to bypass Bermuda purely because of expensive airfares.

American Airlines are offering one-way fares to the Island from New York for $140.

The fares are the lowest to Caribbean destinations from New York barring $99 one-way tickets to San Juan and the airline is offering similar low fares from other area airports.

Bermuda competitors Aruba, Barbados and St. Maarten feature one-way airfares of $218, $177 and $226 respectively.

Tourism director Gary Phillips said: "There are some people who have the impression that Bermuda does not get considered for competitive airfares but here is an example of where we are.''