The Island's tourist trade has been given a boost with the news that TeleBermuda International Ltd. has set up a $50,000 scholarship for the industry.

The scholarship, which the long-distance carrier will run in conjunction with Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA), will be for education and training of those in the industry or those about to join.

The announcement was made on Friday night at the annual BHA and Visitor Industry Partnership (VIP) Tourism Appreciation Week dinner at the Sonesta Beach Hotel.

James Fitzgerald, President of TeleBermuda International, said: "All of us in Bermuda have a vested interest in supporting the continued growth and development of Bermuda's hospitality and tourism industry.

"It is our hope that this programme will contribute in a small way to achieving the goals of the sector by assisting in the support, development, and education of those involved in the industry.'' BHA President Billy Griffith yesterday hailed this year's Tourism Appreciation Week, which ended last Friday, as the biggest and best to date.

The week, substantially organised by VIP executive director Stacey Evans, is designed to encourage people into the industry, as well as providing fun events for current staff and their families.

This year saw the first clean-up campaign at six locations, as well as beach olympics at Cross Bay, a fun run-walk involving 150 people, an essay contest for schools, and a series of visits from schools to hotels across the Island.

Mr. Griffith said: "It went extremely well this year. The broader issue for Tourism Appreciation Week, which makes it more than just good fun, is to get the tourism industry into the mindset of people.

"Hotel involvement was better than it was last year, and next year I've got even bigger and better ideas.'' Ms Evans said: "I think this was the best ever in our 12-year history. We had some quality events this year as well as some new events.'' At the hotel olympics, Cambridge Beaches was the overall winner, as well as taking the cocktail competition.

The raft-building contest was won by the restaurant division of the Chamber of Commerce, The Reefs took the volleyball prize, and the soup contest went to the Fairmont Southampton Princess.

BUSINESS BUC TOURISM TOU