The Art of Self-Promotion

Give to the arts, get a vacation.

That’s the deal being pitched to generous arts contributors by Club Med resorts. Taxpayers who can produce a 1995 tax return showing a contribution of $25,000 or more to the National Endowment for the Arts are eligible for a free week’s stay at Columbus Isle in the Bahamas, Club Med’s newest resort.

“Club Med is doing this to show its support for the arts,” said spokeswoman Marcia Potash.

It’s also a way for Club Med to plug its move into the upscale segment of the resort market. Founded as a spartan getaway for active vacationers, Club Med has moved into the pricier end of the market in recent years. The Columbus Isle resort boasts more than $2.5 million worth of museum-quality folk art, antiques and artifacts from exotic corners of the world.

An all-inclusive week’s stay, including air fare from California, is valued at $1,870. But so far, no one has contacted Club Med to take them up on the offer.

“It’s still early,” Potash said.

Chalk it up to procrastination--or the fact that someone who can afford to give $25,000 to the NEA doesn’t need a free week’s vacation from Club Med.

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Marla Dickerson covers tourism for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5670 and at marla.dickerson@latimes.com.