The following airlines currently offer direct, non-stop flights to Bermuda:

• British Airways – flights from London Gatwick
• Air Canada – flights from Halifax and Toronto
• AirTran Airways – low cost airline offering cheap flights to Bermuda from Atlanta and Baltimore (summer only)
• American Airlines – from Miami and New York (JFK)
• Continental Airlines – daily service from Newark
• Delta Air Lines – daily services from Atlanta and Boston
• JetBlue – budget carrier with year-round services from Boston and New York (JFK)
• US Airways – flies from Charlotte and Washington (summer) and Philadelphia (daily, all year)
• WestJet – year-round service from Toronto to Bermuda

As New Year’s Day 2011 falls on a Saturday, Monday January 3 is a public holiday.

As Christmas Day 2011 falls on a Sunday, Tuesday December 27 is a public holiday.

We’re just over 24 hours away from a New Year, and I thought what better way to usher in 2011, then by announcing in my view what I think is some very positive news as it relates to Bermuda tourism.

Since my appointment in early November, and the introduction of the new Ministry of Business Development and Tourism, I have made it my mission to ensure that residents understood the key importance of the goals and mandates of our Ministry.

Simply put, the Ministry of Business Development and Tourism has a broad mandate to advance economic growth, jobs and opportunities for the people of Bermuda. It has cross cutting responsibilities in the areas of financial services and other forms of trade; tourism; technology; and intellectual property.

Hence the services and products the Ministry provides touch the lives of all Bermudians.

And as I have continuously pointed out, there has long been a desire to better align these two sectors.

So our efforts of promotions, marketing and business development in the upcoming months will reflect the synergy of these two sectors.

Therefore it was only logical that we had a Tourism Board that mirrored our new Ministry. And so today, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the newest members of the Bermuda Tourism Board.

Standing with me today are individuals who represent our local business sector as well as our tourism sector.

They are:

• Tourism Board Chairman Mr. Malcolm Butterfield –Malcolm is the Managing Director for KPMG Financial Advisory Services Limited, Bermuda. He has extensive corporate recovery and restructuring experience, and has developed experience handling complex, cross-jurisdictional insolvency appointments with particular expertise in the financial services sector.

• Mr. Brian Duperrault – Brian is the President and CEO of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. Mr. Duperreault is a 30-year insurance industry veteran who has served at the top of his profession in numerous leadership roles, including 10 years as chief executive officer of ACE Limited.

• Mr. Shine Hayward – Shine is Bermuda’s musical homegrown son – he is a respected music teacher, acclaimed saxophonist, a small business entrepreneur and a fine mentor to our young.

• Ms. Kelly Francis – Kelly is the President and Founder of Performance Solutions Limited, and brings 25 years experience in the areas of human resource and organizational change.

• Mr. Tony Brannon – who I like to refer to as Mr. Entertainment – Tony has amassed an international musical reputation, is a successful businessman, and is a fervent supporter of Bermuda’s tourism and local entertainment product.

• Deputy Tourism Board Chairman Mr. Jonathan Crellin – Mr. Crellin is the General Manager of Fairmont Hamilton Princess and was recently voted hotelier of the year by his peers. He brings a wealth of industry experience to the Board.

• Quinton Bean – Mr. Bean has been a dedicated taxi owner and operator for many years, and this makes him a wonderful tourism ambassador for our Island. He is also a staunch community supporter of our industry and we look forward to his service.

• Mr. Vincent Ingham – CEO of Belco and Ascendant Group, Mr. Randolph Horton MP Parliamentarian and Director of Learning for Fairmont Bermuda and Mr. Maxwell Burgess former Parliamentarian and local businessman round out the membership. These gentlemen were unable to be with us today.

All join returning members Michelle Cox, Sallie Singleton, Isabelle Braxton and Anthony Santucci on the Board.

As you can see these members criss-cross both industries.

