industry by embarking on an expansion programme for their bed and breakfast business.

Delaey Robinson and his wife Andrea Dismont have already extensively renovated their quaint home and business operation, Aunt Nea's Inn in St. George's.

But the pair -- who are committed to ongoing improvements to the property -- have also recently taken over the management of a home nearby which they are converting into further rooms for their guests.

"We are constantly looking at ways to improve the product,'' Ms Dismont said.

Aunt Nea's Inn, which currently has 11 rooms, hopes to see a total of 18 by next summer; three condos, three suites, five jacuzzi rooms, and seven deluxe rooms.

Managing the additional house at Old Maid's Lane will afford Aunt Nea's Inn "more luxurious, spacious condos'', Ms Dismont said.

Mr. Robinson noted: "We'll now have four categories of rooms -- condos as well as two room suites, jacuzzi rooms and standard or deluxe rooms.

"The object is to be in keeping with what the Bermuda Hotel Association, the Condo group and the Tourism Ministry wants -- to provide a superior quality product.'' The "ongoing enhancements'' which have so far cost an estimated $1 million in expenses and climbing will provide Aunt Nea's with 50 percent more space.

And Robinson, who is chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Board, said it is a possibility that he would take advantage of the new Hotels Concession Act 2000 if it becomes law.

The future for Aunt Nea's could also see the addition of a pool and outdoor hot tubs.

Mr. Robinson noted: "What we hope to do in the fullness of time is provide people with courtyards with hot tubs which will fit in with selling golf in the Fall and Spring seasons and cater to the local market providing getaways that are nicely priced.'' He also said that each year Aunt Nea's has made "leaps and bounds'' in its improvement efforts.

"The whole business of providing a better quality product is unending so this is another step for Aunt Nea's,'' Mr. Robinson said.

He added that the addition will coincide with the advent of a possible World Heritage site designation for St. George's.

Mr. Robinson said: "Bermuda would need additional accommodation to cope with the influx of people coming to see the site as opposed to seeing Bermuda.'' Visitors appreciate that the main structure of the Inn is the original architecture and that it is located on a road, not a grid. Being in the quaint town of St. George's that is unique to the Island helps as well, Ms Dismont said.

She added: "We are confidant that more and more people will want to stay down here.

"We strive for the real Bermuda, the personal touch.''