industry under the microscope.

The experts, assembled by the Premier's Commission on Competitiveness, will spend the rest of the year gathering facts on tourism.

And in the new year, they will decide what can be done to improve the Island's performance.

The experts have formed 16 task forces, each looking at one aspect of the industry, and will report back to the Commission's tourism committee, headed by banker Mr. James Masters.

They will talk to managers and workers in the industry, and gather the views of visitors. They will also examine how Bermuda's competitors manage their tourism business.

In June, a strategy for the future of the industry will be presented to the Premier.

The task forces include: air services (led by Mr. Paul Leseur), advertising and public relations (to be appointed), cultural/historical (Ms Ruth Thomas), cruise ships (Mr. Terry West), entertainment (Mr. John White), labour (delegated to the employment committee), plant and the environment (Mr.

Richard Winchell and Mr. John Gardiner), value for money and productivity (Mr.

Dick Kempe), research (Mr. Ed Williams), sales (to be appointed), service quality (Mr. Horst Finkbeiner), shopping (Mr. Jay Bluck), sports (Mr. Jimmy Amos), tourism awareness (Ms Barbara O'Shaugnessey), training (employment committee) and transport (Mr. Larry Jacobs).

The committee they report to consists of Mr. Masters, tourism director Mr.

Gary Phillips, Bermuda College tourism expert Mr. Mike Conlin, and Reefs Hotel boss Mr. David Dodwell.

The Commission has other committees looking at international business, new business opportunities, employment and the future of abandoned military bases.