Bermuda Tourism is expanding its overseas staff as the Island prepares for an onslaught in the US.

With the news that there will be extra flights from America next season, coupled with a new weekend cruise ship, the Government is recruiting extra workers as it gears up for a major midwest push.

A new post of assistant field marketing manager is currently up for grabs, as Minister David Allen adds a third member to the team based in Chicago.

The department is planning a major US west coast and midwest promotion next year, to support new flights and charters that are expected to open up new gateways.

Tourism director Gary Philips said there was a need to have more bodies on the ground in the midwest as the department reviewed where the staff would have to be in order to tackle the new markets.

A charter flight originating in Chicago and calling at Philadelphia, will bring passengers for the new cruise-and-stay initiative. The service, connecting to the weekend Crown Dynasty , will begin in May.

In addition, next summer Delta Air Lines is to add an extra flight out of Atlanta, timed so it can connect to flights originating in the midwest and west coast.

And, subject to approval, TWA is to operate a summer service out of St. Louis, Missouri.

All the new services require marketing support on the ground, creating awareness amongst travel agents and the media.

A midwest/west coast promotional tour is also planned in the Spring, to fanfare the new services.