night returned home to spread the good news; paradise can be affordable.

The agents -- brought to the Island by Toronto-based Conquest Tours -- were getting a first-hand look at the Bermuda's major hotels, beaches, and attractions in the run-up to September 11's launch of a new charter service.

One of North America's largest charter operations, Conquest has formed a partnership with Canada 3000 Airlines and the Bermuda Hotel Association to offer winter-weary Canucks get away packages of three, four, and seven nights on Bermuda at affordable prices.

"For example, a typical three-night stay at a Bermuda property with Air Canada would cost Cdn$969,'' said Conquest President Robbie Goldberg. "The same package with Conquest and Canada 3000 would cost Cdn$749.'' Canada 3000 -- using Airbus A-320s and Boeing 757s -- will fly to the Island on Thursday and Sunday mornings between September 11 and the end of April.

Conquest is no stranger to Bermuda; in the mid-1980s, the company ran tours to the Island until the Canadian dollar fell well below the American greenback on the currency markets.

This time however it will be different said Mr. Goldberg. Despite the 35-cent hit on exchange rates, Canadians are travelling more and spending more to travel to quality destinations, he said.

"It's all about partnerships and alliances,'' Minister of Tourism David Dodwell said in a send-off speech as the travel agents boarded the MV Longtail for a cruise to St. George's and the Airport.

TRAVEL AGENTS TVL