Palmetto Bay Hotel in Flatts is commended for having dedicated staff like Susie Landy and Jeannette Cooper. Both have the kinds of personalities which radiate enthusiasm and a willingness to share their knowledge with hotel guests and tourists.

Mrs. Landy started in the hotel business in 1967, 32 years ago, at the Bermudiana Hotel as a bus girl in the restaurant. Since then she has gained much knowledge about the hotel and tourist business through training and experience. She has worked her way up through the ranks over the years and is now the dining room captain at "The Inlet'' located in the Palmetto Bay Hotel where she has worked for 15 years.

"The thing I enjoy most about my job is serving our guests and talking to them, especially our repeat guests,'' she said. Many hotel guests return year after year and develop a rapport with the popular staff. They make a connection and establish a bond with the staff who make them feel special.

Jeannette Cooper has been the front desk receptionist for three years. "My work is interesting and I thrive on meeting a variety of people. I like giving meaningful information to our guests to make their stay in Bermuda as pleasurable as possible,'' she advised. In her spare time Ms Cooper writes poetry and has published a book of poems.

Both ladies talk to tourists and the questions they are most frequently asked are: "Is it going to rain? "Where are some other places to eat? Where can we get local cuisine or home cooking? What are the favourite Bermuda dishes? "How do you pay your bills? Why is everything so expensive? "How can we get around? How do we catch the bus?'' Mrs. Landy mentioned that the clientele has changed over the years. Today's tourist is more casual than when she began 32 years ago. "Back then, service was really your focus. I mean silver service.

"I wore white gloves, a little white cap and every detail had to be perfect.

It is less formal now. It's not just millionaires coming here, it's more of the average professional person and they stay for shorter periods.'' Mrs. Landy and Ms Cooper gave the following recommendations to improve tourism: "Bermuda has outpriced itself in many ways, particularly the airfares.

Working people and seniors are looking for the best bargains. We are close to the US but the prices are just too high.

"Perhaps there are too many cruise ships. Hotels are losing beds. Maybe there could be more packages which offer a two- or three-day hotel stay off the ship as part of the cruise package.

"Everyone should take pride in his or her work. Give excellent service and put courtesy at the top of the list. Be polite. Talk to your guests and be friendly and caring.

"Exercise patience when you are giving directions, take a moment to stop and help a lost tourist. Be friendly and helpful. We did this naturally years ago.

"The criminals must stop making victims of the tourists by stealing their purses and breaking into their rooms. Tourism is our bread and butter.

Everyone needs to feel safe. Being a crime victim creates such a negative impression of Bermuda. That victim returns to their home and tells their friends and family and soon Bermuda has a bad name.'' Fine dining : Dining room captain, Susie Landy, welcomes guests to linen dressed tables at the Palmetto Bay Hotel in Flatts.

Service with smiles: Susie Landy, dining room captain and Jeannette Cooper, receptionist TOURISM TOU