hit hotels, the Department of Tourism's expanded Spring Break programme has kicked off and is running smoothly, Manager of Sports Promotions Wayne Smith told The Royal Gazette .

"The strike has had an affect in terms of transportation and we've had to provide alternate service, but that's been about the only problem so far,'' he said.

This year's programme includes the traditional sporting events with athletes competing against each other or host teams in track and field, golf, tennis, soccer, and field hockey.

It also marks the inaugural year of Tourism's push to attract sun-seeking art students from the US east coast.

Brochures touting Bermuda's aesthetic merits have been circulated throughout US graphic arts schools and universities, Tourism's Manager of Promotional Services Deanna Wade told The Royal Gazette .

The programme offers university or college credit lectures and workshops conducted by Bermudian artists such as Paul Doughty, Chesley Trott, Michael Swan, Henry Ward, and Jonathan Northcott. The students will also tour various galleries across the Island, including the National Gallery.

"The seed has been planted and we've got a host of schools signing up for next year,'' said Ms Wade.

Meanwhile the strike isn't expected to cloud today's arrival of the first planeload of art students from Atlanta's Metro Union College. Transportation, night-time activities, and lunches are all covered under the Spring Break programme, she added.