lowest number ever.

The news last night brought a call for a big rethink on marketing the six-week spring break.

Shadow Tourism Minister Mr. David Allen said college radios and newspapers should be targeted in an advertising blitz.

"We have reached rock bottom right now. We seem to have lost focus,'' he said.

"We need to go back to the drawing board. I believe we can become competitive again in this area. We shouldn't just throw in the towel.'' Yesterday the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to College Weeks.

This year's figure for student visitors has come as a disappointment to tourism officials, but not a surprise.

It compares with last year's 2,400 total -- a far cry from the 1970s and early 1980s when more than 10,000 students would flood in.

Mr. Randy Horton, assistant director for activities, said the strategy of targeting "special interest groups'' would be developed.

Sports activities would become central to future College Weeks, he added.

Mr. Horton blamed the drop on the recession, high prices, and competition with other destinations.

"It is indicative of the tough times we are in, and the seriousness of the recession.'' Mr. Horton, however, said he was delighted with the response to sports programmes organised.

Nine overseas tennis teams, as well as golfing and rugby and lacrosse enthusiasts had taken part.

One of the hotels which traditionally benefits most from College Weeks is Elbow Beach.

But this year it was closed for the period while undergoing a major renovation.

Managing director Mr. John Jefferis said College Weeks had been an effective launch-pad for the season.

"It gets the season off to a good start,'' he said.

He added many student visitors returned in later life, and he hoped the hotel's promotion for College Weeks would continue.