Two of the travel industry's leading writers will be keynote speakers at the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) conference, which officially opens at the Fairmont Southampton Princess tomorrow.

Peter Benchley, who wrote the book which inspired Steven Speilberg to make the movie Jaws, and Arthur Frommer, who writes the Frommer travel guides, will be addressing the 450 delegates at the four day conference.

SATW is the world's largest and most influential group of travel writers and the Island is pulling out all the stops to ensure they leave Bermuda with a good impression.

The conference should result in millions of dollars' worth of articles and television and radio features after the journalists leave the Island.

The Department of Tourism is arranging a series of trips to different locations as well as tailoring visits for journalists pursuing stories.

SATW President Doug Hall told The Royal Gazette: "There is a wide variety of story and photo opportunities that exist. It is a beautiful, beautiful country and it has a great deal to offer.''

Tourism public relations manager Charles Webbe, who is organising local events for the journalists, said: "We are very pleased with the way the conference has come together in the last few days.

"Everyone is pitching in and really going the extra mile to show Bermuda in a good light. Customs and Immigration at the airport, for example, could not have been more co-operative.''

Delegates will begin registration today and enjoy a Taste of Bermuda reception at the Southampton Princess.

Premier Jennifer Smith will officially open the conference tomorrow and the delegates will enjoy a gala dinner at the Maritime Museum at Dockyard tomorrow night.

Other events include a golf tournament, 5.30 a.m. sunrise shoots, and a "dark and stormy'' reception at the Elbow Beach Hotel.