Giving visitors a better, more vibrant experience when they seek out information about what is happening on the Island is the thinking behind a bid to inject new life and ideas into Bermuda's various tourist information bureaus.

It may be the bureaus will become more than simple offices, perhaps combining with a coffee shop setting, or an internet cafe, or into a business that sells other items and services.

The potential is unrestricted. What is being sought is something new, fresh, innovative and in line with expectations of 21st Century visitors.

An invitation has gone out to anyone who is interested in running one, some or all of the Island's main and satellite visitor bureaus to step forward with their proposals.

There are three all-year round bureaus and four satellite offices open during the cruise ship season from April to the end of October.

They provide a one-stop shop for visitors seeking information about attractions, services, maps, and to book sightseeing tours and buy transportation tickets and passes and such like during their vacation.

Since the early 1930s the tourist information outlets have been owned and run by the Chamber of Commerce with financial assistance from the Department of Tourism, but the time has come for a new approach and that is why the Tourism Ministry is looking for new operators to run the bureaus.

"The review is intended to evolve the offering and ultimately reduce the cost to the Bermuda Government. Ultimately, what we are looking for is the kind of innovation that will have a positive impact on the visitor experience," said Cherie Whitter, Director of Tourism.

In its request for proposals, which runs until January 10, the department asks for ideas to combine the visitor information service with "other dynamic product and service offerings".

The three all-year bureaus are at Front Street, King's Square in St. George's, and Dockyard, while the seasonal services are run at Penno's Wharf in St. George's, No.1 and No.6 Sheds, Hamilton, and King's Wharf, Dockyard.

The Department of Tourism will help to negotiate lease terms with the landlords of the current bureaus if required.

It is anticipated that, if found, new operators will take over the running of the visitor bureaus from the Chamber of Commerce from April 1.