Bermudians have a chance to give a wave of welcome to visitors ? literally.

For special flags are being distributed as part of a hospitality drive.

The Department of Tourism?s ?Pop By? Flag Programme was officially launched yesterday.

The flags debuted this weekend at the Crow Lane and Palmetto North Shore roundabout, and are now available for public distribution.

A delighted Tourism Minister Ewart Brown said: ?The flags can be taken anywhere; to the beach, to Cup Match or any other social event that embraces our visitors. The flags are a sign that ?I am Bermudian, I am approachable, I welcome you to my Island and I?m happy to share with you?.?

Barritt?s has agreed to contribute to the project to encourage public participation. A special voucher for a six pack of Ginger Beer will be attached to the flags.

The flags will be available at participating outlets including select Shell and ESSO service stations and beach concessions.

Also contributing to this project is Bermynet.com founder Brenton Richardson, who has introduced the ?Pop and Sizzle Ambassadors? or PASAs.

The PASAs will consist of four outgoing young people travelling to popular tourist destinations, such as beaches and Hamilton, to engage in friendly conversations with visitors. Photos from their friendly outings will be featured on the popular youth website. A Government spokesman said last night: ?The Department of Tourism views this as a positive initiative, one that is designed to bring about positive visitor interaction. The public should be aware that there will be two streams of communications being disseminated ? one inviting locals to participate in the programme and the other clearly explaining to visitors what the programme is about.

The information for visitors will be on hand at all hotels and other various visitor outlets around the Island.