businessmen at a brainstorming session in Britain.

The Minister, the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, is the only representative of a tourist resort invited -- and the only politician.

He will join 24 industry heads at Gleneagles, Scotland's most prestigious hotel, which boasts a horse-riding centre run by Capt. Mark Phillips, ex-husband of Anne, the Princess Royal.

Corporations taking part in the "Executive Roundtable'', from October 7 to 12, will include McGraw-Hill, Chase Manhattan Bank, Avis Rent A Car, Microsoft, American Express, Mitsubishi, Sony, Rockwell, General Electric, the PGA Tour and Subaru.

Most will be represented by their chairmen, chief executive officers or presidents.

"I'm extremely proud and somewhat elated to be invited,'' said Mr. Woolridge yesterday. "It was quite a surprise.

"I just feel highly honoured to be included, and the honour goes to Bermuda, because we're the only destination that's been singled out.'' The aim of the gathering was to discuss changes in the world economy and particularly the upcoming European single market, said Mr. Woolridge.

"With the present world order, they felt if would be necessary to get movers and shakers from the various industries together to see where they think business will be going in the near future.

"They said Bermuda is considered to be one of the prime tourist destinations as far as the US is concerned, and the prime quality of the destination was what prompted them to extend the invitation.'' Organisers of the conference are British Airways and the US magazine Business Week.

One meeting on the agenda is at Auchterarder House, the Scottish base of former US President Mr. Ronald Reagan.

Mr. Woolridge said the week should provide opportunities to make important contacts and bring business to Bermuda.

"I hope I can attract some of these CEOs to think of Bermuda as the place for their conferences and meetings,'' he said.

`I think it affords me a wonderful opportunity to meet with these heavy hitters and have a chance to develop some traffic back here.'' Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge.