CLOSE to 600 students are expected to converge on Bermuda as part of a Spring Break Sports and Pursuits Programme launched by the Department of Tourism.

Between March and April, a contingent of students ? predominantly athletes and their coaches ? will travel to the island as part of a programme, promoted mainly to the island's gateway cities.

As such, high school and college students from such states as New Jersey, Indiana, New Hampshire, Vermont, Virginia, New York and Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, DC and Tennessee will visit the island between March and April.

Tourism Minister Ren?e Webb yesterday praised the effort, saying that a variety of activities had been organised to keep the students entertained, including traditional Bermuda events to give the visitors "a local feel for the island".

Planned are sporting activities such as lacrosse, soccer, golf, tennis, kayaking, rugby and hockey as well as events more traditionally associated with Spring Break ? water sports, beaching and Tourism-sponsored entertainment events.

"We recognise that Bermuda is no longer able to compete with the likes of South Beach and Fort Lauderdale (both in Florida) from a cost perspective in the traditional College Weeks market," Minister Webb said.

"Therefore we have tailored our programme to provide more of a unique niche experience within that visitor segment. Our Spring Break programme is designed to give the students an opportunity to get away from the pressures of school. as one of our niche marketing initiatives, this somewhat untraditional Spring Break programme focuses primarily on student athletes who welcome our mild Spring climate to train in their respective sports.

"Through our partnerships with private sector organisations such as Somers Distributors, Logic Communications and Barritt's, we are able to facilitate events and activities for the students in an environment that is carefree and fun, while at the same time enlightening them about Bermuda and its unique culture."