Bermuda tourism may have had a small boost this year as a result of the outbreak of the Zika virus.

Speaking yesterday, Glenn Jones of the Bermuda Tourism Authority said that there had been a “noticeable spike” in business interest this summer as travellers looked for destinations without the virus.

“Over just the past few days I was introduced to Ingrid Kessler and nine members of her family who moved their family reunion from Mexico to Bermuda because of Zika fears,” he said.

“Our proximity and scuba and beach activities helped Bermuda come out as the top choice on their alternatives list.

“We don’t proactively seek to capitalise on any of this, but when travellers reach out for Zika facts we provide them with the latest information we have as a result of working with the Bermuda Department of Health.

“The facts are very much in our favour because Bermuda doesn’t have the mosquito known for transmitting Zika and the virus has not been contracted in Bermuda.”

He said that as long as Bermuda continues to avoid the outbreak, the island will remain in a good position in the minds of potential visitors.

The BTA announced that visitor arrivals were up during the first half of the year with more tourists visiting the island by cruise ship and plane than during the same period in 2015.