conference blew up again yesterday.

Premier Jennifer Smith insisted that part of the Swiss-based World Economic Forum was used by "several countries'' to promote their cultures and the link between business and tourism.

She added: "Bermuda has been in the habit, for the last several years, of hosting a black tie dinner for Bermuda associates.

"It seemed to us that there was an opportunity to make better use of the Forum to promote Bermuda, not just as a financial services jurisdiction but also as a tourism destination.'' A 29-strong group, including gombey dancers, chefs, bar men and members of Bermuda Regiment, are set to travel to the resort of Davos along with the official delegation of Government figures and business people.

Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon -- who earlier branded the move as "a circus'' which would have limited effect -- maintained the cost did not justify the trip.

But Ms Smith said: "It is clear, from her comments, that the former Premier must not have attended the Soiree Night, which is where Bermuda's increased participation is planned.

"If the Opposition Leader has attended, she would be aware that this event is used by several countries each year to promote the relationship between tourism and business. But perhaps the Opposition Leader's comments were not intended to be factual.'' The Royal Gazette reported more than a week ago that Government planned to change the formal black tie dinner to a reception, to include a tourism push.

But Ms Gordon said the soiree idea -- where several countries use a national cultural theme -- appeared to be a change of from what was originally said to be altered format for the usual dinner.

And she added: "At the soiree, there are little areas set aside all around to set out food and sample culture.

"While I did have the opportunity to attend, I will readily attest to the fact I don't party as much as the Premier does.

"I will say it's one of these open evenings when people are passing from area to area -- there is no substantive opportunity for Bermuda in a serious way to give information on a particular jurisdiction.'' And Ms Gordon predicted: "Bermuda will generate zero business from 29 people, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to transport and accommodate.

"It just won't benefit Bermuda -- we'll probably be the largest contingent there, but the smallest country.'' Ms Smith also poured cold water on radio claims that senior Government figures as well as top business people had advised against the plan for the forum, which attracts top politicians, business people and academics from around the world.

And she denied some newspaper reports she had asked VSB news director Bryan Darby to "reveal his sources'' for his report on the matter.

The Premier said she had asked Mr. Darby to "substantiate'' the story, which used un-named sources, but named Director of Tourism Gary Phillips and businessman Michael Butt as objectors.

In fact, Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister was quoted in the newspaper as admitting having asked VSB to reveal the names privately -- in a bid to establish the report was true.

Mr. Butt and the Bermuda International Business Association, also said to be unhappy, both denied the radio claims to The Royal Gazette .

Mr. Darby was last night unrepentant and said: "I stand by my story. The sources were reliable and accordingly I stand by it.'' GOVERNMENT GVT BUSINESS BUC