Tourism professionals are keeping their fingers crossed for a post-Labour Day surge to boost Millennium bookings.

Many Island hotels are planning special events for the New Year and in a bid to attract guests, some locations are keeping price hikes to zero.

Increases have been levied to help cover costs of staff and entertainment on the big night -- but other venues have decided not to raise costs at all.

Hoteliers' and travel agents' biggest problem may be the lack of airlift to the Island over the holiday. But already two charters are planned to soak any extra vacationers.

Some of the larger hotels are having to increase rates, or stipulate a minimum stay, whereas other resorts and smaller properties are keeping prices at normal levels.

Bermuda specialist TNT Vacations believe bookings will take off in September.

They have already chartered two 173-seat aircraft for the holiday and think the Island will prove attractive for last-minute bookers who do not want a long flight.

Spokesman Holly Powers said: "People haven't embraced it yet because they do not want to pay outrageous prices.

"When they see prices coming down, many will be jumping on the bandwagon. It has been talked about for so long, I don't think it has clicked yet.'' The Sonesta Beach is planning a massive extravaganza for the Millennium, with a choice of parties for December 31.

The South Shore resort is aiming for around 650 guests, who will be levied between ten and 15 percent on their room rate.

Resident manager John Murtha said the extra will help pay for staff and the additional costs for putting on the celebrations.

"Right now we are doing reasonably well for the Millennium. We have many confirmed bookings and a lot of group blocks, we are waiting to see how these fill out,'' he said.

"We are going to make sure we offer a fabulous party experience.'' Smaller locations have been loyal to their regular New Year customers, keeping prices down and treating the holiday as a normal period.

Rosedon manageress and Bermuda Hotel Association chairperson Muriel Richardson said there was no need to hit loyal guests and subsequently the Hamilton hotel has kept to its normal prices.

"It is just a way of taking care of our faithful guests. We don't see any reason to hit them just because it is going to be the Millennium,'' she said.

Pompano Beach managing director Tom Lamb was in the happy position of being sold out.

"We made our rooms available to repeat guests first, and we also kept our winter rates in place,'' he said. "We do not surcharge because of the Millennium, most places are doing that.'' The only stipulation is a five-night stay and the 120 guests will be treated to a dinner and champagne toast.

More extravagant offerings are being laid on by the Southampton Princess and Elbow Beach resorts.

Southampton Princess general manager Norm Mastalir said so far the hotel was not full, but he was hoping special packages with a host of features would be a big plus.

Four night packages for two people start at $1,980, and have parties, gifts and other extras thrown in.

An eight-course dinner and masquerade ball are part of the entertainment at Elbow Beach. So far the hotel is 75 percent booked -- on its normal winter rates.

The Reefs is aiming for a 90 percent capacity, even though they have had to raise prices to high season rates. Increased costs, such as entertainment, have forced the increase.