Premier Michael Dunkley attended the launch of a luxury Bermuda perfume in New York last night — along with movie star Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tourism Development Minister Shawn Crockwell and Senator Jeff Baron.

According to a Government press release, Mr Dunkley and Mr Crockwell are in New York with Economic Development Minister Grant Gibbons “highlighting the Island’s business and tourism attributes to key stakeholders”.

The three Ministers met with “top-tier business entities” yesterday to share the “Bermuda story — a story which touted Bermuda as a jurisdiction with a proven blue-chip reputation and a substantive global presence”.

This morning they are due to host a meeting with “key New York-based media” to share business and tourism related news, events and initiatives with them.

Topics to be discussed, according to the Government press release, include new hotel developments, the America’s Cup and the upcoming PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Bermuda Perfumery also issued a press release, plus pictures of the Premier at the launch of the Mary Celestia perfume, a scent originally created in the 1800s, hidden in a Bermuda shipwreck for 150 years and rediscovered in 2011.

Mr Dunkley is pictured with Ms Zeta-Jones, who lived on the Island for several years with husband Michael Douglas, as are Mr Crockwell and Sen Baron, Junior Minister for Public Safety and Legal Affairs.

The government delegation is due back on the Island tomorrow.

Mr Dunkley said of the New York trip: “Our message while here is simple. Bermuda is a beautiful destination that is perfect for work, life and leisure.

“It’s about attracting foreign investment to our shores. So to our potential business partners, our message was that Bermuda is very conducive for business.

“We have an appropriate, pragmatic taxation system; we are highly developed and globally respected; and we have a world class business infrastructure with a first class legal and regulatory environment. ?

“Our tourism message is that we are convenient and less than a two hour flight from New York. We are known as the ‘Jewel of the Atlantic’ offering natural beauty, sophistication, cultural heritage, and unique experiences with a warm, welcoming, hospitable atmosphere.

“So these two days serve as a critical opportunity to engage with business entities, media and our global stakeholders to showcase and promote Bermuda and answer any questions they might have.”

Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone, of the Bermuda Perfumery, said the launch of the perfume in New York had created a “buzz”.

“This perfume waited 150 years to be worn. And now, finally, it can be,” she said.

“Just 1,864 bottles will be offered to honour the shipwrecked Mary Celestia, which was hiding this perfume when it sank off Bermuda in 1864.”

The perfume, costing $225, goes on sale on October 1 at the Bermuda Perfumery’s Lili Bermuda boutiques in Hamilton and St. George, as well as online at www.lilibermuda.com.

Part of the sale proceeds will go to a new foundation to preserve and promote Bermuda’s shipwreck heritage.