Middleton murder trial will not affect Bermuda as a holiday destination.

Director of Tourism Gary Phillips said yesterday that although safety was a main factor in the choosing of a vacation, he hoped that people would not be unduly affected by the news.

"We are not a country that has hundreds of murders each year. We do have crime -- this is not heaven or some place where there is total utopia,'' he said.

"I think all of Bermuda is unhappy about the fact that this crime had to happen. Persons outside of the Island who look at us for a holiday, appreciate that is still a relatively safe environment and they won't look at us too harshly.'' The subject dominated the radio talk shows in Canada yesterday and according to one Bermudian living in Toronto, there were some calls for Canadians to boycott Bermuda.

The three-and-a-half-week trial had widespread media coverage in Canada and there was a furore on Tuesday when Puisne Judge Vincent Meerabux ordered Mr.

Smith to be found not guilty.

Mr. Phillips, who said there had been no contact from the Canadian Government so far, indicated that the crime was extraordinary and unusual for Bermuda.

"We believe that Bermuda ranks amongst the top destinations for where people feel comfortable. We are not perfect, but we believe our reputation and history for friendly people is unlikely to put people off.'' MURDER MUR