Bermuda Tourism hit the jackpot with a "phenomenal'' bonus scheme which has attracted thousands of visitors in a matter of weeks.

The programme, which still has several weeks to run, is already being labelled as the most successful incentive strategy of its type ever used by the Government and private sector.

It has helped bring in 3,200 tourists since it began at the beginning of last month -- boosting Government coffers with up to $280,000 in tax income and helping hotels to bolster a normally soft booking period.

Tourism director Richard Calderon said the scheme had been "hugely successful'', bringing more than 3,000 people, each staying three nights or more.

"It is by far the most successful bonus programme ever done,'' he said.

For each visitor sent to Bermuda, the agent receives a $25 bonus from the Government. Vacationers also benefit from extra value in the form of free nights stay or cash credits.

Tourism, in conjunction with hotels, was keen to bolster the height of summer and came up with the aggressive cash carrot to get travel agents' attention.

There is a limit of 10,000 people that travel agents can apply for redemptions for. So far, $40,000 has been paid out "It was to address a soft period, we really needed to do something to create some noise in the marketplace -- it worked,'' Mr. Calderon said.

The director added that it was difficult to quantify at present whether the 3,200 people were over and above the normal level for that time of year.

Hotels that took part in the programme included the Stonington Beach, Aunt Nea's Inn, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Grotto Bay, Sandpiper apartments, White Sands and Harmony Club.