Tourism Minister David Allen has appointed a new consultant to help him with his ever-increasing administrative tasks.

Elbow Beach corporate sales manager David Dumont will take up the one year full-time post as administrative consultant next month at a cost of around $50,000.

The executive office of the Ministry of Tourism already has two full-time administrative assistants, although one is not filled on a permanent basis.

Acting Director of Tourism Judith Hall-Bean said yesterday: "Mr. Dumont's duties will include, in conjunction with the director, the provision of a wide range of administrative support services.

"The administrative workload has been increasing dramatically over the past three years due to Government's new tourism initiatives.

"In order that the executive branch of the Ministry can focus its energy on the execution of these initiatives and increased responsibilities, the decision was taken to retain an experienced administrative consultant.

"I believe it will more than pay for itself in the increased muscle that the Ministry will gain in advancing our administrative capacity as Bermuda's tourism industry fights its way back into the market place."

Mr. Dumont, 30, a Bermudian, said yesterday: "I can't say anything now as I am still an Elbow Beach employee."