casino, saying other attractions for visitors to Bermuda should be explored or expanded before gambling was introduced.

He also released the results of an informal survey taken at last month's Progressive Labour Party tourism symposium, which showed a vast majority felt more activities were needed for the Island's off-season.

Mr. Allen's comments came after Shadow Environment Minister Mr. Julian Hall said Bermuda should look seriously at establishing a visitors-only casino.

Mr. Hall stressed he was speaking as an individual and Mr. Allen said he believed the majority of PLP MPs were opposed to legalising gambling.

Mr. Hall's call has received support from Independent MP Mr. Harry Viera and United Bermuda supporter Mr. Edgar Wilkinson although Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge opposes the idea.

"I have a lot of reservations about it,'' said Mr. Allen. "It is a great temptation in bad times to got for the quick fix. But there are many things in Bermuda which we can utilise and introduce before we feel there are no options beyond casino gambling.

"There is no question it would attract some people but we could also deter some people who would otherwise come.'' Mr. Allen said Bermuda had several unique features which it could exploit, such as the Island's beauty, its cultural heritage and sports, while some other resorts such as Aruba could only promote its beautiful beaches and its casinos.

Mr. Allen said more attention should be focused on scuba diving, golf and tennis as Bermuda attempted to market itself as a year-round resort.

He said the introduction of a casino would do little to encourage European visitors to the Island as most had casinos "at their back doors''.

He also said he believed Government politicians and hoteliers were divided on the issue.

He said he believed Mr. Hall was in a minority in the PLP in supporting the idea.

"The PLP is prepared to discuss it, but I would be surprised if there was any widespread support for it. I have not heard anyone else advocate it. But it is good when people come up with suggestions and ideas and he is entitled to his views.'' Mr. Allen also released the results of the PLP's tourism symposium questionnaire.

He said 53 people answered the questionnaire and he said they represented a cross-section of the tourism industry.

Fifty-one percent of the respondents said Bermuda was perceived as expensive while 45 percent said it was very expensive.

Ninety-one percent said more activities should be laid on for the winter season and 83 percent said College Weeks needed to be rejuvenated.

Ninety percent said more Bermudian entertainment should be featured in the Island's hotels while 91 percent said more emphasis should be placed on cultural tourism development.

Most of those questioned also said they were opposed or had opinions on the fixed gratuity in hotels, with 37 percent saying it was good, 42 percent saying it was bad and 21 percent having no opinion.

And 65 percent said the attitudes of those working in the tourism industry were fair. Five percent said they were bad and just 20 percent said they were good.

Eight-five percent said Bermuda needed to make more effort to attract visitors from Europe and needed a direct air link with mainland Europe while 68 percent said a national airline should be actively investigated.

The Island''s advertising campaign was described as effective by 14 percent of the audience and as moderately effective by 63 percent while 42 percent said the advertising budget was adequate.

Seventy-six percent of the audience said hotel properties needed more upgrading.

On cruise ships, 45 percent supported the twin port concept and 37 percent said it was inappropriate while opinion on the number of regular cruise ships likely to visit Bermuda was divided.

Twenty percent were in favour of retaining four ships, 24 percent favoured five and 23 percent favoured six. One quarter of the respondents favoured either seven or eight.