for Italians.

Yesterday the Tourism Department issued a statement announcing it had appointed P and DP Tourism Marketing Consultants to oversee its public relations and trade activity in Italy.

"The company will be responsible for raising the profile of the Island through exposure in Italian media and for providing the travel trade with expanded marketing support,'' said Tourism director Gary Phillips.

Part of the new marketing will involve opening a Bermuda office in Italy, which should be up and running by February 24.

Thirty thousand Italian language Bermuda brochures will also be produced which will include an insert guide giving details of the Italian tour operators featuring the Island.

Mr. Phillips added: "Fourteen Italian tour operators are featuring Bermuda in 1997 and we anticipate even greater penetration of the travel trade network for the Bermuda product.'' P and DP's managing director Ferdinando Parello said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Bermuda's representative in Italy.

"The Island has been well received by the Italian market and visitor figures for 1996 show a 47 percent increase on the previous year. I am confidant we can build on this success in 1997.'' Last night Mr. Phillips was not available to say how much the contract with P and DP was worth or where the Italian office would be based.

Nor is it not known how yesterday's announcement affects a $225,000 scheme launched in October 1995 in a bid to bring more visitors to Bermuda from Italy.

In 1995, the Tourism Department employed Annette Calanna, based in Milan, to act as Bermuda's representative in Italy.

It was also announced in 1995 that 30,000 brochures would be produced specifically for the Italian market, a public relations campaign launched and a Bermuda office set up.

Although only about 700 Italians came to the Island in 1995, the country is thought to be a lucrative potential market.

TWO'S COMPANY -- Tourism Director Gary Phillips with P and DP managing director Ferdinando Parello who will spearhead a marketing push in Italy.

APPOINTMENT APP