Government is targeting those least affected by the economic downturn in the US in a bid to protect Bermuda's tourism industry from the fallout.

That is according to a Department of Tourism (DoT) spokesperson, who also said Government was aiming for those looking for alternatives to European holidays due to the exchange rate and those looking to take shorter trips closer to home as a result of the economic slowdown.

Protecting the Island's tourism sector from the US economic meltdown was one of the key topics up for debate at the Bermuda Government, Hotel Owners Spring Summit 2008 held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess last week.

The DoT spokesperson said: "The economy is indeed affecting general consumer travel patterns. As a result we are targeting consumers who are not as affected by the economic downturn, targeting those looking for alternatives to European vacations because of the exchange rate and targeting those looking to take shorter trips closer to home as a result of the economy.

"Our November qualitative research study validates that DoT's proximity messaging resonates with our target audience. Additionally, recent exit survey results reveal Bermuda is attractive to an increasingly affluent traveller — the kind of person who is likely to travel despite the economic downturn."