Tourism and Transport Minister Ewart Brown yesterday lauded the introduction of Virgin Holidays package trips to Bermuda, suggesting it was the first step in bringing Virgin Airlines to the Island.

"We are delighted to have succeeded in drawing in the largest transatlantic tour operator to our shores. It is our anticipation that working with Virgin Holidays is a us a first step to attracting Virgin Airlines to the Island," Dr. Brown said.

Hotels Coco Reef Bermuda, Fairmont Southampton and Wyndam Bermuda Resort and Spa are currently advertising package holidays in a Virgin portfolio.

The starting price per person for a seven night holiday, including all flights and transfers is $1,600.

Bermuda is being featured in the 2005 US and Canada travel portfolio of this branch of British billionaire Richard Branson's empire.

Virgin Holidays featured Bermuda within their 2005 American portfolio instead of its Caribbean travel guide for two reasons, a Government spokesperson said.

The first reason was that Bermuda was distinct from its Caribbean neighbours.

Secondly, Virgin Holidays wanted to emphasise the Island as a city break holiday from Boston and New York.

Virgin could put additional properties on both the portfolio and their web site to expand the Bermuda product. The first edition of the brochure was launched on June 29, 2004.

Virgin Holidays was started in 1985 when it sold holidays to only 14,000 passengers. However, in the recent past, the company has sold tickets to 300,000 visitors each year.

Virgin Atlantic offers no direct flights to Bermuda. Their service from the UK to Bermuda presently reaches only as far as New York, where passengers must travel via American Airlines to reach the Island.

But the Bermuda Department of Tourism called the inclusion of Bermuda into the company's portfolios, "a significant milestone for the Island".

"We are confident that our fantastic product will prove a great fit and a popular choice for Virgin Holidays' notably loyal and discerning customer database," Dr. Brown said.