woo more visitors.

The Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge was scathing in his criticism of Shadow Minister Mr. David Allen.

"Mr. Allen has shown a total lack of understanding of what marketing a resort like Bermuda means,'' he said. "His mythical cure is a scatter gun approach built on panic, the quick fix, and the price cut and totally disregards our target market.'' Mr. Allen had pledged a PLP Government would revamp the Tourism Ministry's marketing of Bermuda.

It would move aggressively to develop the European market, revitalise advertising, and ease expenses for visitor, said Mr. Allen.

But yesterday Mr. Woolridge said Mr. Allen's approach, "coupled with his championship of a Bermudian airline ... would lead Bermuda down the road to a fast financial ruin''.

"His battle cry being `follow me to mediocrity and failure'.'' Mr. Woolridge rubbished Mr. Allen's claim cruise ship passenger head tax was destroying industry.

"In fact, last year Bermuda had more passengers spending more money than ever before.'' Mr. Woolridge also stressed the 22 percent increase in arrivals in the first week of April, and optimism from wholesalers and tour operators.

He said Government targeted tourism markets which could bring realistic rewards.

"We cannot simply panic, slash rates, open up the flood gates and then stand back and wonder at the destruction of all that has been built over the years,'' he said.