The meeting will be between a top American Airlines official and Mr. Paul Zar, the Tourism Ministry's North American sales director.

Yesterday Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said he was excited about the prospect of a Miami link.

Bermuda pulled in many wealthy visitors from Florida, who flew here on such airlines as Delta, he said.

"There is a great potential for growth in the Miami market,'' he said, adding that talks were at a delicate stage, and nothing could be taken for granted.

"There is nothing concrete I can say at this stage. I am not in a position to talk about when such a service could be running.'' Mr. Woolridge added an "exploratory'' examination of South American countries had been carried out about six weeks ago.

It was hoped Bermuda could tap into this market.

The Hon. C.V Woolridge.