On-line travel website Expedia has given Bermuda its Top Destination of the Year Award for 2011.It said Bermuda had received the award, given at a marketing award event in the Bahamas on Saturday, because it had demonstrated “the motivation, commitment and partnership” of tourism destinations ten times the Island’s size.Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert accepted the award from Expedia market manager Trish Korzeniowski, who praised Bermuda’s overseas market presence, consistent branding, and “try something new attitude”.Coco Reef also won partner of the year from the online travel-booking agency.The event was held in the Bahamas, where Mr Furbert was attending a Council of Ministers meeting of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).Calling Bermuda’s participation at the CTO conference key to strengthening the Island’s relationships with overseas partners, Mr Furbert also intended to discuss the UK government’s increase in the airline passenger duty (APD).The APD is an environmental duty levied on air passengers travelling from UK airports. Rates are set by the distance flown by the aircraft.The Minister also attended the Caribbean Marketplace, a conference of hotel and tourism companies. Bermuda held its own “partner reception” with general managers and representatives from local hotels.Useful website:www.caribbeanhotelsandtourism.com.