One of the key sponsors of the International Love Festival believes the event will generate the type of publicity Bermuda wants.

The festival, which took place over the weekend, was expected to host 98 people. However, some of the guests were unable to attend because heavy snow in the US caused airports to close.

Premier Ewart Brown, who is also the Minster of Tourism, has come under fire in previous years for the festival, which costs $150,000 but brings less than 100 visitors to the Island.

Last week he said an event like the festival could not be judged by visitor arrivals as it garnered the Island coverage in The Robb Report luxury magazine and other magazines.

Publishing director of the Robb Report David Arnold said last night: ""We came on board as sponsor for this event last year and we love the concept of the Love Festival as it is exactly the type of event that our readers look for. Last year we featured a story on Bermuda after the Love Festival and there was a great response. We know that this event can grow in the future and yield very positive media for the Island."

This year sponsors of the event were: The Robb Report, Fernando Sanchez, W Magazine, Travel and Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Departures Magazine, Golf World, Veranda, Chopard, PGA, Marquis Jet, Lindt, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Dr. Brown added: "The visitors that were able to get here had a great time. I have to say that this year was one of the best!"

Over the course of the weekend the guests attended the Best of the Best reception hosted by the Premier at the Tucker's Point Hotel and Spa Friday evening. During the evening The Robb Report, which sponsored the reception, brought its Annual "Best of the Best" issue to life and featured items from their luxury partners.

On Saturday guests visited the Crystal Caves and had a private dinner at Port O'Call before heading to the Babyface concert hosted by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at Fairmont Southampton.

On Sunday afternoon, Love Festival attendees had brunch at Masterworks with entertainment by Bermuda Toni Robinson. The weekend ended with a dinner at the Harbourview Ballroom at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess where Tennessee 'Chef of Love' Jernard Wells made dessert and Chuck Jackson preformed.

Love Festival producer, Jim Kerwin of Oxford Communications, said: "The Love Festival has evolved over the years from having guests in one location, to moving them around the Island to enjoy a wider Bermuda experience.

"Despite the weather, everyone had a fabulous time. Our overseas attendees have vowed to come back again — not only for Love Festival, but at other times in the year,"