Last April, the Department of Tourism dropped a New Jersey-based marketing company which was trying to woo African-Americans to Bermuda after the campaign flopped.

But Tourism Minister David Allen announced yesterday that a new programme is to be launched.

"The aim is to increase awareness of Bermuda as a leisure destination for this important market, as well as potential visitors in other countries who are of African descent,'' he told MPs.

"There will be a very specific targeting of this market which has been largely overlooked in the past,'' he said.

"The vibrant culture and history of Bermuda that emanates from the country's rich African roots will be highlighted in a new African American Marketing Programme.'' Tourism will unveil in the spring, the Island's first guide to African-Bermudian roots.

The history of 400 years of African roots will look at slavery and the arrival of the American slave ship Enterprise after the practice was abolished in Bermuda.

It will also tell the story of Sally Bassett, who was executed for organising a slave revolt.

The guide will highlight historic churches, lodges and buildings associated with Bermuda's African roots, including those linked to Joseph Rainey, the first black American Congressman, who lived in Bermuda. It will also explain the roots of Cup Match, a celebration of emancipation from slavery.

Last year Mr. Allen said that the Department had decided not to "out-source the campaign for the African-American market''. However, he appears to have backtracked by announcing yesterday that he will be hiring a marketing agency dedicated to this market.

Mr. Allen announced that other guides will also be launched this year to emphasise that the Island has more to offer than sun, sea and sand.

Six walking tours will be consolidated into a guide to Bermuda's culture, history, flora and fauna.

A new brochure will highlight the Nonsuch Island eco-tour and St. George's will be featured in a dedicated guide to mark its UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Island hopes to attract "green-orientated'' visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.

Bermuda is also teaming up with American Airlines for a promotional programme to look at the viability of an air service to the Island in the future from Miami, which would open up Bermuda to receive visitors from Latin America.