this year and featured sexy supermodel Claudia Schiffer has failed to benefit Bermuda.

Despite being called an "exotic isle'' and "just the place to lift you from the doldrums'' during the chilly winter months, the local tourist industry will not be getting even a small boost.

The pink-sand shores of Bermuda are clearly featured as the backdrop for the fashion shoot, which appears in the January edition of the top American fashion and beauty magazine Elle.

But nowhere in the 10-page colour-spread -- or the entire magazine for that matter -- is it stated that Bermuda was the location for "The Great Escape''.

Readers impressed with the sunny weather and beautiful beaches that Ms Schiffer and her collection of jewels and cosmetics are photographed on, are left in the dark as to just what "exotic isle'' is being featured.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said last night that he and Ministry officials "always'' make an effort to get a mention for Bermuda if it is used as a backdrop for photo shoots by overseas publications.

But he said he could not recall the Elle shoot taking place here and would have to be briefed on it today.