This year's Society of American Travel Writers conference will go down as one of the best on record, according to convention chair Cynthia Boal Janssens.

The vote of confidence is good news for the Island, and could result in a steady stream of favourable press, television, radio and internet articles over the next year and beyond.

The four-day conference at the Fairmont Southampton Princess ended on Saturday night, but a number of the 450 delegates and guests are still on the Island this week working on stories.

Ms Boal Janssens told The Royal Gazette delegates had been particularly impressed by the way more 40 restaurants responded at a few hours' notice on Wednesday to take the visitors after a planned dinner at the Maritime Museum was called off due to bad weather.

"We've had a wonderful time and it will be remembered very, very favourably," she said. "The fact that they have been able to move things around to make the best of it was very impressive. Everyone responded beautifully and the way the restaurants responded was one of the most amazing things we've ever seen.

"The hotel has also been very good, the Bermudians have been wonderful, and it is going to be remembered as a very memorable convention. I'm hearing all good things and a number of people are staying on this week for a few days to work on stories."

She said around two thirds of the delegates were in Bermuda for the first time, which should guarantee lots of extra exposure as these writers were viewing the Island with fresh eyes.

The only real complaints from some delegates were the high cost.

"The biggest complaint is that they have found Bermuda to be expensive, but this is more of an observation than a complaint," she said. "They have said it is more expensive than other Caribbean islands, though we have been explaining that it is not in the Caribbean. But people have genuinely been really impressed by the Island."

Apart from heavy rain on Wednesday which resulted in a dinner being rescheduled and some trips being cancelled, the only bad news was that one delegate was mugged on Wednesday night on the way back from the Henry VIII.

Freelance writer and photographer Stephanie Fletcher, who will write the conference report for the SATW newsletter, said she was bowled over by her trip to Bermuda.

"I am so overwhelmed by the hospitality. What really impressed me is that the people who have hosted this seem unflappable," she told The Royal Gazette."When they had to change everything (due to the weather) it was so seamless, which has been great for us.

"This is going to produce a lot of material about Bermuda. People have been in the press room producing pieces and sending them out to their editors.

"I think this is going to be one of the best conferences the organisers have ever had. The attention to detail is amazing. Charles Webbe (the Department of Tourism public relations manager) said Bermuda has to exceed our expectations and it has definitely done that for me on every level from the quality of the service and the quality of the amenities to the quality of the food.

"I also see what is meant that it sets you apart. In comparison, the Caribbean islands are like a bunch of flashy sunburnt party animals, whereas Bermuda is very serene and elegant.

"I like the fact there are no billboards or neon signs or strip malls or fast food joints. It sets you apart that you have charm and refinement."

Mr. Webbe said: "The delegates all seem to think it has gone very successfully, and are very pleased with the way the arrangements have turned out.

"The Department of Tourism is quite appreciative of the cooperation from the Bermudian public, the merchant community, the Police, the schools, the Regiment, and everyone who has come on board to make us look good."

Due to flight cancellations caused by Hurricane Erin, some 200 members of the SATW were still on the Island yesterday.