tourist trade.

Bermuda Hotel Association President Mr. Stephen Barker this week disclosed the possibility of a flight between Miami and Bermuda coming on line next year.

But Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge denied there was any concrete news of such a flight although he admitted discussions had taken place for some years.

Airline industry sources feel a flight from Germany, which has also been discussed, could continue from Bermuda to Florida, possibly involving a European airline.

There is also a possibility of a flight involving one of the American airlines bringing passengers from New York and continuing to Florida.

However, airlines are understood to be concerned by the huge loss British Airways suffered on the flight to Florida before it stopped in 1991.

The BA flight began in London, stopped in Bermuda, and continued to Orlando in its early days. With the attraction of Disneyland, direct flights from London were introduced and the Bermuda flight diverted to Tampa in 1987.

An investigation was made into the service and it was found to be losing $20 million a year. The Florida connection was scrapped and since then the Bermuda to London link has proved a success.

BA's public relations officer Mrs. Sallie Singleton said: "We were sorry to see it go but the route has been strengthened by it.'' Mrs. Singleton said she had heard nothing about British Airways getting involved in a future flight to Florida.

However, Mr. Barker said: "If a direct flight between Miami and Bermuda comes on line in 1994 that could provide a considerable boost to occupancy figures in the hotels.

"It is just something the Department of Tourism has been working on for some years.'' Mr. Woolridge agreed a Florida flight had been discussed along with other destinations to help boost tourism. But he said any talk of a Florida flight in 1994 would be premature.

"Ever since the British Airways flight started we have been looking to get a link.

"At present people are going through Atlanta and Raleigh-Durham but if discussions are successful it could mean a flight to Miami from here.''