numbers, according to Bermuda's third political party.

Newly-appointed National Liberal Party tourism spokesman Leopold Kuchler claimed Bermuda spends too much money in its traditional North American markets.

And he said Europe, the newly-emerging ex-Communist countries and South America could provide new markets for the Island to exploit.

Mr. Kuchler added: "In Europe, Bermuda is relatively unknown -- the East European metropolitan cities have a new, elite group of wealthy clientele waiting for our advertisements.'' In fact, Government seems to be determined to spend more money in places that may never again be what it used to be because times have changed.

"The reality is that Government spends too much money on the North American source of visitors. North America is a shrinking market.

"The same travel agents, wholesalers and tour operators are now sending their clients to equally attractive destinations all over the world.'' And he added that a solution had to be found to Bermuda's poor air links with Europe and South America. He said: "Negotiating for better airfares from North America, a direct flight out of Miami and the end of the monopoly held by British Airways for regularly scheduled flights to Bermuda from the UK and parts of Europe must become top priorities.

"These are essential measures in order to ensure that we provide the most convenient, comfortable and competitive travel service for our visitors.

"It is imperative that Bermuda be in a position to govern and control its own lifeline.'' Mr. Kuchler said that consultants hired to examine tourism's woes were generally from the US and familiar with North America.

And he called for the Island to link up with Trade Commissions overseas, which boost business through twinning arrangements with other countries.

Mr. Kuchler said the Island's Tourism Department should take part not just in travel trade shows in North America and the UK, but launch an assault on international trade expos as well.

And he added: "Since the tourism industry is the largest employer of Bermudians, it is vitally important that we become competitive in the global market.

"We must seek new business partners, trading partners and new sources of visitors.''