Shadow Tourism Minister Michael Dunkley last night called on Government to come clean and admit that its Obama-themed party in Washington D.C. has little to do with attracting visitors to the Island.

Senator Dunkley said he had no problem with Saturday's Audacity of Hope Gala and Ball which is costing taxpayers $75,000 taking place but objected to the way it was being spun by Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown.*

"I think this is another case where the Premier could have been forthright with people on this situation," he said, adding that he didn't "buy" the claim that the $350-a-ticket event was aimed at promoting the Island to holidaymakers.

"I would think that virtually everyone's mind is on the inauguration of President-elect Obama. I don't think they are thinking too much about a vacation pitch.

"I think the Premier should clearly come out and say, and I would agree with this approach, that 'this is a very historic occasion. The United States is the lifeline for Bermuda and we have a great relationship "He should say 'I think it's important that I and some of my colleagues are at this occasion to show our support and desire to work with him'. I think everybody in Bermuda would accept that. I certainly do.

The Opposition Senate Leader said there was nothing wrong with the Premier holding a reception in the capital to fly the flag for Bermuda during the inauguration celebrations. "It's a good opportunity, with a lot of people in town."

But he said couching it in tourism terms was a "stretch". "I don't think they need that excuse," said Sen. Dunkley. "If you want to get people to come to Bermuda, you need to be more specific."

Meanwhile, Dr. Brown announced last night that the 450-seat black-tie ball at the Fairmont Washington D.C. was sold out just a day after first revealing to the Island that it was taking place.

He said the Government switchboard and Cabinet Office were inundated with calls after the party, solely sponsored by the Department of Tourism, was announced on Tuesday but those hoping to buy one of the $350 tickets were left disappointed.

Dr. Brown said: "Our target audience for this event is affluent, upwardly mobile people who might consider coming or returning to Bermuda as a leisure traveller.

"We have been very successful in attracting those kinds of people to the Audacity Ball. I expect it to be a spectacular evening for promoting Bermuda."

He added that guests included people from the world of politics, entertainment and business and that the venue would be adorned with Bermuda "Feel the Love" branding.

His press secretary Glenn Jones later said people were asking to go on a waiting list for the ball. "The demand for this Bermuda Tourism branded and sponsored event is off the charts.

"The event includes dinner, dancing, entertainment, a commemorative inauguration gift inside a 'feel the love' gift box, the chance to win a golfing weekend in Bermuda and the exclusivity of a 450-seat gala when the city is teeming with galas up to three times as la

Asked to name any special guests who would be attending, he said: "We have a very good idea of who will be attending but it would be irresponsible to release names in advance of the event without first getting consent from the ticket holder."