Government has been grilling foreign travel experts to unearth the ills affecting Bermuda's declining tourist trade.

Three groups -- representing travel agents, wholesalers and incentive houses which cater for companies rewarding staff -- were on the Island recently to talk with the Tourism Cabinet Committee.

That was followed by a `think tank' session called `Help Us to Fix 96' which brought together hotel representatives as well as the overseas experts to generate new ideas to improve tourism next year.

Last night, Tourism Minister, the Hon. David Dodwell, said: "If I had to pick out one area that came out of the talks it would be price and value.

"The groups felt we needed to be providing more than a dollar's worth of value for every dollar spent. We had to exceed customers' expectations, not just meet them.'' All the groups also highlighted problems with the airport and the transportation system.

They were critical of the airport arrivals area which they said was not welcoming with many staff unhelpful. The representatives also criticised the transport system, saying it was difficult to move groups around the Island. It was the first time overseas travel businesses had been quizzed by the Cabinet Committee.

"Before, we had been speaking to Bermudians. I felt we needed to bring in people from overseas to have them say what was right and wrong and find out what is happening in other countries,'' added Mr. Dodwell.

The `think tank', on Saturday, was hosted by the Bermuda Hotel Association and was aimed at developing new strategies to bring more tourists to the Island.

"We are still absorbing the information from that, but the whole weekend was very successful,'' said the Minister.

Mr. Stephen Barker, association president, said 14 senior executives from major overseas companies were at the meeting along with Mr. Dodwell, Tourism Director Mr. Gary Phillips plus officers of the BHA.

"This was an ideal opportunity to meet with our major suppliers and explore alternatives, exchange ideas and consider new approaches to the continued development of our industry.

"The meeting was judged to be successful by all those in attendance and the consensus was that it should be an annual event,'' said Mr. Barker.