A Bermuda publishing house which annually issues the `Bermuda Business Visitor' is set to go global after publishing a Dublin issue.

Business Visitor Magazines has just published its 2000 "essential executive travelling companion'' for Bermuda as well as the new Dublin publication.

The Dublin guide follows the tried and tested format of its Bermuda cousin. It features an 18th century engraving on its cover, map, food reviews, top hotels and a list of key contacts.

The publishing house, which is based in Hamilton, will now look at other offshore business and financial centres with a view to publishing similar guides by the end of the year.

Charles Barclay, editor in chief of the group said: "It all started with the launch of the Bermuda Business Visitor three years ago. We had the idea that business visitors needed a customised guide to the Island just the way tourists do and it caught on almost immediately.

"We tell them about business and political and social developments and the right people to contact to make the most of their trip. One of the more popular -- and apparently useful -- sections to be on the Bermudian etiquette.

We've had a lot of feedback suggesting that it is indeed accurate as well as entertaining.'' This year the etiquette tips include the customary good morning, afternoon, evening as well as handy tips on how to deal with a fish eye in your chowder.

The article, called Island Wise, states: "Being nice is necessity here, sorry.'' and "Showing up late is a local custom''.

It also passes on gems about not bribing government officials and recommends trips to the `back of town' for a bit of authentic Bermuda.

It also says on the prickly issue of race: "Don't be puzzled to hear Portuguese classified as a racial grouping. Black, white Portagee -- the Island can be considered divided in three. Actually make that four when you factor in the Island's expatriate workers -- mainly English and Canadian white-collar types like lawyers, accountants and computer whizzes.

"Bermudians moan to each other that the expats are greedy opportunists while expats groan among themselves that they are second-class (no vote, no security of tenure) worker bees whose tireless labours sustain lotus-eating Bermudians.

Will Bermudians make this evident to you? Probably not: "in your face'' is definitely not the national modus operandi.'' Publisher makes first impression The Bermuda magazine is distributed through hotels, businesses, government and consular offices.

Mr. Barclay said: "They trust our publication enough to create that all-important first impression of Bermuda, and we take that responsibility very seriously.'' And, according to Mr. Barclay, the idea to spin-off to other jurisdictions came from business visitors themselves.

"Our readers kept on telling us they wished they had such a guide to places like Dublin and the Channel Islands and Cayman.

"We started with Dublin because our organisation already had strong contacts there, including top-class senior writer Howard Rose, formerly of The Royal Gazette . We have already done preliminary studies of Jersey and Guernsey and are going ahead with them with a view to launching in the autumn.'' Mr. Barclay added that the magazines would continue to be based in Bermuda.

"They are edited, designed and managed in Bermuda so our growth internationally can only be positive for our Island.'' BUSINESS BUC