Bermudian Wayne Smith has been named as the first executive director of Bermuda Alliance for Tourism (BAT).

The public/private sector body was set up in March 2001 to bring Government and the hotel industry together.

Mr. Smith, who was product development manager at the Ministry of Tourism between 1992 and 1999, currently works with BTC Mobility. He is a former aide-de-camp to the Governor.

He will be responsible for driving forward BAT's plans to revitalise tourism. Although BAT was formed in 2001, it was only incorporated towards the end of last year, which held up the appointment of an executive director.

Co-chair's of BAT, Director of Tourism Judith Hall-Bean and Bermuda Hotel Association President Norman Mastalir, said: "We are delighted to have an executive with Wayne's depth of experience in tourism, administration and management.

"He is an exceptionally well qualified individual who can work with BAT to realise its full potential of serving the varied needs of the public and private sector members of the Alliance.

"I am confident that he will help us continue to expand quality services to the industry in this fast-changing world of tourism management on the Island."