to lay the foundation for the revival of Island tourism.

BHA executive director John Harvey gave the ground-breaking document, which could form the basis for many changes in the way the Island is sold overseas and what is offered when visitors arrive, a public endorsement.

But he urged all organisations involved in hospitality and those that aren't to "buy in'' to the strategy to ensure it becomes a reality -- fuelling a surge in visitor numbers and spending.

Mr. Harvey said: "We need to make sure that we are all moving ahead together to make this become a reality.'' Along with other hotel industry representatives, Mr. Harvey received a presentation on the "Bermuda Tourism Private Sector Long Term Strategy''.

It sets out preliminary aims, by 2003, of boosting air arrivals to 500,000, increasing visitor spending, raising European business and propelling hotel occupancies to 70 percent Island-wide.

And it details proposals, including a change in direction for overseas marketing and investment in both human and physical resources to make a better value holiday, which could support those numbers.

Different sectors of industry and the unions have been shown the report, put together at the request of Tourism Minister David Allen by a conduit group, and their feedback will help refine it further -- before returning to the Minister.

Mr. Harvey said he was pleased that a wide cross-section of "players'' had been involved in the process.

"I thought the presentation was very well done and cleverly researched,'' he said.

"If you get buy-in, which I think we have got, with all the parties working together with Government we are on a pretty good course of action.'' And he urged the Minister to accept the proposals when they came back to him, with any necessary changes, adding that he didn't foresee any major stumbling blocks with the plan.

"It would be strange if they had any opposition, I can't think where it would come from.

"There are some areas that are going to require more discussion and more investigation. It will work out, it must work out, it will do -- but only with consultation.'' The report proposes to target the affluent traveller with buying power over $100,000, business and convention trade, together with high-yield cruise and air visitors.

It also states the need for a "Bermuda image'' to be agreed by all sectors and focus all marketing on that identity.

And it calls for hotels to share information so marketing cash is not wasted, ensuring that advertising and promotion is aimed squarely at the target.

For the actual vacation experience, the draft highlights a possible plan by emphasising Bermuda's sophistication, safety, high quality service, accessibility and natural beauty.

In addition, it proposes re-investment in staffing and physical plant, with the assistance of Government tax incentives, to meet and exceed the minimum standard for a top-notch vacation experience.