airlines offering cheaper airfares to the Island.

"The travelling public reacts to airfares. It is almost as if the airfare is first in their minds closely followed by the destination,'' said Tourism Minister David Dodwell last night.

"The key is to link a good destination with a competitive airfare and the customer will bite at the competitive airfare.'' Both Continental and American Airlines are currently offering discounted airfares to Bermuda from Newark and Boston respectively.

Continental has a round trip fare of $268 from Newark to Bermuda which is good for travel through December 5. Tickets must be purchased by September 25. This deal has been advertised in the New York Times where it was the lowest fare of the 19 mentioned. These include competing destinations such as Santo Domingo and St. Maarten.

American has announced special fares from Boston with a round trip price to Bermuda of $254. Tickets must be purchased by September 29 with travel to be completed by November 20.

Meanwhile, Bermudians looking to get away can take advantage of a special round trip airfare promotion to London being offered by British Airways.

Fares will be $569 midweek and $619 on weekends for travel commencing November 1 through December 9.