Atlantic provinces.

One idea is for Government and Air Canada to arrange a weekly service out of Halifax all year.

The possible way ahead for the tourism industry comes from travel agents in Atlantic Canada.

They have been targeted in a survey by New Brunswick-based research company Petrel Communications Associates.

The survey is being handled by a partner with the firm, Mr. Thomas Nisbett, a Bermudian.

He is also Senior Policy Advisor with the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Nisbett, the eldest son of Canon and Mrs. Thomas Nisbett, of Devonshire, said: "This is the first study of its kind, that I am aware of, which focuses specifically on this part of Canada.

"And I can tell you that even some of the preliminary findings will be of significant value to the industry in Bermuda.

"We believe that there is potential for significant new business for Bermuda coming out of Atlantic Canadian communities, and we have asked the people in the travel industry to tell us how it can be done.'' In the survey, travel agents were asked to rate Bermuda as a tourism destination, and Government's attempts to promote it.

They were also asked how often their customers went to Bermuda, and what were their reasons and they were asked to suggest key moves to boost Bermuda tourism.

Many travel agents called for Government and Air Canada to negotiate a year-round direct weekly service out of Halifax, said Mr. Nisbett.

The need was also underlined for regional airlines in Eastern Canada and New England to develop "cooperative fare and scheduling agreements'' with major air carriers through such gateways as Boston, New York, or Toronto.

Said Mr. Nisbett: "One fact is very clear, above all else, the world tourism market is becoming more and more competitive, and Bermuda will have to work hard and smart to keep its current markets, let alone forge new ones.'' Mr. Nisbett will be in Bermuda from July 3-17. He said he hoped to show the survey's findings to Government and the private sector.