Premier Ewart Brown today announced a deal with the New York Mets to market Bermuda as a tourist destination.

More people visit Bermuda from New York City than any other destination and it is hoped the partnership with the Mets will help increase numbers by greater exposure of the Bermuda brand - it is expected that during the course of the season attendance will top four million.

The deal includes a “Feel the Love Grand Slam Inning” announced to the hometown crowd and "Feel the Love" branding posted on the big scoreboard. If any Mets player hits a grand slam during that inning, a fan in the stands will win a trip for two to Bermuda.

In addition to that, there will be rotating television spots near the concession stands, concourse signage throughout the stadium and advertising spreads in the Mets Yearbook and Mets Magazine.

The Premier added: “On average SNY, the Mets TV broadcaster, brings in 350,000 to 450,000 viewers for each of its games. During the upcoming season SportNet New York will air 30-second commercials during the game, during the post-game show, and during other SNY programming.

“Bermuda Tourism will also have a presence with the Mets online products like MetsBlog.com and SNY.TV. We will also be able to reach Mets season ticket holders via e-mail.”

He added: “Critics who worry Bermuda Tourism is not fishing where the fish are should have their concerns allayed today once and for all. We are bringing an aggressive marketing strategy into the heart of our bread and butter market.”

* Full story in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.