Bermuda is being promoted around the world as a "shoppers' paradise'', thanks to a joint push by the Island's retailers and the Ministry of Tourism.

Only last week a New York Radio station hosted a programme which urged: "You gotta see the shops in this place, it's paradise.'' And an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune said: "Bermuda is a shoppers' paradise.'' Both eulogies were the result of a department of tourism initiative which brought half a dozen travel writers to the Island last month to specifically look at retail.

The six were taken on a long weekend tour of the Island looking at shops in not only Hamilton, but also St. George's and Dockyard.

The team were from the US and Canada and other articles on Bermuda from the writers are expected to appear in the new year with a focus on shopping.

Ira Kleinman, a broadcaster from New York who was brought on the trip said while he was on the Island: "I have been travelling around and interviewing people on tape. I love Bermuda, it is a beautiful place.

"New Yorkers love Bermuda. It is very up-scale and the people are great.'' And last weekend Mr. Kleinman's show was broadcast to his 100,000 listeners on his Saturday afternoon show saying: "Bermuda is my favourite place, you've got to go. They have all these shops which are the best.'' Mr. Kleinman said: "The shops have elegance and charm and sophistication which you do not find in the islands of the Caribbean.'' The Minneapolis Star articles says not only that "Bermuda is one of the prettiest islands,'' but also raves about the shopping.

It states: "Bermuda is a shopper's paradise and the most noteworthy buys are liquor, English china, knits and linens.'' It adds: "Front Street in Hamilton is lined with department stores. Archie Brown, in the middle of it all at 49 Front Street has cashmeres and woollens: styling is conventional. Prices tend to be considerably lower than for comparable items in the United States.'' Also mentioned are the fragrances produced by the Bermuda perfumery.

Diana Rose, of Ottawa's Lifestyle magazine was also on the trip. She said at the time. "I am very impressed by what I see. The shops here have things we could never find at home.'' Her article on the Island is due in February Marilyn Soltis a Chicago travel writer, who freelances for various American magazines and newspapers, said: "This is a wonderful place. Jewellery, diamonds, gold and emeralds seem particularly good value.''