Air fares to and from America have been slashed by as much as $134 -- raising hopes of a mini-tourism boom.

USAir yesterday announced drastic reductions in fares for round trips to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and La Guardia.

New weekday fares to these destinations have plummeted from $345 to just $210.95.

Flights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, meanwhile, now cost $260.95 -- a reduction of $128.

American Airlines immediately announced it was matching USAir on its flights.

All new fares are in place until March 15.

Yesterday Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge applauded the price reductions.

"They should be very good for tourism,'' he said.

Mr. Woolridge said the news was particularly welcome after the blow struck by Northwest.

The airline has cancelled its Bermuda-Detroit-Boston route.

"It is a serious setback since we were really pleased about getting a direct midwest link,'' said Mr. Woolridge.

He added people hoping to get to Boston could use Delta and travel via Atlanta, Georgia.

On plans for a Bermuda-Miami service, Mr. Woolridge said Government was still waiting for news from American.

Meanwhile, Mr. Woolridge flies to Germany on Sunday confident of another boost to Bermuda's tourism industry from May 2.

That is when Condor is starting a non-stop service from Frankfurt to Bermuda.

"I'm off to Hamburg, and will be hosting luncheons in major cities in Germany in connection with the new Condor flight,'' said Mr. Woolridge.

"These luncheons will be attended by Condor and British Airways and I will be meeting all the media there.'' Mr. Woolridge is expecting tourism from Germany to double this year because of the new flight.

Last year saw a 12 percent boost in German visitors.

In another marketing ploy, a competition is being run with Condor which will enable 70 travel agents to win a week's holiday in Bermuda.

Mr. Woolridge said a free 1995 brochure on the Island was now available from the new Munich-based Bermuda tourism office.

USAir and American both laid down conditions and restrictions for the air fare reductions announced yesterday.

They included: Tickets must be bought two weeks before travel; Reductions are only for travel of a minimum of three days and maximum of 30 days; and Tickets are non-refundable.

Air fares slashed Local USAir station manager Mr. Herbie Siggins pointed out the company's cheapest weekday fare to America had been $345, inclusive of taxes.

"With the new fares there is a saving of $134.'' He added: "The reductions are in place until March 15 at which time the summer fares kick in.'' Mr. Siggins said the fare cuts were a short term measure to "stimulate traffic'' to and from Bermuda.

"Business is traditionally slow through the winter months.'' It was too early to gauge the level of interest in the fare reductions, said Mr. Siggins.

"We have sold a few seats already, but it takes a little while for the news of fare reductions to circulate through the community.'' Mr. Siggins said USAir had been working with the Department of Tourism to keep its service to Baltimore and La Guardia on throughout winter.

"Last winter we just had the Philadelphia flight.'' He added: "Rumours are circulating that other airlines will match us. We certainly hope that what we have done will encourage more tourists to visit Bermuda. This benefits both USAir and Bermuda.'' An American Airlines spokeswoman pointed out the company's previous weekday fares had been $293, including tax.

Weekend fares had cost $338, she added.

British Airways started an off-season air fare sale yesterday on flights from the US to London and beyond.

The fares, which discount New York-London round trips 12 percent to $298, are subject to government approvals.

Tickets must be bought by January 18 for trips between January 15 and March 24.