda, we couldn’t afford that kind of marketing and brand recognition.

“Even if we have to invest a little bit of money it should turn out good.”

Denton Parris, 46, Sandys said: “It could help put us in the map in a sort of way. It would create a lot of business for stores in Hamilton especially along Front Street; hotels would do great as well

A 58-year-old Warwick man who wishes to go by Mr Simmons said: “Bars would be full.

“Bermuda doesn’t get that kind of entertainment; it can help make Bermuda livelier.

“Little things like that can bring out the best in Bermuda, Bermuda’s a beautiful place to be but we don’t get that kind of excitement.”

“It can be a great way to showcase Bermuda.”

Patrick O’Donnell, a 65- year-old sailor from Trunk Island said: “They had 700,000 people at the race in San Francisco can you imagine that many in Bermuda?

“I would expect San Diego to get the match and we’ll get the preliminaries which I think would be wonderful. It would be a huge boost for the island; I can’t imagine anybody downplaying it.

“I think it would very difficult to handle the main event, where can we put 700,000 people.”

Dennis Bean, 64, Devonshire said: “It sounds like best thing that could happen for them, Bermuda’s the best kept secret in the world. It’s great for many reasons geographically, friendliness, location, the international communications, the financial benefits would be good for Bermuda and them as well, the overall exposure not just for us but for them. Bermuda’s already on the map for the fishing ad golf tournaments. It would be good for them to cover the bases for Bermuda’s sake.”

Kennia Jones, 26 Pembroke said: “The more exposure we have the better.

“We do host sailing competitions so why not.

“Many people around the world enjoy sailing so it would be great tourism wise.”

The winning venue is expected to be announced before the end of the year.