And the marrying together of these individuals is indicative of the seriousness of our Ministry’s focus to ensure that the best opportunities are sought, developed and nurtured to sustain our tourism product.

Interestingly enough, the timing of today’s announcement coincides with the release of the Department of Statistics’ 2009 Tourism Satellite Account. There were some interesting statistics in the report relating to tourism – some of which I’d like to briefly highlight.

Without a doubt, tourism is an important sector of the global economy, and is still a critical component to Bermuda’s overall economy. Tourism is our second largest industry, behind international business. According to the latest statistics:

• It is estimated that 559,042 tourists arrived on our shores in 2009.

• Tourism contributed $231 million to our GDP in 2009, representing 4% of our total GDP.

• Visitors spent an estimated $350 million in Bermuda in 2009; and

• Tourism remained the number one private sector employer of Bermudians – this includes restaurants, hotel properties, etc. This represents 70 % of our labour force.

Some of these stats show a slight drop from the 2008 data. Obviously, Bermuda has not been immune from feeling the pinch of the economic slowdown brought about by the global financial crisis.

This has had trickle down effects on many areas, including international business, the real estate market, the construction industry, and yes tourism.

Yet I believe that despite the challenges, Bermuda can position itself to enjoy a stellar year.

And if we are to succeed, then we must explore and embrace different options if we are to remain viable.

We have a great opportunity having the twin pillars of our economy under one umbrella in order to ensure that Bermuda reaches and surpasses this success.

I believe that the new look of the Bermuda Tourism Board is a step in that direction.

These individuals understand Bermuda and what we have to offer.

They each have the passion, drive and experience to further shape our product and I am confident that their service to Bermuda tourism will lead to great things.

So to the new members of the Tourism Board, let me reiterate that I am excited about your willingness to contribute your time and energy to improving our tourism product.

I see a wealth of opportunity and potential.

Today’s announcement is a testament of how serious I personally am about seeing Bermuda become the envied tourist destination of the world.

I am sure you will all agree with me that Bermuda is indeed a gem in the Atlantic and the challenges that we face as a tourist destination are not unique to us… instead I believe that they only serve as an opportunity for us to be chiselled into an even more brilliant jewel.

And I see this being accomplished through the input of a diverse group of committed persons such as yourselves.

Thank you.

Bermuda Facts and Figures is an ideal pocket publication for the business executive, sports representative and conference or meeting participant who might need to share current statistical facts about the Island while attending overseas international meetings or events.

Complimentary copies of this quick reference pamphlet can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance Headquarters, the Cabinet Office, the Bermuda Adult Library and the Visitor’s Service Bureau. Limited hard copies of the pamphlet are available from the Department of Statistics office on 3rd Floor, Cedar Park Centre, Hamilton, however, the general public may download electronic copies from the Department of Statistics website at www.statistics.gov.bm.

The Award which will be presented on July 31, 2010 at the NMA’s 2010 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, held at the Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Burton Butterfield, President of the Bermuda Medical Association said, “As a friend and colleague of Dr. Brown and as an Active Member of the NMA I would like to congratulate Dr. Brown on this achievement.”

Dr. Donald Thomas III Chief of Staff of the Bermuda Hospitals Board said, “I have been honored to work with the Premier, the Hon. Dr Ewart Brown JP MP and congratulate him on this prestigious but very well earned award. Dr Brown has dedicated his life to the care of people and his commitment to improving the welfare of his country has meant he has made a difference to the whole of Bermuda. He is an insightful and visionary medical policy director and provider, using collaboration, innovation and a drive to bring the highest standards of care to his country.”

Premier Brown said, “I am deeply humbled and gratified to receive this honour. My desire to become a Doctor was driven by a deep and passionate drive to help people. It is an honour to have my efforts recognized by the National Medical Association.”

Premier Brown has been recognized throughout his medical career for his work on the grass roots level and for his commitment to the community. Among his accomplishments, the Premier has been singled out by Howard University’s College of Medicine twice for distinguished service to the college.

