visitors looking for unique on-Island experiences.

The tours, which have been in the planning stage for the past year, stress a behind the scenes, educational experience focused on Bermuda's culture.

They will be launched next month once on-Island distribution channels are in place.

The Explorer Competitive Network, which is comprised of hoteliers, restaurateurs, retailers, boat operators, independent tour guides, museums and art galleries representatives, Department of Tourism staff and local artisans, are attempting to cater to visitors looking to deeply examine Bermuda's history and culture.

This type of visitor, identified by the Monitor Company during its Phase One research, will now have ten unique experiences ranging from a Curator's Tour of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo to a sunrise photographic tour of some of Bermuda's more out-of-the-way sites to choose from.

Each of the ten experiences features similar elements in that they will be limited to 15 people to ensure that each visitor has a more intimate experience; they will be centred around local Bermudians sharing their expert knowledge; and they will be priced higher than standard tours to signal a higher value.

The tours are being marketed through local hotels and the Department of Tourism's off-Island communications partners -- DDB Needham and Porter Novelli -- and its regional sales offices.

White Sands operations manager Jerry Glennon, a newcomer to the network, said yesterday that while the experiences had been developed, they now had to be delivered effectively on-Island.