The future development of Bermuda?s ports and waterfront is inevitable and the continued growth of the cruise segment is fuelling Tourism and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown?s drive towards the Ports Enhancement and Waterfront Development initiative.

Making various announcements concerning transport and tourism initiatives this week, Dr. Brown said a preliminary design will be completed for the second cruise pier at Dockyard within the next few weeks.

He said the Department was also in the process of assessing options for St. George?s and once work was completed he would be sharing recommendations with the community to get further input on the proposed options. To date the Ministry has had stakeholder meetings with numerous groups including the Corporation of St. George?s, the Corporation of Hamilton and the West End Development Corporation.

?The Waterfront Task Force has conducted two meetings and is in the process of reviewing options for enhancing the waterfronts of all three ports. We have established subgroups that are exploring the unique needs of each of the three ports.?

Bermuda possesses some of the most attractive harbours in the world and Dr. Brown said he believed that great potential exists in improving the waterfronts, making them show pieces for the world to enjoy.

Meanwhile, technical officers recently finalised the cruise ship schedule for 2006 and Dockyard will experience a significant increase in the number of cruise ship visits next year.

The will replace (sister ships) arriving on Tuesday mornings and leaving Wednesday afternoons.

The will return, alternating with the and , while will replace the recently sold itinerary.

Dr. Brown said some 22 occasional callers scheduled for 2006, most calling at the West End and the will provide ten one-day calls at Dockyard. ?The addition of the and the incremental occasional callers suggests that an overall increase in the number of cruise visitors is anticipated,? he said.

As for air travel, American Airlines Miami flight will continue to operate year-round in an effort to ensure a strong winter season. Dr. Brown said the flight will operate three days a week from this month (November) through next May and then five times a week during the summer.

He is also continuing with ?aggressive steps? to secure the low cost airline, JetBlue.

Last week Dr. Brown, the Director of Sales and Marketing, Glenn Bean, and Airport General Manger, James Howes, met JetBlue Airways chairman and founder David Neeleman in Tampa, Florida, for a one-hour discussion about future JetBlue service to Bermuda.

?We are encouraged by the opportunity to meet Mr. Neeleman in person and were impressed by his interest,? he said. In this regard, Dr. Brown was hopeful that JetBlue would give every possible consideration to serving Bermuda in the future.