The decision to scrap College Weeks and tempt sports teams instead with tailor-made vacation plans is starting to bear fruit, Tourism officials say.

Alhough only 500 athletes and another 1,000 coaches and students are expected this month, Mr. Randy Horton, Tourism's assistant director for activities, says 1994 should be considered a seed year for the programme.

"We're disappointed with the numbers so far, but this result is tempered by the fact that this is the first year,'' he said. "We've made contact with hundreds of colleges. Next year, hopefully, we'll see more.'' Hoteliers interviewed by The Royal Gazette were united in their approval of the new Spring Break Sports package.

Mrs. Lynn Rayner, manager of the Sandpiper Guest apartment, said that they had four girls tennis teams visit last week and she had more bookings for a lacrosse and a rugby team next week and the week after.

"We were hesitant at first about college teams,'' she said. "But things have worked out well because the teams we have hosted are kept busy while they are here and this keeps them out of trouble.

"I think the Tourism Ministry has done a good job in coming up with this programme.'' Mrs. Lois Simons, Grotto Bay reservations manager, said she was encouraged by the bookings to date.

"I think this sports-oriented emphasis is better,'' she said. "Before many College students would get frustrated when the weather was bad, but now they have more to do.

"We've had one group in so far and we expect three different teams between now and the beginning of April. They will use about 25 rooms which is better than last year.'' The move away from the traditional College Weeks has come on the heels of steady declines in students visiting the Island in March. Last year, only 2,000 students came compared with up to 14,000 in the 1970s and early 1980s.

With the new programme, college teams are offered special events to compete in, free lunches, equipment and coaching.

Mr. Wayne Smith, manager of sports promotions, said he was pleased with the response, which was the result of aggressive marketing at schools in the United States.

Mr. Horton said a new direction had to be taken because Bermuda was not able to compete with such Spring Break destinations as Cancun and Fort Lauderdale.

"This year we have shifted away from College Weeks into the special interest groups,'' he said. "The first one is sports but we hope to expand this into other areas such as historical, and architectural societies.'' Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said a move by Tourism away from students to alumni made sense in light of the recession where students were finding it difficult just to stay in school.

"We have to be realistic,'' he said. "But if we are organised it will work.

We are also aiming at alumni because they are now working and can afford trips to Bermuda.'' The Hon. C.V. Woolridge.