Delaware bank that has begun to market The Bermuda Club Card, a Visa credit card, that offers special benefits to visitors to Bermuda.

Outrigger Ltd. spokesman, Mr. Barry Brewer said the plan will benefit Bermuda because marketing money will be spent to promote the Island and the local businesses participating in the card scheme.

Outrigger representatives met with Chamber of Commerce officials initially to gauge interest. And although only two hotels were at first interested, that number has now grown to seven.

Hoteliers, retailers, restaurateurs and a host of other business people have already begun to offer discounts and other preferential treatment to visitors who use the Bermuda Club Card Visa card.

MBNA America is the second largest credit card bank in the US. It has sent out invitations to several hundred thousand people across the US inviting them to apply for a Bermuda Club Visa card as an incentive to travel to Bermuda.

The card itself features what an official of the bank's Boston marketing firm called a picture of a "Warwick beach'' emblazoned across it. It is clearly labelled The Bermuda Club Card.

Local officials believe the card might bolster winter arrivals through repeat visitors and potential new visitors who need a final push to plan a Bermuda vacation.

The credit card statements will be used by Bermuda to advise card holders of the activities that are going on in Bermuda, providing more incentive to travel here.

Mr. Joseph Krousse of the bank's Boston marketing company, Kessler Financial Services said: "The idea behind getting the programme started was a way to have a co-brand card that identified loyal Bermuda visitors and give them an opportunity to benefit on the Island and have exposure to all of the industry partners.

"It's a way for the industry partners to get additional exposure through our marketing. It's a way to reward both the customers and the busineses of Bermuda.'' The marketing firm has sent window decals to the Bermuda businesses to apply to the exterior of their premises, so that card holders would know those firms that are participating.

Informational brochures will also be made available to the merchants within the next two weeks.