tomorrow for Bermuda Marketplace, the first dedicated travel and trade event of its kind to be held in the UK.

The Bermudian contingent is led by Minister of Tourism David Dodwell and comprises representatives from the Island's major hotels, cottage colonies, guest houses, as well as retail operators, destination management companies, golf, watersport, and diving operators.

The trade show is being held at London's Berkeley Hotel, and runs today and tomorrow.

This evening Mr. Dodwell will be hosting a black-tie dinner for 100 "loyal'' trade partners and Bermuda specialist agents. The dinner will spotlight Bermuda fish chowder -- prepared by the Berkeley Hotel's chefs -- but based on a recipe provided by Hamilton's Once Upon A Table restaurant.

Invitations to Bermuda Marketplace were sent to tour operators who feature the Island in their brochures, as well as US-based and Canadian specialist operators who regularly market "short-break'' vacations.

"We are very pleased with the support of the show by the local suppliers as it represents the largest group of Bermudians to attend such a trade show in Europe, and doubles the number that previously attended the World Travel Market,'' said Mr. Dodwell through a Department of Tourism press release.

The trade show, he added, will enable existing and potential UK tour operators to meet local suppliers face-to-face.

TOURISM TOU