He received the Physicians Recognition Award in 1977 from the American Medical Association; the Grassroots Health Award from the Sons of Watts California in 1979; the Dubois Academic Institute’s Community Leadership Award in 1982; the Pacesetter Award from the NAACP in 1984; Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Marcus Garvey School in Los Angeles in 1991; and in 1993, the Scroll Award from the Union of American Physicians and Dentists.

After operating the Vermont-Century Medical Clinic in Los Angeles, California for almost twenty years, Premier Brown in 1993 decided to make Bermuda the focal point of his expertise. As Medical Director of Bermuda HealthCare Services, Premier Brown has endeavored to provide Bermuda with efficient and cost-effective health care.

Premier Brown received his M.D. from The Howard University College of Medicine. He also earned a M.P.H. with an emphasis on Child Health, Maternal family Population Control and International Health from the University of California at Los Angeles. He is a certified Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice, a Diplomat of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, and served as Vice President of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. Premier Brown is a member of several professional organizations and has held such significant positions as Trustee of Howard University and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Practice at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Director, Marcus Garvey School in Los Angeles, California; Vice President of the Union of American Physician and Dentists (California Federation).

Premier Brown is a former member of the Board of Directors of Marina Hills Hospital in Los Angeles, California; a former member of the California State Commission on Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health; and a founding Commissioner of the Board of Prevention Commissioners for South Central Los Angeles Regional Centre for Development Disabilities.

He was a Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Western Park Hospital in California and has also served as Director of Quality Assurance for the Los Angeles Doctor’s Hospital; as Chairman of the Minority Group Affairs of the Student American Medical Association and as a Coordinator of the Summer Health Task Force of the National Urban Coalition in Washington D.C.; as Chairman of the Utilization Review Committee, West Adams Hospital, Los Angeles, California; and as Secretary of the Charles R Drew Medical Society in Los Angeles.

Premier Brown is a former member of the National Medical Association; American College of Utilization Review Physicians; Golden State Medical Association; American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians; American Public Health Association; Charles R. Drew Medical Society and the National Medical Association Council on Medical Legislation.

Rooster, who already handles the public relations for the Bermuda Department of Tourism, will take on the role of sales and marketing representatives, leading a number of exciting consumer initiatives throughout 2010/11.

“As the UK is our most important international market, we are aggressively expanding our presence by appointing Rooster to work on our behalf. They have been briefed to increase visitor arrivals through a targeted mixture of trade and consumer initiatives.” says Director of Tourism William Griffith.

Rooster played in integral role in the launch of the Bermudaful pink taxis on the streets of London and is in the process of finalising a comprehensive media plan comprising of billboard, underground print and radio campaigns which will communicate a new positioning statement for Bermuda in the UK market.

James Brooke, Rooster’s Managing Director commented: “Our relationship with the Bermuda Department of Tourism began in March 2006 and we are thrilled to have been appointed as the UK sales and marketing representatives for the island. The team at Rooster stands ready to continue delivering results that are outstanding, creative and draw more visitors from the UK to the stunning destination of Bermuda.”

Considerable savings can be made using a public transportation pass.

Lifeguards at Horseshoe Bay and John Smith’s Bay beaches can be seen in the videos below:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuS91guBKmU

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMuMhekPCNM

Mr Rabain was appointed Head Professional at Port Royal Golf Course in 1975. Before coming to Port Royal he was Head Pro at Ocean View Golf Course.

During his golf career Mr Rabain was a two time Bermuda Open Champ, qualified for the British Open, the US Senior Open and the British Senior Open

The Premier said, “Mr. Rabain has demonstrated and embodied honour, strength, courage and diligence on the course and off and will always be regarded as a gentlemen and a sportsman in our community.” He went on to say, “he has been an international ambassador for Bermuda and a local ambassador for young Bermudian golfers. Few individuals have scored such a ‘hole in one’ in their careers!”