Hoteliers have expressed concern at the length of time it is taking to appoint a new Director of Tourism.

Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) has written to Tourism Minister Renee Webb to voice its unease because the post has not been filled since last November when former director Judith Hall Bean moved to the Cabinet Office. Since then, Richard Eve and Deanna Wade have been alternating in the top post.

But BHA chief executive officer John Harvey said he could not understand the delay in finding a replacement and said a company would not be allowed to go for so long with no one in charge.reported in March that the Director of Tourism post was being re-advertised because none of the Bermudians who applied was considered suitable.

The deadline for new applications was April 16, but there has been no news on who will get the job.

Mr. Harvey told : ?Tourism is the number two earner for income in Bermuda and it would seem to me that that being the case, it ought to be treated with the importance it deserves because it is responsible for so many other ancilliary industries. ?We?ve now gone without a Tourism Director for many, many months and I don?t think, if you compare it to a company, any other company would allow that to happen.

?You would have someone at the helm with responsibility to develop and initiate tourism so that tourism prospers, and that?s not happening.

?The Minister (Ms Webb) is trying her damnedest, but for some reason it is being thwarted, and we have got to get on with it.

?I have gotten this feedback from some members and I know we?ve shared it with the minister in writing this week. I have heard it from other hoteliers who have expressed concern. What is taking so long? We need someone here we can work with who can address the various different issues that have been developing.

?That is not to say that the acting director of tourism, and those who have been acting director, are not doing their job, but the fact is we need a director of tourism, so let?s get on with it.?

According to a number of well-placed civil service sources, Mrs. Hall Bean asked to be moved out as Director of Tourism because she found it difficult working with Ms Webb, although the minister denies this.

Ms Webb ? who does not have a role in appointing the new director because that is the responsibility of the Public Service Commission ? said in March it was still possible a Bermudian may be appointed if they apply for the post when it is re-advertised.

She was off the Island yesterday and could not be contacted for comment.