Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown believes Bermuda will continue to see growth in the number of people coming to the Island on luxury yachts.

He made the comment after plans were revealed for a new marina at Dockyard to accommodate mega-yachts. Between 2007 and 2008 arrivals on those type of yachts rose 22.5 percent up to 5,141 people.

Dr. Brown said: "Information with respect to the growth potential subject to the development of a full service mega marina are not readily available for publication but it stands to reason that we can expect continued growth in this area.

"I am delighted that the concept of a mega-yacht marina in Bermuda has evolved to this stage. Bermuda offers multiple options for a high-end marina where services geared to recreational boating can be found. Dockyard is an equally suitable venue."

And regarding concerns that Dockyard may not be able to meet the needs of both cruise visitors and luxury yacht owners Dr. Brown said: "There is every reason to believe that the product offering at Dockyard combined with its easy access to Hamilton will meet the needs of our cruise ship visitors and our platinum guests.

"The proposed development of a mega-yacht marina at Dockyard creates opportunities for product development both at Dockyard and in other areas. Also, it is not uncommon to find harbour shuttles or "water taxis" to transfer people between the marina and various areas in and around the destination.

"While the ferry service already exists there also exists the opportunity for a water taxi service for this segment, a service that is more on demand and personalised.

"Therefore, when we consider a mega-yacht marina at Dockyard the opportunity for business and product development is far greater than the limited area within the Dockyard perimeter."

The new marina was announced last week by Minister of Works and Engineering Derrick Burgess and West End Development Company (Wedco) Chairman Walter Lister.

They said the Cross Island Marina will be built under a public private partnership between Wedco and South Basin Development Ltd., a company formed specifically for this project which applied for incorporation last week.

It will include a mix of approximately 200 slips in a variety of sizes, 100 to 250 feet and possibly in excess of 300 feet long, to accommodate both mega-yachts and those smaller in size.

At the time a spokesman said: "The development of Cross Island Marina will be a major step in the continuation of the redevelopment of the area where the former Royal Navy Dockyard was located."

Since then little additional information has been provided with the Ministry, which said an upcoming press conference would further outline the details.

Shadow Tourism Minister Michael Dunkley said he believed the new marina was worth looking into but said a feasibility study should be done first.

"Marinas built correctly are not cheap to construct and thus it is important, especially considering government's record of building projects, to make sure there is the need before we go ahead," he said.

"There are many questions to be answered first. If it is decided that there is a need, the project must have open bidding."

He said he believed Dockyard would not be able to meet the needs of the two diverse groups, adding: "You can't cater to all type of guests and that is one of the current challenges facing Bermuda due to the approach of the Premier... are we catering to the urbane traveller when some of the cruise ships are the hot dog and hamburger crowd.

"And let's not forget that Bermuda is not an inexpensive place so you better attract people with money or you are directing your marketing in the wrong direction."

Since plans for the marina were announced The Royal Gazette has asked the Ministry the following questions below.

• Who is South Basin Development and why have they only just applied for incorporation now?

• Are any Bermudian firms involved in this project?

• Has a planning application been made yet? If not when is one expected to be made?

• When is work expected to begin?

• How much is Government investing in this project?

• Has the land been leased to the company, and if so for how long?

• Why Dockyard?

• Was a study done to decided the best place for it?

• Is Government concerned that Dockyard might not be the ideal location being as it houses thousands of cruise ship visitors already?