Bermuda is big in Toronto. First, we introduced WestJet's non-stop service. And, months later, local media remains entranced with our beautiful island home.

Last Thursday (August 12), BDOT Director William Griffiths and the members of the overseas Tourism office hosted 28 media representatives in Toronto. The media stemmed from a range of outlets which included Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, National Post, Globe and Mail, Discovery Channel Networks, Elle Canada, Parents Canada and Today's Bride, to name a few.

At the gathering, the Tourism Director sold Bermuda big. He offered insight into Bermuda by highlighting our hospitable culture, revitalised and sophisticated hotel properties and natural beauty.

He explained to the group that these are just some of the driving factors behind why Bermuda is considered "a go to vacation destination". Mr. Griffith:

Bermuda, is just under three hours from Toronto and we view the Canadian market as a very important one for Bermuda tourism. The media are the ones who have their fingers on the pulse. And here in Toronto we wanted to ensure that the group was fully aware of all of the wonderful things happening on the Island.

We ensured that they had the latest information on all of our events and promotions, including the Endless Summer Programme, the new WestJet direct flight, the upcoming Bermuda Music Festival and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. We ended the presentation by telling them that Bermuda is easy to get to, has unlimited hospitality and quite simply, Bermuda is the place to be in the upcoming months.

Thursday's media event was held was held at Toronto's celebrated Sassafraz Restaurant, where a Bermudian-style fare which included fish chowder and rum cake were featured on the menu.

In the upcoming weeks the BDOT plans to bring two Bermuda destination experiences to region, including a Canadian "Road Show" slated for September 13 - 16.

The Road Show which will take place in the Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal markets, will target travel agents and tour operators.

And following the success of the pink taxi initiative in London, the BDOT is taking the pink street car initiative on the road to Toronto.

From September to November, Toronto will soon witness the arrival of several bright pink double-decker street cars wrapped in Bermuda signage.

The vibrant, eye-catching double street cars will be positioned in high-traffic locations to serve as mobile-marketing branding stunts to further promote the destination.

The PLP Government is committed to promoting tourism in our gateway markets. With WestJet and Air Canada serving our island, it makes sense to target Toronto with a media blitz. While the global economic crisis continues to ravage, we're already seeing signs of a tourism turnaround. Efforts like this help to keep that turnaround moving forward.