The companion flies free tourism promotion has generated 3,614 bookings and 7527 extra visitors to Bermuda, it was revealed yesterday.

Tourism Minister Renee Webb said the promotion, run in conjunction with Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA), was a success and she hoped it might eventually create an extra 10,000 visitors.

Under the promotion, if a North American tourist books for six days and five nights, a companion gets a $400 dollar air credit - with Tourism and BHA paying $200 each.

As a spin-off, American Express offers its members a $150 saving through the American Express Annual Travel Benefit Programme.

Ms Webb said Tourism had paid out $770,000 so far on the flight subsidy, not including advertising and marketing, and hotels had spent the same, but it was money well spent.

The promotion ran from April 15 to July 15, and visitors can travel up until December 15.

"This campaign has increased overall inquiries to the call centre by 8.9 percent in May, followed by a tremendous 30.7 percent increase in June," said Ms Webb yesterday.

"Internet hits on bermudatourism.com are also on the rise with more than 40,000 companion flies free views to date, and an average increase of of more than 10,000 hits per month year over year.

"The promotion has served as a means for the Department of Tourism to increase Bermuda's visibility among potential visitors as the demand for travel begins to rise.

"To further entice visitors, we are continuing to place emphasis on special events that have proven successful. The Department is working hard to deliver compelling reasons for people to visit.

"Whether it be promotional offers such as companion flies free, or the development of high-profile special events, we are encouraging our target audience to book now.

"With a strong summer season shaping up, the companion flies free promotion provides us with a positive indication that we are on the right track."