A blueprint which could form the basis for tourism revitalisation looks set to receive the backing of the private sector.

Presentations on the document to different sections of service industry on the Island have been well received and the report is expected to go forward to the Tourism Minister for final approval.

The "Bermuda Tourism Private Sector Long Term Strategy'' highlights an array of different aims, including raising visitor numbers and spending throughout the year.

To do that it suggests, among many things, a change in direction with more focused marketing on affluent travellers, trying to reduce airfares and improving the service and product given to vacationers whilst here.

A member of the conduit team which has put the draft together said the signs for progress were good. Mike Winfield, president of Cambridge Beaches, said: "We have virtually completed the presentations to all parts of the private sector, the feedback, by and large, has been extremely positive. And it has generally endorsed the principles of the strategy.'' The conduit team is to incorporate feedback from the private sector -- which includes restaurants, transport providers, activity firms and other services -- into the report.

And they will present the latest version of the "living document'' to hotel owners during a summit with Government, and at an upcoming tourism conference.

From there the strategy will go to Tourism Minister David Allen -- who originally commissioned the report -- for his consideration. "We will look to the minister to see if there is support and then decide where we go from here,'' said. Mr. Winfield. "Hopefully it will get endorsement of the minister, he commissioned it and I am confident he will be supportive.'' The strategy includes estimates of boosting yearly air arrivals to 500,000, increasing daily visitor spending by 20 percent, promoting more business from Europe and growing off-season business.

The conduit team includes Fairmont Hamilton Princess boss Michael Kaile, Chamber of Commerce president Cris Valdes-Dapena, Harmony Club president Billy Griffith, Mr. Winfield, Teresa Chatfield, BIU representative Herbie Bascome and Ian Smith of the Chamber of Commerce retail sector.

They have gone public with targets -- something which the Tourism Minister has avoided -- in order to give the industry an idea of what everyone is working towards. And they have openly called for the support of the private sector, stating that "failure was not an option''.

David Allen