according to a major report presented to the House of Assembly yesterday.

And Bermudians must be willing "to give'' to tourism because, if it is allowed to crumble, international business will not effectively replace it.

The Commission for Competitiveness report, which has been two years in the making, contains 156 recommendations on how tourism and international business can improve their performances in Bermuda. They include changes in the Island's air service, environment, entertainment, sports, cultural tourism, transportation and shopping.

The Commission has studied the situation both locally and internationally as well as quizzing visitors on whether they have received value for money in Bermuda.

While international business was recently reported to be the Island's biggest revenue earner above tourism, the report stresses: "Many people have naively suggested that Bermuda could afford to lose tourism if it is replaced with growth in international business.

"It cannot replace tourism and is dependent on tourism for the support services and environment it needs.'' The Tourism Planning Team, chaired by Mr. James Masters went further, in stating: "If tourism declines, what will replace it in the Bermuda economy.

The response was almost universal. Nothing! "While international business continues to expand, tourism remains our largest employer. Furthermore, international business can only function effectively with the infrastructure which tourism has built such as the airlines, the hotels and the restaurants.

"There must be a new awareness and appreciation of the importance of tourism to all of the people of Bermuda.

"What are Bermudians willing to give to tourism? After decades of taking from tourism, the time has come to reinvest intellectually, emotionally and economically in Bermuda's premier industry.

"If Bermuda is to be a world leader in quality tourism and reap the economic benefits of that leadership, then Bermuda must reinvent tourism -- must reinvent the Bermuda experience. Every Bermudian has a role to play in this transformation.'' The Commission used a number of working parties to expose shortcomings in Bermuda's tourism "product.'' They came to the conclusion: "The natural environment is outstanding. The community is safe, attractive, well serviced. However many products are poorly developed, poorly marketed and inaccessible.'' Members said there were opportunities to develop more adventure activities, entertainment was lacking, natural experiences, like bird-watching and hiking, are not promoted, shopping is not attractive as it could, and more variety is needed in restaurants.

It states: "The concept will give our old, boring image a much-needed new look and help drive up visitor satisfaction levels.'' Visitors see prices in Bermuda as expensive and, concerning hotels, the Island is seen to be offering the same product it offered in 1980 at an effective rate of twice the price.

In a section devoted to ideas which have often been mentioned as solutions to the Island's economic problems, the report dampens any thoughts of an easy solution.

Gambling, more cruise ships, the European market and reduced labour costs are not the answers on their own to Bermuda's tourism problems. The report says the only way forward is through a comprehensive approach.

The major recommendations of the Commission focus on increasing the productivity of existing industry and creating new industry.

Recommendations were also made to reduce obstacles to growth of local and international businesses. This included the elimination of exchange and interest rates and reduction in local costs of doing business.

In the report there is mention of a "doing away'' with work permits to make employment of both Bermudians and non-Bermudians easier and subject to market forces.

Although 64 of the 156 recommendations have already been fully implemented or are in progress, the Government has decided to set up a major body to look at how the recommendations can best be introduced.

The organisation will contain both public and private sector representatives.