Tourism Minister David Dodwell yesterday called on the public to recognise the need for balance between economic and environmental factors for the sake of tourism.

His comments came in a ministerial statement to the House of Assembly which was prompted by the news that Host Marriott had terminated its lease of the Castle Harbour Resort.

"There must be a careful balance between environmental concerns and the future of one of Bermuda's major hotels, for the long-term good of Bermuda.

The economic and social value of tourism to our well being...demands no less,'' he warned.

This was what Bermuda Properties Ltd., Marriott and potential investors had been trying to develop at the east-end site, he continued.

"We cannot and must not allow these redevelopment plans submitted for the Bermuda Properties Ltd. site to fail,'' he stressed.

BPL plan to improve the golf course, create a spa and develop a residential resort community. These plans were "consistent with the needs of the visitor,'' stressed Mr. Dodwell.

He called on the community to recognise "that the development plans for the revitalisation of the hotel accommodations at the Marriott will position Bermuda for the future.'' Mr. Dodwell turned his attention to environmental groups which were opposing the proposed development.

"It should be noted that opposition to such developments by environmental groups has been intense and could, in the long run, be counter-productive to the long term viability of our hotel industry and the thousands of jobs that it provides.

"It could also have the potential of discouraging investors in new or existing hotel development projects.

"We must all adopt an attitude of flexibility and move toward greater productivity, efficiency and profitability.'' And investment was key to this advancement, he stressed.

Mr. Dodwell noted: "The needs of the new traveller are changing and...if Bermuda is to be truly competitive, we must attempt to offer a much wider range of accommodations and related amenities.'' But to attract investment and meet the demands of the traveller, "we all must be prepared to make some bold decisions while protecting the integrity of what Bermuda stands for,'' said Mr. Dodwell.

Looking at the BPL project, Mr. Dodwell pointed out that negotiations were now at a critical juncture and Government was hopeful of a positive result which would benefit Bermuda.

"A memorandum of understanding has been signed with a US investment banking firm, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, which gives it an exclusive opportunity to take on an investor role in the project.'' The industry needed some major successes and the Island should be encouraged by the interest being expressed by foreign investors in local properties, he added.