WestJet has reduced the number of flights to the Island due to poor demand.

Yesterday, Robert Palmer, of the WestJet public relations department confirmed they have reduced the number of flights to the Island between now and November. In May the low-cost Canadian carrier started daily non-stop daily flights from Toronto. As a result many consumers said they have seen the price of trips to Bermuda drop.

Yesterday Mr. Palmer said: "We have reduced the number of flights for the period of September 5 to October 30 from daily service to four times weekly. Unfortunately, the service is performing well below expectations in both directions. We do not reveal load factors on specific routes for competitive reasons, obviously, but clearly, we would like to see far better results from this one."

Mr. Palmer said as of November 1 the service would offer three flights a week to the Island, which was always the plan.

And it seems Bermuda has yet to successfully attract the famed Canadian snowbirds, retirees who spend the winter in warmer US states such as Florida.

Mr. Palmer said: "It's a bit counter-intuitive, but demand for service on this route is higher in the warmer months in Canada than in the colder ones. There were never any plans for daily service in the winter months."

The announcement came at the same time the Department of Tourism is pouring resources into the Canadian market. Currently a promotion team is on a road trip to three cities to generate interest in the Island.

Last night Premier Ewart Brown, who is responsible for tourism, said: "We wish the numbers were better for WestJet and we are working overtime to improve their load factors. On the positive side, we have seen significant increases in the arrivals from Toronto since WestJet launched their service."

Earlier this week a press release from the Department of Tourism stated: "All summer long, the Department has been cranking up its marketing awareness in Canada.

"This week's Road Show is the latest in an array of promotional activities that have been taking place in the northern region.

"Prior to this event, the Department launched two street cars in Toronto wrapped in bright pink Bermuda signage.

"Last month, the Department hosted a luncheon for several members of some of Canada's most influential media outlets, and in May the Ministry of Tourism and Transport launched WestJet's direct service."