Bermuda and other island vacation spots.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan made this remark during a speech to the second Island Tourism International Forum at the Bermuda College this week.

He said if employees were made to feel they were more than "just a worker'', their pride and self-confidence would automatically be passed on to visitors.

"If we could just get those people working in those industries saying `I know I am number one', I believe that will make a big difference,'' Sir John said.

"This would not only be good for business, but for national stability as well.'' The Premier's speech closed out the three-day event, which saw some 75 active participants present reports and hold discussion on the rapidly changing and increasingly competitive environment of tourism.

Prior to Sir John's address, three panels who examined some of the major competitive issues facing island destinations over the lunch hour, presented their opinions on various topics.

Moderator Dr. Donald Hawkins said his own discussion group felt that "in an increasingly competitive environment where everyone is getting into tourism, Islands just can't simply depend on tourism, there has to be more economic diversification.'' "We shouldn't be looking at tourism as the panacea,'' he told the forum.

Among the other observations and suggestions made by the discussion teams were: The tourism market has changed greatly worldwide, and there is a need for island destinations to bring the market and their product back into alignment.

The characteristics which originally drew visitors to each destination should be re-examined.

Extensive training of hospitality industry staff is an investment which cannot not be overlooked or down played, and tourism should be taught in primary and secondary schools.

Improvements in the areas such as arrival/departure procedures and facilities, ground transportation, parks, roads and security should be addressed.