A small team from the Bermuda Tourism Authority hit the cobblestone streets of St George’s on Monday to get the word out about the increase in visitors expected in the old town next year.

Cruise calls dedicated to the East End are expected to go from four in 2016 to 15 in 2017.

“We want to make sure everyone is ready to seize this opportunity,” said Chief Product and Experiences Development Officer Pat Phillip-Fairn, who led the team in St George’s.

“There is palpable optimism in St George’s now. This is a slice of the island’s tourism success carved out specifically for them. Stakeholders in the East End can decide how best to take advantage of these calls for their business.”

The BTA provided St George’s stakeholders with the scheduled cruise calls for their area and “encouraged them to arrange staffing levels and opening hours that put them in the best possible position for success”.

Marine and Ports is expected to make the full 2017 Cruise Ship schedule available on its website this week.

The expectation for 2017 is 15 cruise calls for St George’s and 24 for Hamilton.