By the Caribbean Journal staff

Bermuda tourism surged in 2017, buoyed by the island’s hosting of the America’s Cup race, according to new data.

The island reported 270,000 air arrivals in 2017, a 10 percent increase year over year, according to data from the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

That was joined by 418,000 cruise passengers, itself a 5 percent increase over 2016.

The island’s yachting sector also saw the arrival of an additional 1,000 yachts, a 31 percent increase over the previous year.

“Beginning in 2014 the Bermuda Tourism Authority began a multiyear strategy to restore the island’s tourism industry to prominence.  Last year was a major stride forward on that journey,” said Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Executive Kevin Dallas.  “Balancing air and cruise arrivals and breaking the back of seasonality remain areas where the industry has a lot of work to do, but the performance in 2017 should give all of Bermuda a dose of optimism that we can overcome our tourism challenges in the years ahead if we continue on the current path.”