a tourism revival, it has been claimed.

Retired businessman Colin Benbow said he believed a Progressive Labour Party-led initiative in legalised gambling could help boost flagging visitor numbers.

And Mr. Benbow was joined by several other local figureheads in wishing a prosperous future for the industry in the new Millennium.

Asked what he thought the turn-of-the-century would mean in the greater scheme of things, Mr. Benbow said: "I think things will remain pretty much the same as ever. It'll just be the same old Bermuda.'' But he said he "would like to see a definite improvement in tourism'' and added that this could be accomplished by "moving towards instituting a Government-run casino''.

Mr. Benbow's suggestion comes after lawyer Julian Hall called on Government to consider establishing a Royal or Government Commission into gaming, that would look into "all aspects'' of the industry, including casinos and how they could impact revenues in the country.

Mr. Hall was speaking out after Government passed legislation banning the importation of video gaming machines and their spare parts.

Artist Michael Swan agreed that tourism needed to be "turned around'', but stressed it would be difficult to do this with such a large amount of competition around the world.

"I don't think the industry could ever get back to the way it was in its heyday,'' he said, "but I guess I would most like to see the hotel situation improve.

"I also think that if the Island as a whole becomes more focused and more positive, if we all become hungry for it really to be a success, then we can make Bermuda a prosperous place.'' Businessman Michael Leverock said he would like to see tourism "continue to flourish'' in the new year.

He continued: "It's going to be a challenge as more and more countries get into the industry. But it does represent employment opportunities for a large number of people here and we can't afford to let it deteriorate.'' Mr. Leverock said he felt "the product is the key'' and added: "It's just a matter of finding the product mix that works for us, providing what the market is looking for and also giving value for money.'' Architect Sjur Lindberg said Bermuda needed to take a more "upbeat'' attitude towards things if it was going to appeal to tourists.

"We also need to find ways of doing things differently,'' he said, "and, in tourism, that means giving people service with a smile and going back to only giving people a tip when they really deserve it.

"I think if we acquire a fresh outlook on things, then we'll have a much better time.'' Shadow Tourism Minister and hotel owner David Dodwell said he had "hopes to see Government's strategic plan for tourism shared with and embraced by Bermudians and residents''.

Mr. Dodwell also said he felt the "Bermuda product'' could be "enhanced'' and emphasised the need for the numbers of tourists staying in hotels to go up for the sake of employment and Bermuda's benefit as a whole.

Former Mayor of St. George's Henry Hayward expressed hopes that the tourism situation would "improve'' and also that the Old Town be designated as a world heritage sight, "enhancing Bermuda as a destination for people to visit''.