Affordable airfares and abundant flights have helped increase tourism in Bermuda while other Caribbean countries struggle, according to an industry leader.

And at least one fledgling hotel, 9 Beaches, attributes their success this year to last minute reservations made possible by the price of travel to the Island.

Earlier this week, Fairmont Hamilton Princess said their numbers had jumped 20 percent over last year and the travellers visiting were changing due to the introduction of budget airlines to North America and Europe.

While the Reefs hotel has generally enjoyed high occupancy rates due to a niche it has carved out, according to the general manager Ben Tutt, Bermuda's tourism product as a whole has benefited from the new flights.

"We have about the same numbers we have had for the last four years," he said, "In August I think our lowest occupancy was 95 percent at one time.

"But we consistently have 98 percent occupancy. I would say the airlines though have definitely attributed to a general upswing that seems to be contradictory to the Caribbean, which sees lower tourism numbers."

While other countries may be struggling to bring in new visitors, 9 Beaches, which only opened in 2005 with a generally 'new' concept of 'soft-sided' cabanas has only seen their numbers grow.

Robin Gilbert, general manager of 9 Beaches said for the past two years the hotel increased its occupancy from around 40 and 50 percent to 70 and 80 percent this summer.

While projections were initially not positive for August, according to Mr. Gilbert, last minute reservations have boosted their numbers by almost 20 percent.

"Our marketing department has worked really hard over the year and we are happy with the Trip Advisor website which lists us in position 8 out of 34 hotels in Bermuda," he said.

"But we also have to share the limelight with affordable airfares. Because of the lower prices people can make the last minute decisions to come down.

"If it's $800 to come to Bermuda, that is going to be a long-term plan. We're very very happy and optimistic about the future."