Loyalty schemes, cleaning up the Railway Trails, boosting golf infrastructure, smoothing the reservation process and looking into the benefits of gambling will be the Bermuda Alliance for Tourism's 2004 initiatives to help save the Island's ailing travel industry.

And BAT's executive director Wayne Smith, although admitting there is still much to be done to heal the tourism's industries well-documented woes, is keen to herald the successes of the public/private organisation.

BAT, formed in 2001 but only incorporated the following year, is a corporate entity owned 50 percent by the Government and 50 percent by the private sector, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Bermuda Hotel Association.

And Mr. Smith believes the organisation is making a difference. "In the few months I have held this position, I have been thrilled by the enormous amount of work that has been accomplished," said Mr. Smith, appointed in August last year.

"I have seen individuals from both private and public sectors giving time and energy day after day, all determined and all sharing the single objective of putting tourism back on its feet.

"The great success story of BAT is that all sectors of the community, be they in Government or in business, are pulling together. That's a huge step forward."

But Mr. Smith is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task ahead.

"BAT has consolidated his position and has already achieved a great deal," he added. "But we have only just begun. We are excited about the potential and firmly believe we can begin the process of growing Tourism.

"We have much to be proud of in our tourism product; we have hotels being internationally recognised as is our Island. We can achieve our goals and objectives and this will be our focus over the coming months."

Objectives BAT are working towards include:

Introduction of the 'Charette' programme designed to make Railway Trails a real tourism facility and activity.

Implementing a national concierge programme.

Improving entertainment and golf infrastructure.

Introduction of a loyalty programme to reward repeat guests.