lead the revitalisation of the tourism industry.

Harmony Club president Billy Griffith was elected leader of the new association, currently under the umbrella of the Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA), which encompasses 95 percent of accommodations.

The BHA will evolve into the new organisation, bringing into the fold many hotel properties that have not been members for years.

Present BHA president Muriel Richardson stepped down as Mr. Griffith took the reins as president.

Fairmont Southampton Princess general manager Norman Mastalir is vice president and Mrs. Richardson will serve as chairperson.

Hoteliers gathered at the Elbow Beach Hotel yesterday to ratify the changes, following on from other meetings held earlier this year and last year.

The new group will form a powerful single voice, not only in the community and with Government, but also for overseas marketing. They have already agreed a new set of by-laws.

Mr. Griffith said the meeting was attended by the highest number of BHA members in years.

"There is a lot of excitement,'' he said. "The hotel industry now has effectively determined a meaningful association which makes a significant step towards the reemergence of the tourism industry.

"I am honoured, thrilled and very determined to get success. I am also very enthusiastic because the timing of it is good, the hotels really want to do something about it.'' There are former non-BHA members on the new board, including Mike Winfield of Cambridge Beaches and Michael Williams of Pink Beach.

Mrs. Richardson said the new directors were working toward the transition to a stronger organisation.

"It is all very encouraging,'' she said. "It is a sign of good things to come.'' It is expected to enlarge considerably the existing BHA staff of two and is likely to require additional funding. Hotels already pay between $25 and $35 a year per room to the BHA.

Mr. Winfield said now the team was in place they could begin the work of revitalising tourism.