realising a dream move for Richard Calderon.

Tourism Minister David Allen and retiring director Gary Phillips joined Mr.

Calderon at a news conference to announce his appointment to the post.

The former Elbow Beach director of sales and marketing said he had always coveted the post and spent his entire working life moving towards the goal of director of tourism.

"Clearly I am excited about this new opportunity, I hoped to come back in this position,'' he said.

Currently business development and leasing manager with the Bermuda Land Development Company, the 44-year-old has worked for the last 17 years in both the public and private sector of tourism, in Bermuda and overseas.

He said his aim was to get knowledge in every sector of the industry, with the top post in mind.

"It was important to get experience,'' he said.

Mr. Allen said his familiarity with the various sectors of the industry would be vital in his new post.

"He will be bringing entrepreneurial culture into the department of tourism, we need to know the challenges faced by the private sector,'' he said.

"It shows the talent we have in Bermuda, having got experience overseas he came home.'' Mr. Calderon will start work on April 10 and there will be a transition period until May when Gary Phillips retires.

And the department of tourism will be up to full strength soon when two assistant director posts are filled.

Mr. Allen said he expected the new assistant director, corporate services and assistant director, product development, to be in their posts by early April.

The new order: Director of Tourism designate Richard Calderon (left), Tourism Minister David Allen and retiring director Gary Phillips (right) at a press conference yesterday to announce Bermudian Mr. Calderon as the new incumbent.