Swan said yesterday.

He said four-night packages for just over $700 including eight meals, travel vouchers and entertainment coupons would be snapped up by tourists looking for a bargain.

And he said American travel agents would have an easy-to-sell deal.

Sen. Swan said during yesterday's Senate budget debate: "I would like to see tourism focused far more in November to March but there was zero increase in that department.

"I have had on more than one occasion to fill an entire 50 room hotel. It's a travesty that this particular area has been foregone.

"Bermuda has a problem in that we don't really have all-inclusive resorts to sell to people.

"We need about 10,000 packages between November and March so when someone goes to an agent they can have a package.'' He said it was possible to bulk buy 10,000 return flights at $200 a go, while hotels would be tempted to sell rooms at $50 a night plus tax.

And 10,000 taxi vouchers would help get visitors around.

"I include the drivers because they are the best ambassadors.'' He said the scheme would help reverse figures which showed the majority of visitors were now unsatisfied with their stay in Bermuda.

"With the cooperation and support from hotels, restaurants, activities and taxis we could sell them at $705 each plus ten percent commission for the agents.'' He said the programme could be handled by a newly-created tourism authority.

Sen. Swan also said the mid west region was a captive market of golfers who would jump at the chance of a package deal to come to Bermuda because their own season was so short.

"They are chomping at the bit.'' Sen Swan told The Royal Gazette that instead of Government spending money on advertising which may or may not bear fruit it should fund the scheme.

"They are spending $5.7 million on direct mail. It would cost $7,050,000 but this is a direct hit. Costs could be recouped.'' "It's a win-win situation.'' He said some North American agents had an uphill struggle to sell flights to Bermuda which could cost $700 but this scheme would give them something concrete to sell and put them on the offensive.