Shadow Tourism Minister Michael Dunkley has asked Government to reveal the total cost to taxpayers of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and Bermuda Music Festival.

And he wants to know how many overseas visitors bought tickets for the two events — which are two of the biggest in the Department of Tourism's calendar.

Senator Dunkley tabled the questions in the Upper Chamber on Monday and said afterwards he hoped to get answers back in about a week.

The Opposition Senate leader told The Royal Gazette: "These events obviously are not inexpensive. They cost a good deal of taxpayers' dollars and there's a lot of organisation that goes into them.

"In the past couple of years, there have been questions about the costs and exactly what they bring to the table as far as heads in beds and advertising for Bermuda. I thought it was important to find out what expenses were incurred."

Sen. Dunkley has asked Junior Minister Marc Bean to provide the total gross cost to Government of both events, as well as a breakdown of how much was spent on artists, professional fees, travel, accommodation, food and beverage, entertainment, transport, marketing and communications, personnel and any other costs.

The 2008 Bermuda Music Festival cost taxpayers $3 million and generated about 1,500 visitors. Dr. Brown said 2009 would see a scaled-down version.

The Department of Tourism was reported to have stumped up about $1.5 million for the first Grand Slam in Bermuda in 2007. The Premier's spokesman said last night he had no comment on the questions.