head of a local group working to inspire people to join forces and improve tourism.

Visitor Industry Partnership chairman W.A. (Toppy) Cowen told The Royal Gazette that the organisation intended to take on a tourism partnership project in Flatts Village.

"Bermuda's number one attraction is the Aquarium,'' he said. "However it is felt that Harrington Sound is under utilised and has a great potential for encouraging diving excursions, possibly in the caves as well as snorkelling.'' Other ideas broached by Mr. Cowen included "palmetto topped barges offering light snacks'' with perhaps an island stop-over or optional lunch at Palmetto Bay and an outdoor craft market.

"The ideas are endless and the Visitor Industry Partnership wants to create partnerships with a fresh approach to some rather stale problems.'' To this end, Mr. Cowen said: "A nucleus of stakeholders, destination management companies, transportation suppliers and others will be invited to a meeting in early November to discuss proposed improvements and additions.

"With new energy and a new outlook, we believe we can offer some practical and progressive solutions.'' One major problem for the village, noted Mr. Cowen, was traffic.

"Several recommendations have arisen recently and they include a sidewalk in conjunction with a one-way street, cobble stone paving, humps or bumps or anything that causes traffic calming.''