routes opening up.

Talks are already underway with at least one potential new European carrier and there could be another airline waiting in the wings.

The news follows announcements by TWA and Delta, that they plan to introduce a new service from St. Louis, Missouri and an extra flight from Atlanta, respectively.

In addition, Tourism Minister David Allen is to take part in high level talks with British Airways executives -- with more flights from London on the Minister's agenda.

"There is a European airline interested in flying to Bermuda. We are hoping that something could happen next year,'' he said.

The disclosure came at the end of the World Travel Congress in Strasbourg, France, where Mr. Allen is understood to have met with airlines -- including those not already serving the Island.

And the provision of extra services to Bermuda will be one of the issues the Minister will raise with Foreign Office junior Minister Baroness Scotland next week.

"I have been encouraged by the Premier to talk about airlines and tourism. I intend to make Bermuda's point, about how important it is for us to get these new air services,'' he said.

As part of the Bermuda II agreement, which governs the skies between the Island and the US and UK, the UK Government has to sign off on any new flights.

Mr. Allen will also speak at the Bermuda Society dinner, being held next Thursday.

The new Missouri and Atlanta flights, due to begin next summer, will give the Island a chance to gain a foothold in the US mid west and west coast.

But, also Mr. Allen said he believed they could provide the impetus for other airlines to come to Bermuda.

"When you create a buzz about a country, things start to happen,'' he said.

"It gives people a feeling that they should be part of the picture. We have become a hot place to be. That syndrome feeds upon itself and it is important to create that feeling.

"It is also important to show our commitment with marketing and redeveloping the project. That gives them confidence that there is a Government that is willing to do their part.''