The Bermuda hospitality industry has urged the Government to make the US roadshow an annual event.

They want to see another week-long tour in 2000, with top managers from the Island's hotels accompanying the Premier and Tourism Minister in a drive to boost US sales.

Buoyed by the success so far of the east coast tour, many believe it will take a concerted effort to re-establish Bermuda on the destination map.

Although the tour -- visiting Boston, New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia -- has been well received by the travel trade, it is thought there will be a need to raise awareness of the product continually.

Muriel Richardson, president of the Bermuda Hoteliers Association, said there was a need to push the Island all the time.

"This event should be done every year,'' she said. "There is a lot of competition out there and if you let up, you get eaten up.'' She said the commitment of the Premier -- who agreed instantly when asked to lead the tour -- and the general managers of the hotels, to join the visit had been a major factor in pulling in the huge numbers of agents to the presentations.

"This has made a strong point to those people that we need to be put back in the front line. It makes a big impression in these cities when you can come along and meet the leader of a country like Bermuda.'' Although most of the major hotels are represented on the tour, Mrs. Richardson said they were acting as ambassadors for the entire industry.

And, she added, the anticipated conversion of sales from the tour would have a trickle down effect for all guest accommodations on the Island.

The razzamatazz of the events -- which feature laser light shows, music, videos, authentic Bermuda food and drink, and big raffle prizes -- will also lodge in agents' minds when they return to work, she said.

"We are happy to give them the energy to re-sell Bermuda,'' she added.