Manchester played host to the Department of Tourism's UK Bermuda Marketplace road show for the first time yesterday in a move that was heralded a success by organisers, suppliers and attendees alike.

Tourism Minister David Allen said: "The Manchester people are so happy for us to be up here. It's been very encouraging. I think it's been a great success but, of course, the final proof will be in the bookings we get.'' He said feedback from suppliers at the show indicated they were getting a great benefit from it and there were reports of significant amounts of potential business being lined up.

Mr. Allen added that he had been doing his part with a number of interviews with media in London and up north which would generate free column inches of advertising. Director of Tourism in Europe, Ian Parker, agreed. "All in all the feedback has been very positive, very positive,'' he said.

World Rugby Classic promoter John Kane, who attended last year's event, said the event this year had gone very well for his organisation.

"This format suits us. The two-city format is good and has proved useful for us as we've been able to see more people than in previous years.'' And specialist travel agent, Glenis Brown, of Westmorland travel in Windermere, Cumbria, gave the event her seal of approval. Ms Brown, who has been a specialist travel agent for some three years and visited the Island on her briefing trip in November, 1997, said she had never been to the Bermuda Marketplace event before.

"I have not done Marketplace before because it was always in London which is a long way to go for the day. I am very pleased that the event has come to Manchester this year because it is only two hours away from me instead of five like London.'' The event provided a great service to travel agents, she added.

"Even though I have been on the Island before, it's good to be able to catch up on what improvements have been made and what new things are on offer.'' The idea of trying to sell Bermuda in the north of England had been criticised, noted Mr. Allen, who backed the move by stating: "For those people who think Manchester and the north of England have no money, there is a lot of money up here.

"The north of England has a lot of affluence and there is a lot of affluence in Manchester itself.

"People are not hearing about Bermuda up here, that's why we're here. This upscale market is not concerned about how far away a destination is so a seven-hour flight is not an issue. However we have to educate people as to where Bermuda is. We are two hours closer than the Bahamas and three hours closer than Jamaica. We also need to let people know we are a first world country with a first world economy and an infrastructure which works and that we are clean and safe and user friendly.'' Mr. Parker stressed that the move north was essential for the event that was held over two days in London in the past.

"With the competitive travel business in the UK, we have to go to our market so it is easier for them to get to us.'' He noted that Europe would never replace America as the Island's key business provider but could provide significant incremental business. The goal, continued Mr. Allen, was to see a boost in air arrivals from the UK and Europe to go with the longer average stays UK and European travellers currently had in Bermuda as compared to their American counterparts.

"I personally would like to see European business go up to where it enjoyed a 20 percent share in air arrivals to the Island. Currently it is at ten percent and it will take time.'' This would bring the Island on par with competing destinations, he noted, some of which enjoyed having European travellers making up as much as one third of their business.

CONFERENCE CON