Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell is optimistic about a tourism recovery following a trip to Europe this week.Mr Crockwell and Tourism Director Billy Griffith attended the International Tourism Bourse — a leading travel trade show — in Berlin, Germany.The pair met with 18 tour operators, Mr Crockwell told the House of Assembly yesterday.“What we heard from them was that Bermuda offers many appealing opportunities for the German traveller who could utilise Bermuda, for example, as a perfect complement to a shopping trip in New York,” he said.“They noted our proximity and ease of access from New York, along with our warm and pleasant weather in the summer months especially, made our destination particularly attractive.“We highlighted the history, culture and uniqueness of the five tourism hubs, including all the natural dive and wreck opportunities.”He said the pair also emphasised the Island’s “outstanding golf product” a sell which went down well with golf operators and journalists.After two days in Berlin, they went to Milan and hosted two events for trade partners and the media — ride on a 1920s trolley through the streets of Milan, complete with a four course meal, and a breakfast at a five-star hotel.On the way back to Bermuda, the two met with the head of Gatwick Commercial of British Airways, reassured him of Government’s continued support, discussed pricing and connectivity issues for European careers and ways of improving load factors to the Island.“We were assured that BA considers Bermuda as a key destination partner and there are no current plans to reduce the level of service.”The Minister went on to say that he was confident that progress was being made to “significantly improve our tourism business.”“I firmly believe that we have the ability to restore Bermuda’s lustre as a shining jewel in the global tourism marketplace,” Mr Crockwell said.