convention business to Bermuda.

The Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge was due to fly out yesterday with hotel general managers for the week-long campaign.

It comes as competition has hotted up to keep convention business in the United States.

US cities have been busy sprucing up venues for convention groups.

Said Mr. Woolridge: "The importance of this promotion cannot be over-emphasised.'' He added surveys showed Americans were readier than ever to travel this autumn. Mr. Woolridge also highlighted the tax relief offered US corporations coming to Bermuda. Established under a North American treaty, it was a very important incentive.

The Major Incentive House Tour's first port of call will be Business Incentives in Minneapolis on Monday morning. Next is the city's Carlson Marketing, before venues in St. Louis and Chicago.

Said Mr. Woolridge: "Our intention is to position Bermuda in the minds of the major incentive houses in such a way that they will strongly recommend the Island to corporations across the US.'' The Minister stressed the critical role of conventions in boosting Bermuda's tourism.

Several months back, for example, Southampton Princess won a two-year contract.

Six hundred rooms a week were booked for six weeks, he said.

"This is just the type of business we are after. It really goes to show what can be achieved by these incentive house tours.'' But tourism leaders have said that group business has also been hurt by corporations which are reluctant to fly to exotic locations like Bermuda when their own industries are struggling through recession.

During the tour, Mr. Woolridge will also be interviewed on radio and television. It will give him a chance to further push Bermuda forward as the ideal resort.

"It is going to be very hard work. It is certainly not going to be a holiday,'' said Mr. Woolridge.

The group, which will fly courtesy of Delta Airlines, returns next Friday.

Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge.