An American man influential to the growth of Bermuda's tourism industry three decades ago, has died.

James "Jim" Barnhart, 71, who supported the Island for many years in his position as Director of Sales for Northeast and Delta Airlines, died last week at his home in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

He injured himself in a fall four or five months ago and never recovered from those injuries. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters Ann Marie and Shannon and son Michael.

According to long-time friend and co-worker John Harvey, CEO of the Bermuda Hotel Association, Mr. Barnhart helped develop Atlanta as a hub for Bermuda in 1981.

He said Mr. Barnhart also worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism and the Bermuda Hotel Association to grow and improve the tourism market, particularly in the New England area.

Mr. Harvey described his friend of more than 30 years as a fun-loving man who was "very productive and very professional".

Mr. Barnhart liked Bermuda's people and the Island's way of life. Back then, Bermuda was a fun destination, there were wonderful parties and people displayed a lot of graciousness about themselves and how they presented themselves, Mr. Harvey said.

He added: "Jim was a great friend and supporter of Bermuda and was directly responsible for causing our tourism business to increase significantly in the New England market in the USA.

"All of Bermuda's tourism family joins me in sending our condolences to his wife Nancy and family."