millions of viewers, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The special CNN Travel Guide will air on April 8 and 9.

The show's producer Ms Kalin Thomas-Samuel said this would be the first time the Travel Guide, which is viewed by some 60 million households, featured weddings.

And with footage that includes a bride in a swimsuit and groom horseback riding to a moongate at Astwood Park, Bridal Suite co-owner Mr. Allister Simmons said he expects the show to attract more weddings to the Island.

"This idea of people getting married away from home is growing,'' he said.

"I think this is why CNN is looking at presenting this special.'' Mr. Simmons admitted he was surprised when CNN contacted him earlier this year about obtaining footage of such weddings.

"They were looking for unusual weddings,'' he recalled. "We sent them footage of weddings with couples on horseback at the top of cliffs.

"They were really intrigued with a wedding at Long Bay, Warwick with the bride in a swimsuit and the groom in Bermuda shorts, a tuxedo jacket and a bow tie.'' Mr. Simmons said the show will also feature a clip of a groom arriving at Astwood Park in Warwick on horseback and stopping under a moongate.

The special is scheduled to air at 1.30 p.m. local time on April 8 and at 5.30 p.m. the next day.

"I'm quite excited to have our work featured in a global aspect,'' Mr.

Simmons said. "I hope this exposure will bring us and Bermuda more visitors.

"We're working very hard to market our product and keep Bermuda visible,'' he said. "For so long this island has only been sold as a honeymoon destination.

But it is also a great place to get married.'' Bermuda is also being featured on a new Travel Channel show.

The cable channel sent a team to the Island last Tuesday through Thursday to film an eight-minute segment for its new show On Vacation with the Vacation Store.

Bermuda was among the first holiday destinations chosen for the show and the segment is due to start running on April 1.

Footage could include the South Shore, the Marriott resort, golf, Front Street, Dockyard and St. George's. The presenters even found time for a horse and buggy ride, said Mr. Peter Backeberg, whose production company Fresh Creations assisted the team.

"They had three of the nicest days we've had in months. They couldn't believe the place and the weather!,'' said Mr. Backeberg, whose partner is Mr. Elmore Warren.

The show runs with a 1-800 number on the screen so viewers can immediately call the Vacation Store and book a Bermuda holiday.