Despite the US State Department retaining an online travel warning about Bermuda?s ?moderate but growing crime rate? American visitors love the Island?s safety levels.

The Bermuda Department of Tourism Air Arrivals Exit Study covering November 1, 2002 to October 31, 2003 showed personal safety was viewed as critically important in choosing the Island by 69 percent of visitors polled.

It was the highest factor cited, above the Island?s climate and hospitality.

Americans make up 80 percent of Bermuda?s tourists.

And 98 percent of departing air visitors declared themselves satisfied with their visit, although those who stayed in non-commercial accommodation were more likely to be satisfied.

Bermuda compared well with Caribbean islands with 91 percent saying it was much better or marginally better.

Seven out of ten visitors said they would definitely come again while another quarter said they would probably return.

Satisfaction with transport scored highly while two thirds of the 2,000 plus air arrivals polled were completely satisfied with commercial accommodation, while another 29 percent were mostly satisfied.

The hospitality of Bermuda?s people nearly hit the 100 percent mark but there was much less satisfaction with the nightlife with only 52 percent registering approval. Shopping was listed as the key activity.

Bookings via the Internet now make up 25 percent of flight arrivals and more than a half had visited before.

The 254,106 air visitors during the period spent an average of $1,037 to $1,164 contributing between $278.8 million to $312,2 million to the economy.

They contrasted with the Island?s 221,473 cruise passengers who contributed more than $40 million or between $181 and $188 per person.

Cruise passengers registered high approval ratings with 72 percent satisfied and another quarter mostly satisfied.

Ship tourists considered Bermuda good value for money with more than four in ten saying it exceeded expectations and 53 percent saying it was as expected.

Nearly 80 percent said Bermuda was a better place to visit than Caribbean islands and 90 percent said they would definitely recommend it while more than half would definitely come again.