conference later this month.

Three panels have been set up to give presentations on aspects of tourism and Geoffrey Lipman, President of the World Travel and Tourist Council, has been hired as the guest speaker.

UBP chairman Sen. Gary Pitman said: "We will concentrate solely on tourism as we feel it is an extremely important issue.'' The conference will take place at the Southampton Princess on November 16 under the title "Tourism, Jobs and the Future: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century''.

Three panels have been set up -- looking at product development, marketing and tourism appreciation -- and will each give a five minute presentation before taking questions from the floor.

Panel members include John Casling, Eldon Trimingham, Alan Trew, Toppy Cowen and E. Michael Jones.

Former Premier Sir John Sharpe will be the mediator and both Tourism Minister David Dodwell and Premier David Saul will address the conference.

When the conference finishes at lunch, the keynote speaker will be Mr. Lipman.

Last year's conference examined crime and drugs and the guest speaker was then-New York Police Commissioner Melvin Bratton.