left visitors holding the bag when their luggage was not allowed on board.

The manager, who asked not to be named, criticised the Island's bus system for a policy she claims is discriminatory against tourists attempting to enjoy their holiday on a limited budget.

She told The Royal Gazette a visiting couple were told to catch a cab when they tried to bring their luggage onto a Sunday morning bus.

Rather than have the tourists leave the Island with a bad taste in their mouths, the manager loaded them in her car -- and drove them to Southampton.

"These tourists had spent money on a week's bus pass, and they were planning to spend a few days in a few different guest houses to get a better feel for each part of the Island,'' she said.

"But when they left my guest house on Sunday morning to stay at another guest house, they were told they couldn't bring their luggage on the bus.'' "They were carrying a large suitcase, a medium-sized duffel bag and a small duffel bag. But the bus driver said it was against their policy to allow luggage on board since there wasn't enough space and the buses have no overhead racks.'' "These tourists were on a limited budget, and a taxi to Southampton would've cost them about $30 -- so I drove them.'' "Bermuda's focus is on upscale tourists, but they also have to remember to deal with their bread-and-butter line,'' she added.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell said he sympathised with the complainant, noting that the situation required a "delicate balancing act''.