Visiting travel journalists yesterday admitted they were surprised that "formal'' Bermuda was going after family vacationers.

The four writers -- who specialise in writing about family holidays -- are here with their children until Thursday to gauge the merits of Camp Bermuda, a new programme by the Tourism Department that is designed to sell Bermuda as a fun family destination.

Toronto Star writer Dianne McDougal said: "The trip has been very interesting. I did not expect Bermuda to be so family-orientated. It has always seemed to be very formal.'' Ms McDougal is here with her six-year-old son Matthew Tierney.

She added: "It is surprising to see hotels and places of interest catering to families. Bermuda has always seemed to be a honeymoon destination.'' She joked: "Once the kids get here and tear everything apart, maybe you'll change your mind about wanting them here.'' Canadians would find Bermuda more expensive than Americans, she continued, and would look to package deals to make the vacation affordable.

But they would want to visit due to the Island's British influence which Canada also experienced. "This gives us a natural draw,'' she said.

Ms McDougal noted that Canadian visitors would want to stay in hotels with children's programmes so parents had the option of using them if they wished.

"They are not going to dump the children in programmes all the time, because it is a family vacation, but they will want the flexibility offered by having them on hand.'' Bermuda had the added advantage of being safe and clean, she pointed out.

"The safety offered here makes us very comfortable.'' Seven-year-old Katy Dalie's mom, Lisa Mansolillo-Daile, said: "I was surprised to find so much here for children. I thought it would be more formal. I am going to recommend it as a destination.'' The family travel writer with the New Jersey newspaper, The Record, added that she thought Bermuda was a very expensive and exclusive destination but with the new packages being offered "it could be somewhat affordable''.

"But it is still expensive for families. I am surprised that they even want a family market. I had the impression that it was very British and formal here and they would not want any kids around.'' Family Fun magazine reporter Claire Ellis -- here on the Island with her four-year-old son Ryland Webb -- said she visited Bermuda while in college.

Upon returning for this trip had seen a lot of changes for the better -- although the expense to visit would be an issue.

"There are a lot of family orientated activities but it is very expensive.

This would be a problem for a lot of families.'' She suggested more free activities and more "outdoorsy stuff'' like bicycling and hiking. "Kids do not want to shop,'' she pointed out.

Ms Ellis also recommended that rental cottages with their own efficiencies market themselves more to the family vacationer.

"People are interested in this and it would draw them. It seems to be a happy and well behaved population which makes it a pleasure to be here.'' Tourism Minister David Dodwell announced the initiative last month.

It is a collaborative effort between Government and the private sector that offers family travellers oriented activities built around attractions such as the Maritime Museum, the Aquarium and Dolphin Quest.

Hotels and other business have signed on to the programme; some such as the Southampton Princess and the Sonesta are offering free accommodation to children under 16, including breakfast and lunch.

TRAVEL TVL TOURISM TOU