Bermuda is the perfect escape from winter for the African-American traveller, according to the January issue of Ebony magazine.

Ebony boasts a worldwide circulation of about 11 million and has a readership of about 25 million.

?There?s been long-standing relations between Bermuda and the African-Americans,? Tourism Minister Ewart Brown told the magazine.

?Tourism and trade are important for us, but they are also important for our people to see the linkage between us and African-Americans.?

The magazine said that African-Americans are enjoying traditional destinations and venturing to exotic excursions as singles, families and in groups.

?Girlfriend getaways? are proving to be popular and in October the wives of several NBA players travelled to Bermuda for a week-long spa-type getaway.

?To lure African-American tourists, Bermuda flourishes with plenty of attractions such as golfing, health retreats and annual musical festivals featuring African-American celebrities,? the article said.

Special mention was given to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental Spa at the Elbow Beach Hotel as well as the African Diaspora Heritage Trail which highlights the ?mixed culture of African, Native American, Caribbean and British Heritage?.

?With black wealth and exposure reaching a pinnacle, African-Americans are assertively travelling to the Island,? says Keetha Lowe, the president of Integrated Global Management, an independent marketing firm based in Bermuda.

Ms Lowe said the article was a monumental accomplishment as it was the first Ebony feature highlighting Bermuda in over a decade.

The article was the brainchild of Ms Lowe who yesterday thanked Dr. Brown and Tourism Director Cherie Whitter and Stacy Evans for their contribution towards its success.