A marketing campaign appealing to potential visitors who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 has been launched by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Charles Jeffers, the chief executive officer of the BTA, spoke after Government announced that public safety regulations will be extended at least until the end of June.

Mr Jeffers said that the measures, which include tough quarantine rules for non-vaccinated air arrivals, will “impose an added burden” on some travellers.

But he insisted that public safety had to be a priority.

He added that the success of vaccine programmes globally offered some hope for the island’s tourism industry.

Mr Jeffers said: “Safety must be a lead consideration as we navigate our tourism recovery.

“This surge has shown that we cannot afford to let our guard down. It is clear that the new restrictions will impose an added burden to non-immunised travellers and those travelling from variant hotspots.

“With the global vaccination roll-out giving rise to increasing numbers of vaccinated travellers in our key markets, we have initiated marketing programmes specifically targeting these same visitors.

“In traveller surveys this growing segment of immunised travellers have expressed the confidence and desire to travel and we expect they will drive the next phase of visitor arrivals.”

Mr Jeffers said that last weekend’s SailGP tournament had “elevated” Bermuda’s reputation as a venue that can host world-class events.

He said: “The Bermuda Sail Grand Prix was a spectacular success.

“Bermuda has once again shown that we have what it takes to mount a world-class sporting competition – even in the midst of a pandemic.

“While we are home to an incredibly beautiful destination that sizzled on screens in 175 countries around the world, what has elevated our status is our phenomenal infrastructure, and the brilliance of our people.

“Bermuda has delivered as a destination and we look forward to safely hosting more international sporting competitions this year with a jam-packed fall calendar that includes the World Triathlon Series, the PGA Tour Bermuda Championship, the inaugural Bermuda Golf Diversity Week and more. “