Plans for a lavish Bermudian-style reception at an upcoming conference of world leaders could damage the Island's hard-won reputation overseas, it has been claimed.

It is understood that Premier Jennifer Smith is aiming to take chefs, bartenders and gombeys to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland later this month for what the Opposition Leader has described as a "circus''.

And the business community are thought to be unhappy at having to pick up part of the bill for the event, which US President Bill Clinton and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will be attending.

Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon said the entertainment could embarrass the Island in the company of global business giants, high ranking politicians and top academics.

"It is completely inappropriate. What we are talking about is a very, very serious business environment,'' she said. "Bermuda has worked very hard to be deemed a first world nation.

"I hope that our hard work to earn a reputation as a serious jurisdiction is not lost for a tourism jaunt.

"While it might be entertaining, the reason people are at Davos is to network, maintain business contacts and forge new opportunities.

"This may diminish Bermuda's stature and people may not take our country seriously -- they could say `what happened to Bermuda?'.'' In the past, a delegation of around 15, including the Premier, Finance Minister and business leaders went to Davos. There they worked to further Bermuda's stature in the international business world and discuss issues with world leaders.

The numbers this year are understood to have been doubled -- resulting in a total bill running to several thousand dollars in a very expensive European centre.

The United Bermuda Party used to host a black-tie dinner during the summit, but under the Progressive Labour Party this has been changed to a black-tie reception which is designed to show the synergy between international business and tourism.

Ms Gordon, who is attending the summit, is concerned that a reception with flashing lights, music and fish chowder may be completely out of place.

She feared the party would not receive the attention that Government officials are hoping for as delegates, not interested in tourism, aim for more "serious'' meetings.

"People will be rushing from one event to the next because there are so many things going on,'' she said.

"This is strictly a business-orientated meeting to show how Bermuda can keep abreast of the rest of the world in our ability to be serious on economic issues.'' Tourism Minister David Allen was off the Island last night and Government Information Services said Premier Smith was unavailable for comment.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox did not return calls to The Royal Gazette .

The World Economic Forum in Davos runs from January 27 to February 1.