“What’s important is not the character of a place ... rather the character in the place.”

With one of the preliminary stages of the America’s Cup looming and the grand final but two years away, Plato’s philosophy could be taken on board by Bermudians and those who choose to make their home in this country.

As much as is said about Bermuda’s extraordinary scenery and ice blue waters, it’s not these attributes that make this Island what it is — it’s the hospitality, the friendly faces and the comparably laid-back life that many enjoy. Those to the west generally live their lives in the fast lane; much faster than we have to endure.

Yet despite the plaudits heaped on to Bermuda, there’s no shortage of complacency.

What’s evident on a daily basis is the squabbling, particularly among the politicians, the unions, the churches, even on the sports fields.

In the eyes of some tourists, we aren’t as friendly or accommodating as we think.

The ferry service is consistently interrupted; the bus service even worse; and for the average visitor, a taxi is a tad expensive, particularly if other forms of transport aren’t available.

Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill could have been diplomatically generous with his praise in an interview with The Royal Gazette this week.

Thankfully and more likely, however, were his reflections on the way that Bermudians have treated him and the courtesy afforded him and his crew.

“The best part [of Bermuda] is the people and I think for everyone on the team the first impression was how hospitable Bermudians are,” he observed.

His adversaries on the water may voice the same opinion.

But in terms of welcoming all of our guests, there’s still work to be done. (The Progressive Labour Party certainly have not gone overboard in endorsing the sailing spectacle. There remains suspicion that certain Opposition MPs would have preferred the event be held elsewhere.)

One bad apple can make the rest of the bunch appear equally rotten.

The taxi driver who grumbles of his lot or refuses to make polite conversation, the waiter or waitress who pays little attention to the customer, or the surly shop assistant who ignores the customer can cause untold damage.

They are very much the exception than the rule. But given the expense of living here or visiting, the Island can ill afford any exceptions.

Devoid of mountains or rivers, forests or lakes, Bermuda may not be seen as the tourist attraction it once was.

These days the middle-aged and particularly the retirees have more of an appetite for adventure holidays. Generally, they are fitter and more likely to test that fitness with challenges that in the past the older generation weren’t prepared to tackle.

Our topography doesn’t lend itself to climbing, hiking, trekking, canoeing or cycling, or cater to the vacationer with a modicum of fitness.

Given Bermuda’s increased traffic, cycling is no longer possible and the railway track is the only option for those who enjoy a long walk.

Sadly, the pink, soft sand and tranquil waters don’t cut it any more for the vacationer who wants something different.

Nor do the golf courses, which might have lured golfers to the Island in the past, particularly during the winter months. There are more and better options to the south — cheaper green fees in warmer climes.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority will be aware of all of the above and as arrival figures show little improvement, it’s clear those numbers won’t improve unless the What to do in Bermuda magazine articles provide more variety.

As such, that’s why mega events such as the America’s Cup are so critical to our future wellbeing.

We’ve been given a rare opportunity that other islands, indeed countries, would die for.

At the very least, we should show our appreciation with a warm smile.