Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) has secured around $300,000 of free advertising in the United States thanks to a new deal it has struck for the publication of an in-house guest book for members.

The BHA deal, with Herald Custom Publishing, a division of America's second largest newspaper group KnightRidder, has also seen the organisation set up its own web site, which can be found at www.experiencebermuda.com, or www.bermudahotels.com.

As part of the deal for Herald to publish the hard cover guide book for BHA guests, called Experience Bermuda, the company provides and maintains the Internet site for free.

Probably the biggest boost for the BHA is that adverts for the web site will appear for free in the travel sections of KnightRidder newspapers, providing around $300,000 of free publicity.

The BHA will also receive royalties from advertising sold in the guide book.

BHA President Billy Griffith said: "As part of the BHA's new strategy and vision, we wanted to find the most committed partner for tourism, and Herald Custom Publishing met our needs.

"As an added bonus, we will be able to enjoy free advertising in the US, which will be a great boost to our profile in this important market.''

Mr. Griffith said the new web site provides comprehensive profiles on all member hotels, e-mail and business contacts, but was not cluttered with adverts.