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There could be a rainbow-hued lining to Bermuda's troubling tourism market - says an article that spoke to top gay publications.

"It isn't too late for Bermuda to cash in on the so-called pink dollar and welcome gay and lesbian visitors to the island in the face of dwindling tourism arrivals and a bleak economy.

So says Ed Salvato, editor of Out Traveler magazine, who spoke to the Mid-Ocean News this week following reports of Bermuda's 4.6 per cent drop in air arrivals by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

Pink News editor Tony Grew, who covered the Rosie cruise "fiasco" two years ago, told the Mid-Ocean News this week that Bermuda can still attract gay tourists, but only with the cooperation of local church groups.

"If Bermuda can convince the world that everyone is welcome and gay travelers will not be accosted by religious fundamentalists, it might be able to get some of the coveted pink pound," he said.