A thank you to all

August 22, 2002

Dear Sir,

Although I have often thought to do so, I have never before written a letter to an Editor. However, I am writing to tell you of our recent experience of Bermudian hospitality that you would never find in any travel brochure. We have just returned from our first trip to Bermuda, a long overdue, much needed respite.

Midweek, while leisurely lunching with a friend at the Royal Naval Dockyard, my nine-year-old encountered an orthodontic emergency in which a broken piece of metal was digging into her gums. Our friend quickly helped me locate an orthodontist, and then helped us onto a cab within minutes. As the cab door slammed behind me, I couldn't help but think for a moment how reality followed us even to this paradise.

Our efficient cab driver quickly got us to our destination, the office of Dr. David Galloway in Hamilton. (I might add that the cab fare was very reasonable.) Well, not only were Dr. Galloway and his nurse very affable, but he was also very gentle while working on my daughter's braces.

The doctor and I chatted during her treatment, at the end of which, he stated that he hoped that we enjoyed the rest of our visit to Bermuda. At that point, I stood up and asked him directly, "How much do I owe you? " To my astonishment, his response was, as he smiled: "Compliments of Bermuda! " I stood in disbelief while I said thank you.

Upon our return home, our local orthodontist checked my daughter and confirmed that Dr. Galloway did really excellent work on my daughter's braces. I hope this letter expresses my sincerest thanks to the good Dr. Galloway, to our cab driver (and actually all of the gracious cab drivers we have had all over the island), and to our friend.

MARY T. SCHATZ

New Jersey

Honour the Reefs

August 15, 2002

Dear Sir,

This letter is in response to the full page advertisement which appeared on page 10 of the August 12, 2002 edition of The Royal Gazette from The Hon. David Allen, Minister of Tourism. With reference to this ad praising Bermuda's people, as frequent visitors, we could not agree more. However, what keeps us coming back to Bermuda repeatedly as tourists is the property we stay at.

Undoubtedly, the management and staff make the property and we have never encountered a more gracious and welcoming group of people than Bermudians, especially where we stay, which is The Reefs.

However, to what degree the Hotels Concessions Act 2000 helped the hotel industry in Bermuda is questionable at best. The inference by Mr. Allen that the Hotel Concessions Act 2000 had anything to do with the international recognition bestowed upon The Reefs detracts from the very same thing that Mr. Allen congratulates Bermuda and Bermudians for. Further, as Minister of Tourism, we would think Mr. Allen would be thanking The Reefs and its staff for bringing this unprecedented recognition to Bermuda.

For Mr. Allen to infer that the Hotel Concessions Act 2000 has ensured that Bermuda's hotels have gone from good to great is certainly not documented by recent hotel statistics that indicate that many of Bermuda's hotel guest numbers are actually lower since the Act went into effect.

In contrast, The Reefs had the highest percentage of repeat guests of any Bermuda hotel property. Not only was The Reefs voted number one in Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, but it was also voted Number 11 of all small hotel properties in the world, as well as Number 23 of all hotels in the world.

Yes, Mr. Allen, a variety of aspects make visiting Bermuda a wonderful experience and we agree with and applaud Travel and Leisure's recognition of Bermuda as the "Best Island". However, the visitors staying in Bermuda's hotels are the ones who truly experience what Bermuda is all about and contribute monetarily to support Bermuda's infrastructure.

These discriminating travellers' impressions about Bermuda start with the properties they are staying at. If the properties and their staff do not satisfy the expectations of their guests, these travellers will either look to another hotel on their next visit or never return to Bermuda at all.

We felt your advertisement did not extend the proper accolades to The Reefs and its staff for their contributions in making Bermuda the "Best Island" in the region.

JERRY and SUSAN WALLER

West Paterson, New Jersey

Airlines to blame

August 7, 2002

Dear Sir,

My husband and I have been visiting Bermuda for 18 years. We love everything about Bermuda. The people, beaches, food etc. This is why we purchased a timeshare at St. George's. We eat out every day, lunch and dinner and go to the pubs at night. We plan on spending quite a bit of money while we're there and have no complaints in that area.

But, the past three years the airlines have gone absolutely crazy with their prices to fly there, and on top of that, no direct flights! In June of 2002, we arrived at Tampa Airport for a 7 a.m. flight which they cancelled at 6.50 a.m. and could not get us there that day at all. So, we missed an entire day of vacation.

The reason for cancelling was not enough passengers. The next day we were flown to Philadelphia from Tampa, then to Bermuda. Airfare $740.00. I was told to write this letter by a cab driver and you would put this in The Royal Gazette. I am sorry to say as much as we love Bermuda, because of the airlines, we aren't going to come to your beautiful country.

I also spoke to many others at St. George's Club and they feel the same way. I hope somebody will help those of us who love your country and would love to continue our regular visits there.

RON & SANDRA PELTZ

Plant City, Florida