Bermuda could benefit from group bookings relocating to the Island from more dangerous parts of the world in the light of the current terrorist crisis, Tourism Minister David Allen said yesterday.

He said the Island had received a "lot of inquiries" from overseas from companies considering transferring business and group leisure bookings to Bermuda. Any transfer of business would be a welcome boost to the ailing tourist trade.

Potential hot spots which could get even more dangerous if the United States launches military include would include the Middle East, and The Royal Gazette understands there is a chance Bermuda could pick up business from there.

Mr. Allen told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "We've had a lot of inquiries reaching our offices about repositioning from other areas. Bermuda and other destinations are getting inquiries about repositioning.

"Hotels here which have overseas sales offices are getting the same response. Areas like Bermuda are looking at holding the line at the moment. Clearly we don't want to be predatory, but if people approach us we won't be turning away business."

Bermuda Hotel Association president Billy Griffith said yesterday he had not heard of group businesses transferring here, although some of the larger hotels may have information on this.