Americans are up almost 60 percent this year, Bermuda continues to see a decline in air arrivals.

Last week's figures showed a more than 10 percent decline in arrivals by air putting air arrivals for the year to date 6.3 percent down.

Meanwhile a survey of this summer's top holiday destinations among 342 American Society of Travel Agents across the United States showed London was the most popular choice followed by France, Mexico, Germany and Italy.

Among the other top 10 destinations were Greece, Ireland, Jamaica, the Netherlands and Canada. Bermuda was ranked 22nd with 2.6 percent of respondents putting it among their top five choices.

Director of public relations at ASTA Mr. Steven Loucks claimed the heavy European slant was surprising in light of the weak dollar. But Americans, he said, were attracted by the familiarity of Europe.

More far-flung destinations such Hong Kong, Israel and Australia also beat out Bermuda which has won over visitors in the past for its easy accessibility.

The only Caribbean destinations to rank higher than Bermuda were Jamaica and the US Virgin Islands. However the Caribbean collectively soaked up 23 percent of votes and would have ranked sixth overall.

Mr. Loucks claimed the popularity of the Caribbean lay with its competitive prices.

"It is seen as a very inexpensive destination. I don't think it is the same for Bermuda,'' he said. But in Bermuda's favour, he said North Americans perceived the Island as a beautiful and "ecologically sensitive'' holiday destination.

In spite of the increased competition from domestic US destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas and New York, international bookings were up significantly over last year, he said. "It appears to be a good year for tourism.'' Other US travel agents in New York and Florida agreed Europe was proving very popular among Americans this year. But they claimed Bermuda bookings remained healthy and that value-for-money packages were selling well. One agency said bookings for Bermuda were up by 25 percent over last year.