Bermuda tourism is back with a bang this year.

That was the message from an upbeat Premier Alex Scott yesterday as he and Tourism Minister Renee Webb formally launched the new tourism season.

More flights, stronger bookings and major hotel renovations after Hurrican Fabian were all contributing to what should be the best season in years, he told a lunch of business and tourism leaders at La Coquille restaurant.

?Today, after months of perseverance, teamwork and plain old community spirit, I am happy to announce that Bermuda is open for business,? said Mr. Scott. ?I think our time for tourism has really come.?

The Island?s biggest hotel, the Fairmont Southampton, officially re-opened yesterday and hotel bookings across the Island were impressive.

?Many are booked solid until June. After facing such tough challenges over these last few months, all involved should feel proud that their efforts to get back on track are coming to fruition. Bermuda is back.?

An unprecedented 20 percent increase in flights this year could bring in roughly 40,000 more visitors each month, he said.

?We have much to be proud of and much to look forward to. This year, anticipation is high.?

Every sector of the community had to be a tourism ambassador to make every tourist feel like an honoured guest.

He warned that Government would not allow recent violence like the mass fights at the Wellington Oval football match mar the Island?s reputation as a safe destination.

?Like you, the Government is ever vigilant of those things that shed a negative light on our industry,? he said.

?Recent events in our community have cast an unsettling shadow on the stellar reputation we have enjoyed as a tourist destination pristine, friendly and safe.

?We will not allow our Island home to be toppled from its place of high esteem which we have enjoyed.

?We will remind our visitors that Bermuda is still one of the safest places in the world to visit, and we will put these words into action by demonstrating that we are a country of unity, harmony and peace.?

Ms Webb told the tourism figures assembled that the combined efforts of all in the industry were finally bringing results.

?Without a doubt, our collaborative effort is paying off and our industry is flourishing,? she said.

?With the new additional flights and hotel development projects that are progressing superbly, our bookings are better than they have been in years.?

The Island had enjoyed superb exposure through the Bermuda Squash Open, Bermuda International Film Festival, and visit of Primer Minister Tony Blair and his family.

?I am extremely encouraged ? all indications are that we will have an excellent tourism season,? she said.

Fairmont Hamilton Princess general manager Paul Tormey, speaking for the Island?s hotels, was in an upbeat mood.

But he warned: ?You should never say it is the last chance to be successful, but I would rather say we are close.

?This season has to work. There is no vote ? it has to happen.

?We have to get those people on those seats and they have to get off with a huge smile on their face with their pockets turned out because they have left their money in Bermuda and they want to tell other people they want to come back.?

The Hamilton Princess was reporting just under 80 percent occupancy.

?That has not happened in many, many years. Eighty percent or better will make a very, very successful season.?