Bermuda's popularity as a reward destination for hard-working staff is set to soar -- bringing millions of dollars in tourist dollars.

A New England-based vacation company is promoting the Island as a perfect spot for incentive travel -- and they are aiming to make 2000 the biggest year yet.

Already, Boston-based TNT Vacations have brought more than 1,000 people on day trips to the Island, and they have revealed that talks are on-going for two events in the near future.

TNT hope to bring around 500 people in December and they believe there is a huge market waiting to be tapped.

Bermuda's proximity to the US east coast and cheaper airfares, compared to the Caribbean, make it an attractive proposition.

TNT director of industry relations Holly Powers revealed that bosses approved the formation of a new department to sell incentive travel, with Bermuda as its number one destination.

"We are going forward,'' she said. "And already Bermuda is the focus for two other groups, one with 500 people. We have had quite a few companies call us, but these two are at the proposal stage.

"This is such a good way to give people an incentive. It is a very tough job market and this is a great way to keep staff.'' TNT's Bermuda incentive division took off after a successful one-day birthday party for Massachusetts furniture company Jordans.

Back in May, nearly 1,300 people were flown to the Island for a celebration at Clearwater Beach. The company shot its new commercial there and the resulting publicity has driven more business for TNT.

In addition, a massive mailing to top New England companies is being conducted and Mrs. Powers is to address up to 800 US human resource directors -- with the specific aim of selling Bermuda.

The one-day events bring revenue for many Island companies, including transportation firms, caterers and entertainers. But the eventual aim is to increase the incentives to include overnight stays -- giving hotels a slice of the pie.

As well as the now-famous Jordans day out -- which brought in $1 million plus -- TNT also celebrated its 25th anniversary on Elbow Beach, with more than 360 staff flying in for the day.