The Bermuda International Love Festival cost taxpayers $150,000 and brought 98 visitors to the Island, according to figures released by Junior Tourism Minister Marc Bean.

R&B legends Earth, Wind and Fire were the headline act for the Valentine's weekend event hosted by Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda, which was designed to attract couples from all over the world. Responding to Parliamentary Questions from Opposition Senator Michael Dunkley, Sen. Bean said an all-inclusive $150,000 was paid to event producer Oxford Communications.

Sen. Bean stated the producer arranged all additional sponsorships for costs associated with the artists, professional fees, travel, accommodations, food and drink, entertainment, transportation, marketing and communications, invitees and personnel.

Other sponsors included Rock Media, Bank of Bermuda, PGA, Digicel, JetBlue Airlines, Fairmont Southampton, Tucker's Point Club, The Reefs and Newstead Belmont Hills. The 98 guests was an increase on 72 from the 2008 festival, when Gladys Knight was the main attraction. Sen. Dunkley expressed surprise that the cost had not been greater than $150,000, but still described it as a significant amount of money.

He said: "I still view the expense of $150,000 as just ludicrous — attracting 98 people to Bermuda.

"They need to look very closely to see if they are getting value for money. Events are always very important to promote the Island, to create a buzz. I agree with that sentiment. In recent times, a lot of these events have gone on from one year to the next, but there's no way of knowing if they are doing what they are meant to do.

"A lot of these events have become something for the powers that be to get involved in, to have some fun. That's not acceptable. We are putting self before the people."