Targeting key US markets and involving the Tourism Department, Island hotels and US travel agents, the stunt has already generated 1000 calls and 100 bookings by one agent alone since the first ads ran on Saturday.

And daily hits on the Bermuda Tourism website have tripled in response to the promotion.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell said: "We feel we've created a promotion that is exciting and stimulating to our peak season travellers -- we are confident that this initiative will help us enhance occupancies of our hotel partners.'' The Summer of $97 campaign is supported by print and radio ads in Boston, New York, Connecticut and Atlanta. Previous visitors have been targeted with a postcard campaign and the deal is promoted on the Internet.

Taking part from Bermuda are the two Princess hotels, Elbow Beach, the Marriott Castle Harbour, Sonesta Beach, Grotto Bay, Belmont the Harmony Club and Rosedon.

Mr. Dodwell said: "The participating hotels have worked with wholesalers involved in this promotion by providing the flexible pricing needed to make this special offer possible.

"We could not have moved forward with this high-profile, high-impact initiative without their commitment and we appreciate their support.'' He added that he felt the promotion could help break down resistance among travellers to high summer prices on flights to Bermuda.

Mr. Dodwell said: "It's an unusual type of promotion -- it focusses on the air fare. What is happening in travel business these days it's the air fare which is driving the customer.

"What we wanted to do was lead with the airfare, but link it to an overall package.

"It's innovative in this particular feature -- but the fact that we responded quickly to the market as we have in the past is nothing new.'' The deal is based on special air-inclusive trips involving a minimum three-night stay.

Starting price for the special deals are $555 per person, based on two sharing a room. Trips must be booked through a travel agent or a wholesaler, booked by July 31 and completed by September 30.

SENATE LOOKS AT FAST FOOD SEN Senate looks at fast food The controversial act to ban fast food restaurants with a foreign flavour is set get through Senate today in short order.

Government Senate Leader Gary Pitman said last night: "I don't think it will be debated much -- if at all.'' United Bermuda Party MP Ann Cartwright DeCouto's bill was blocked by UBP Senators in June last year after it had passed the House of Assembly.

Senate, which can only block a bill for 12 months, cannot halt it a second time.

But it is understood Government Senators will -- like last time -- vote against the Act.

Independent Senator Alf Oughton backed Government in the previous vote, giving a 6-4 majority against. One Senator was off the Island.

Senate President Albert Jackson voted with the three PLP Senators in favour of the Act.

No matter how the vote goes, however, the act will go to the Governor for Royal Assent, which is set to be granted.

There had been rumours that the retroactive part of the bill -- banning foreign franchises set up after May 10 last year -- could cause Constitutional problems.

But it is believed Government's legal advisors have told the Governor there is no bar to him signing it into law.

Also up for debate is an act to ensure high standards by registering surveyors.

And an act aimed at speeding up the complaints system of the legal profession -- the Bermuda Bar Amendment Act -- will also get an airing.