Bermuda's tourism could receive a boost from the southeast US.

It has been revealed that talks are ongoing with Delta Airlines in a bid to have a second daily flight from Atlanta to the Island.

And Tourism Minister David Allen has told The Royal Gazette that a brand new airline could be lining the Island up as a possible destination.

The airline is not yet operational but has already identified a likely route from Atlanta to the Island.

Mr. Allen said he was hopeful they would get more service from the region, which already brings a significant number of air visitors.

And the plan was well received by travel agents from the Atlanta region who packed the J.W. Marriott hotel in the city to hear the Minister preach the new tourism gospel.

Close to 300 attended the showcase event, many shunning a rival show put on by the Pacific island of Hawaii on the same night.

The agents want more aircraft serving the region -- currently Delta is the only direct route from Atlanta -- and they believe there is demand for three flights a day.

One agent said a morning and early evening departure would prove a hit with customers, who are faced with many options when flying to the Caribbean.

The travel professional said her indications were that they could easily sell more seats if an airline were to consider the option.

Mr. Allen, Bermuda hoteliers and the Department of Tourism finished their week-long US tour with a flourish as eager travel agents were told that the Island was rekindling its product with millions of dollars of new investment -- bringing a totally new vacation experience.

Reflecting on the week, he said it had been a resounding success, with demand for tickets to the New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta shows high.

"I have been energised by the events and the reception we have got has been fantastic,'' he said. "Bermuda has alot of friends here and now we have got to convert that into bookings.

"It is a matter of getting people to rediscover the Island -- there are things people don't know about Bermuda.

"I am convinced it will turn into bookings.'' After the success of the US invasion, future travel trade shows are being targetted for a worldwide campaign to raise the Island's profile.

The American Society of Travel Agents congress in Strasbourg, the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference in Nassau and a Canada tourism show are some of the headline events Bermuda will be present at in force.

"You have got to get on the road and reach out,'' said Mr. Allen. "We have got to get out there and bang the drum for the business.

"You don't get business by staying in Bermuda and waiting for people to come to you, you have got to be proactive.''