Department of Tourism officials believe arrivals numbers will continue to decline due to international economic conditions.

Air arrivals dropped eight percent, to 44,845, during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period the previous year. And while the Department believes second quarter results will increase compared to the first quarter, they do not believe they will top last year's arrivals figures.

An official said: "We are optimistic that the second quarter will result in a better sector performance than the first quarter, but given the economic conditions, it might be fair to anticipate a second quarter this year that underperforms versus the second quarter of 2007.

"Last year was a blockbuster one for Bermuda Tourism. Even if we don't maintain that blockbuster pace, the end result could still be very positive for the industry.

"Like always, however, we strive for the best possible outcome given the conditions of the market."

The Department has previously attributed the US credit crunch and soaring oil prices as reasons for the decline in people flying in for vacation.

"They added that it will continue to advertise heavily in the east coast of the US, as well as other locations, in order to keep Bermuda in the minds of travellers. "

The spokesperson added that the Dept. has a strong advertising presence on the US east coast and that the Island continues to "strengthen our brand so that people know what the 'feel the love' experience is all about. Those strategies should help us stem the tide."