Bermuda is set to headline at one of the biggest travel trade events of the year.

Held next week in Strasbourg, France, the World Travel Congress of the American Society of Travel Agents brings together several thousand travel bosses from the United States and Canada.

And it attracts officials from cruise lines, airlines and other leisure industries to a massive three-day trade show where destinations from across the world will be pitching their stall.

Bermuda is spending a six-figure sum on a lavish reception and a themed stand at the exhibition.

The party, to be held in the 200-year-old Salle Josephine, built by the Emperor Napoleon for his wife, will feature Island cuisine and also the talents of top chef Anton Mossiman.

Part of the Bermuda Regiment, Gombeys and others will perform at the event, being laid on for the top 200 US producers of Bermuda business.

And Tourism Minister David Allen launched a pre-emptive strike at critics of the wining and dining of the travel industry during his first year: "For a long time we have lost our market share because we have been allowed to appear dull, staid and boring. People have been allowed to think Bermuda is no longer an exciting destination.'' The Minister said it was at least ten years since Bermuda held a function at the World Travel Congress, and even though it had a presence at the event, it had been lost in the shadow.

The reception, being held next Tuesday, will feature a multi-media show, cabaret, fine dining, Bermudian props and a video depicting 500 years of history between the Island and France.

Then, during the trade show, the Department of Tourism has secured a prime spot next to the French stand, where they hope to launch a massive networking offensive with American travel bosses.

Themed on a Bermuda cottage, it will be staffed by representatives of the Bermuda Hotel Association, the Mayor of Hamilton and Tourism staff.

The World Travel Congress is one of three major tourism events and almost every destination across the globe will have a presence, trying to persuade travel agents to send them their business.

Each year it is held in a different location.

In addition, the Minister will have the opportunity to meet with travel media and writers.