An American tourist has become a local internet sensation because of his glowing reviews of Bermuda.

Keith Gour, 36, has been dubbed Bermuda’s newest and most enthusiastic tourism ambassador for his posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, that chronicle his vacation on the island.

Mr Gour, originally from Portland, Maine, said that the tweets were a way to share his thoughts about his “favourite island” and update his friends on his vacation, but soon snowballed into what felt like celebrity status.

He added: “It feels humbling in a way because I never get this back in the States.

“I’m not well-known in the United States outside of my friends and family – but when it comes to Bermuda, it’s much more different.”

Mr Gour, who works as a night manager at a supermarket, has been on the island since Saturday, and has shared his enthusiasm for being here since setting up his trip.

His praise of island life has earned him plenty of goodwill from locals, as well as a spotlight on Miss Thang’s morning talk show this morning on Power95 radio station.

Avid traveller Mr Gour said that he always shared updates whenever he travelled, although they never received the response his Bermuda tweets did.

He was even given a goodie bag from the Bermuda Tourism Authority, which included several T-shirts and a water bottle, as a show of thanks.

Mr Gour was “completely surprised” when he found the goods were delivered to his room at Pompano Beach Club in Sandys.

He explained: “I’d had a fun-filled day going to St George’s and the [Crystal and Fantasy] Caves, and when I came back to the resort home, I noticed a bag on the drawer. It was from the Bermuda Tourism Authority.”

Mr Gour added: “It felt invigorating, and it makes me want to do more and continue to publish content.”

Twitter

Despite his recent popularity, Mr Gour is no stranger to Bermuda.

He first visited the island in 2017 while on a two-day cruise with his mother and immediately fell in love with Bermuda.

He has since visited the island three more times on different cruises.

This year’s stay, according to Mr Gour, was his first time flying to the island and allowed him to soak in island life at his own pace.

He said that some of his first-time destinations this year were Fantasy Cave in Hamilton Parish and the Unfinished Church in St George’s.

He went on a foodie tour while here, trying new restaurants, such as Swizzle Inn in Hamilton Parish, and old favourites such as Bonefish in dockyard, which he said had “some of the best pasta that I’ve had”.

Mr Gour said that he loved learning about Bermuda’s rich history and culture, as well as the natural sites across the island.

He added that Bermudian hospitality and friendliness had been some of the best he had experienced.

Mr Gour said: “Every time I’ve gotten on the bus, people are saying ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’, and that does not happen at home.

“Even the drivers are always wishing you a ‘good morning’ and ‘good afternoon’ – never have I experienced that in Maine.”

He added: “I’ve noticed how friendly the children are here. They always say ‘good morning, sir’ and ‘good afternoon’, whereas in the US they tend to stay quiet and keep their distance. It’s like they don’t want anything to have to do with you.

“So the kids here just seem to be a lot more comfortable interacting with people they don’t even know just by saying ‘hi’, and I appreciate that.

“It’s really one big community. I’ve been to many island throughout the Caribbean and they all have their perks – but Bermuda is different.”

Mr Gour has spent time with several locals he met through social media.

He will be having a meet-and-greet at Bonefish at 2pm on Saturday, for those who wish to say hello and enjoy a meal or a drink.

Mr Gour hopes to fit a few more expeditions into his stay before he leaves on Monday and is open to suggestions.