The visit of Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie will be a great publicity boost for Bermuda, Tourism Minister Renee Webb said yesterday.

The British Prime Minister arrives tonight, but Mrs. Blair and their children have been on the Island staying at Government House as guests of Sir John Vereker since Tuesday evening.

Government House is refusing to comment or give any details about what Mrs. Blair did yesterday, or the Prime Minister?s plans, but it is understood there will be no official business.

Ms Webb said yesterday she expected to have lunch with Cherie Blair, whom she met on previous visits to London, although she did not know her schedule.

She said she had lunch with Mrs. Blair when she was in London for business in November and invited her to have lunch when she returns to Bermuda.

She and Premier Alex Scott met Mr. Blair at the Labour conference in Bournemouth, England, last October.

Ms Webb said yesterday: ?It is a private vacation, but I am sure I will see her for lunch at some point.

?I haven?t made contact, but the last time I was in London I made contact with her.

?I think this is great for tourism and it is great that we have such a friendly relationship with the British Government, particularly the Blairs.

?It is testament to the fact that Bermuda is a wonderful place to visit and it helps push us on to the map as a tourist destination.

?We are trying to expand our British profile and increase awareness of Bermuda in Britain with our new marketing launch and now that Tony and Cherie have chosen to come to Bermuda is great for us.

?The Press will no doubt speculate about why they are here and write stories, and it will be more free publicity.?

It is the fourth visit to Bermuda for Mrs. Blair, a leading barrister, although the Prime Minister has never visited the Island.