that will act as the "brain trust'' for the Island's tourism industry.

But eight of the 12 member National Tourism Action Group have already been appointed as members of the newly created Tourism Board which was formed last week.

At a press conference yesterday, Mr. Allen said the committee will help foster closer links with various forms of tourism and other sectors affected by the industry.

"The National Tourism Action Group will in effect be our steering committee, embracing the executive of the Bermuda Tourism Board as well as recognised leaders in areas of the economy with a direct relationship with tourism and the hospitality industry and fields of activity where new tourism initiatives are to be launched,'' the Minister said.

"It is our aim to foster a closer, symbolic relationship between all of these key components so that we not only have a creative and innovative environment for spearheading our initiatives, but a smoothly running engine for tourism that embraces both Government and the private sector, from business to labour.

"The National Tourism Action Group thus builds partnerships with the international business community and the hotel industry as well as interfacing with developments on the former Baselands, many of which embrace tourism projects, with ecological tourism and developments in Bermuda's transportation infrastructure which are vital to tourism.

"With the dynamic new Tourism Board announced last weekend and the National Tourism Action Group named today, I believe we have established the vital partnerships, retained the skills and provided the leadership necessary for pointing Bermuda tourism on a path to success.'' The new committee consists of PLP MP Delaey Robinson, National Trust director Amanda Outerbridge, Meyer Group of Companies executive vice president Carl Paiva, Senator Calvin Smith, former assistant Director of Tourism Pat Phillip-Bassett and Bermuda Hotel Association president Muriel Richardson, all of whom recently accepted invitations to sit on the Tourism Board.

They are joined by Ace Insurance CEO Brian Duperreault, Biological Station director Dr. Tony Knapp, Government Transport consultant Larry Jacobs and Bermuda Land Development Company general manager Carl Musson.