This year's Bermuda Jazz Festival may be brought forward a month to avoid losing visitors who cannot find airline seats to the Island.

The event could be held in September instead of October as Tourism Minister David Allen seeks to boost business, which last year suffered because of seat availability and also a lack of hotel rooms.

And he said the news that TWA is bidding to run the now-vacant La Guardia route, will mean the Island has more choice for passengers this summer -- although it will probably not mean cheaper prices.

Added to the planned twice-weekly St. Louis flight and extra daily Atlanta service, the Minister is hoping the extra capacity will boost arrivals.

"There was no question we lost Jazz Festival guests because they couldn't get in,'' said the Minister. "We are considering moving the festival because we had such problems with airline seats and hotel occupancy. Our partners, Conde Nast Traveller, tried to bring corporate guests in, but they couldn't get seats. In the end they had to charter a private jet.'' Tourism officials reportedly believe the end of September could be ideal, with last year being quiet at that time of year -- after Labour Day but before autumn conventions and other business soaks up seats in October.

Mr. Allen said the decision would be taken in conjunction with organisers Track Entertainment, but added that as a sponsor the Department of Tourism had "a lot of influence over it''.

TWA had shown interest in running a service from the US east coast previously, he said, adding that he thought that they were good candidates to fill the La Guardia slot dropped by US Airways in December.

"We actively encouraged them,'' Mr. Allen said. "It is a profitable route.

It was simply that US Airways saw opportunities elsewhere for their La Guardia slot.

"However, it is good for us to have three gateways from New York, particularly as La Guardia is the most convenient airport for many people.'' Mr. Allen added that the service, if approved by the US Department of Transportation, would bring more competition and diversity for the consumer during the summer.

TOURISM TOU