Faith-based tourism boss Andre Curtis yesterday claimed hundreds of tourists were flying into Bermuda to see a British preacher perform this weekend.

Bishop John Francis is the main act at That We Would Be One — the second annual get-together of the Island's churches at the National Stadium, on Sunday afternoon.

Mr. Curtis has repeatedly come under attack for his handling of faith-based tourism, with critics questioning the validity of a list of events he announced he had lined up to justify receiving hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' dollars.

Yesterday, he gave details of Sunday's service, which will include preaching from Bishop Francis and performances from choirs.

He predicted 300 to 400 tourists would be arriving, mainly from London and the US, after learning about the event on the Department of Tourism's website, and by word of mouth.

Asked if they were coming to Bermuda specifically to see Bishop Francis, he replied: "It's tied in. Some people are coming for a longer period of time."

He said the overall attendance at the National Stadium was expected to be about 2,000.

Mr. Curtis runs Premier Ewart Brown's constituency in Warwick South Central.

Both deny faith-based tourism is being used as a method for Dr. Brown to get cash to Mr. Curtis as a thank you gesture.

According to a draft copy of Mr. Curtis' contract, he is due to receive $400,000 to set up ten faith-based events in 2007-08, bringing in a total of 2,200 tourists.

After former Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert demanded to know what had been lined up, Mr. Curtis held a press conference in July and handed the media a list of ten events he said would take place.

However, the integrity of that list was called into question because of its sketchy details, while Mr. Curtis faced criticism for refusing to entertain any questions at the press conference.

More than 6,000 worshippers turned up for inaugural multi-faith service last year, but the service sparked controversy when the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches refused to support it.

Church leaders said they believed homosexuals were being treated in an unfair manner because organisers United By Faith — led by Mr. Curtis — had opposed calls to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Bishop John Francis is the founder and senior pastor of Ruach Ministries in London, said to be one of the largest and fastest growing churches in the UK, attracting congregations of more than 5,000.

He is a recipient of the British Gospel Association's Award for Contribution to Gospel Music, while he won Gospel TV Series of the Year for co-presenting a show in the UK called People Get Ready.

His website describes him as "a man of distinction, someone with a clear sense of purpose and willing to stand in the face of adversity".

The website states: "He is uncompromising and means serious business for God.

"As a result, he is always in great demand for preaching engagements."