Bermuda is to showcase in what is expected to be its most lavish tourism extravaganza ever.

But Tourism Minister David Allen could run into fire from Opposition MPs over the cost of wining and dining the industry as he takes his roadshow to Strasbourg, France next month.

A huge presentation is planned at the World Travel Congress -- following well-received tours to London, Italy, the United States and, this week, Canada.

The Bermuda Regiment, Gombey Dancers, and Tourism officials will travel to France for the six-day show to stage an Island preview to top travel executives.

Their aim is to woo top US travel agents, who will be there with the American Society of Travel Agents, into putting Bermuda at the top of their list of must-see destinations.

"It will be the biggest and most impressive presentation to the society Bermuda has ever had,'' said Mr. Allen.

"Several thousand of the top US travel agents will be there and there will be a very spectacular Bermuda night at a very historic venue,'' Mr. Allen said.

Previously Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell has been critical of spending by the new Government on "tourism revitalisation'' tours, claiming they did not always have the full support of the industry.

But Mr. Allen said he believes the way forward is to grab the attention and try to put Bermuda back on the travel map by taking a slice of the Island overseas.

"No longer is Bermuda going to fall between the cracks we will raise our profile,'' he said. "We are not going to let down our guard.'' The Strasbourg event will feature the multi-media shows, Bermudian cuisine and will also highlight the connections between the Island and France, he said.

Page 2: Caution urged over promotional tours