site for a research and treatment centre slated to open next year.

The first of its kind in the world, the venture is aimed specifically at the increasingly health-conscious over-50s market which is expected to explode over the next decade.

And if the marriage between medicine and tourism proves successful, it could herald a new brand of tourism for an aging US population.

On Friday, Tourism director Mr. Gary Phillips welcomed the initiative organised jointly between Mount Sinai Medical Centre, Marriott International, the Institute for International Sport, the Department of Tourism and others.

"It will capture the attention and eyes of the world,'' he claimed. "No longer can we be seen simply as a tourist destination -- we must branch out into areas of special interest.'' Marriott Castle Harbour general manager Mr. Roger Borsink added the "Centre for Successful Aging'' would provide a new business niche for the Island.

The hotel is the first within the international chain to provide such a package. Other Marriott hotels could follow suit if the venture proves a success, Mr. Borsink said.

The eighth floor of the hotel will be converted into laboratories and will open to local and overseas visitors on January 1, 1996.

Guests will spend a week at the hotel and receive a health evaluation, exercise programme, personal menus and a "blueprint'' on how to make long term life style changes.

They will be supervised by local doctors, nurses, exercise physiologists and a nutritionist headed by local geriatrician Dr. G.B. McPhee.

Researchers will then use information gleaned to probe into the effects of exercise and nutrition in modifying changes in hormonal and immunity systems -- thought to be the cause of age-related disabilities.

An accompanying facility at the Mount Sinai Medical Centre Department of Geriatrics in New York will provide research and administrative support.

Heading the research programme is chairman of Department of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai, Dr. Robert Butler -- an expert in gerontology (the process of ageing), "a brand new, 20th Century science''.

"This century there has been an incredible revolution in longevity,'' he said. "We have gained 25 years of life expectancy.'' Just recently, he said, the United States government voted for major funding for research into ageing as the first of the "baby boomers'' enter their 50s next year.

Over the next 20 years the number of Americans over 65 will leap to 50 million -- 16 percent of the population.

"It is an extraordinary innovation and we hope it will bring many new people to Bermuda,'' he said. "I hope it will become a prototype both in Bermuda and in other parts of the world.

"This is scientific,'' he added. "It is not exploitative -- it is not to make you beautiful.'' Bermuda's climate, environment, good hotels and proximity to New York made the Island a good location for the centre, he added.

Assistant director of Tourism, Mr. Randolph Horton claimed the centre provided an additional specialist attraction for the Island.

"We've got a significant over 50s market who are wanting to stay active. In light of that this initiative is extremely important,'' he said. "We think this has global ramifications. We want a kind of tourism that will help people live healthy lives.'' The centre will be marketed through the Marriott network, the Tourism Department and the International Senior Games scheduled to take place here in April, 1996.