restructured Bermuda Tourism Board.

The diverse 22-member Board was announced yesterday by Tourism Minister David Allen who noted that the appointments were key to Government's plans to arrest the decline in the Tourism industry.

He said: "In conjunction with stake holders in the Tourism industry, the new Tourism Board will be directly involved in the enhancement of the on-Island tourism product as well as the marketing of this in the overseas marketplace.

"This new Tourism Board for a new Bermuda has been designed to demonstrate skills and creativity, inclusiveness and diversity, a Board that will help us get the job done for Bermuda's vital tourism industry.'' He pointed out that Mr. Robinson spent 15 years with the Ministry of Finance, is the owner-operator of Aunt Nea's Inn -- a small Bermuda guest property -- and is directly involved with the cultural life of the community through the performing arts.

"This will stand us in good stead as we maximise the efficient allocation of our Tourism Budget, understand the needs of Bermuda guest properties, and launch our initiatives in the areas of heritage tourism and re-invigorated Bermudian entertainment offered to our visitors.'' Meyer Group of Companies executive vice president Carl Paiva and Bermuda National Trust director Amanda Outerbridge will fill the deputy chairpersons' positions on the new Board.

Mrs. Outerbridge will be taking a lead role in the heritage tourism initiative where she will be joined by other Board members including St. George's Corporation Common Councillor, author and retailer David Raine.

Hoteliers are represented by Stonington Beach Hotel general manager and youth role model Esan Frederick, Grotto Bay Beach Hotel resident manager Clyde Darrell and Elbow Beach Hotel director of marketing and sales Richard Calderon -- both considered sales and marketing maestros.

Other members include Sen. Calvin Smith, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and member of the Monitor Company's steering group CAG Ltd., Visitor Industry Partnership chairman and former PLP MP Eugene Blakeney and PLP Paget West candidate, trade unionist, hotel worker and taxi driver George Scott.

Marketing gets a further boost with the presence of former assistant director of Tourism for marketing Pat Phillip-Bassett on the Board. She will also represent the international business sector's interests as the executive director for the Bermuda International Business Association executive director.

Bermuda Maritime Museum director Dr. Edward Harris is on the Board and he will be expected to help develop the department's educational tourism initiative.

Local musician and community activist for the physically challenged, Ronald Lightbourne, will act as point man for the plan to revive local entertainment as well as make the Island more user friendly to physically challenged visitors.

Management consultant Leon O'Brien brings his experience in the meeting and incentive travel market to the Board where he will be joined by travel public relations expert Sally Singleton who will be involved in the Tourism Appreciation programme.

In the spirit of inclusiveness, several members of the previous Tourism Board have been reappointed.

Mr. Allen noted that this was "not only for continuity, but because of the skills they bring to the table''.

They include Ernst & Young partner and CAG Ltd. member Gil Tucker, Wm Bluck & Co. general manager Peter David Darling, Rosedon general manager Muriel Richardson, Princess Hotels Bermuda regional vice president Stephen Barker, American Airlines local manager Carole DeCouto, West End Development Corporation general manager George Smith, and Pink Beach Club general manager Michael Williams.

Gone from the old Board are David Hamshere, Altimont Roberts, Cyril Cooper, Laurence Jacobs, E. Michael Jones, Raymond Medeiros, Theresa Seymour, William Shoaf, Richard Spurling, Joann Veney, Terry West and Michael Winfield.

Mr. Allen pointed out: "You will notice that many Board members have been carefully chosen for the role they can play in our drive to once again put Bermuda in the top tier of world tourism destinations by bringing a fine focus to specific niche markets, including heritage tourism, ecological tourism, adventure tourism and educational tourism embracing Bermuda Study Tours which will harness a wide range of existing facilities and attractions in Bermuda.

"Members have also been chosen with a view to assisting us with upgrading our international tourism marketing, as well as increasing local tourism awareness in our schools and the workplace, and launching our frequent visitor programme to foster destination loyalty and an incentive programme to reward productivity amongst Hospitality Industry employees.'' GOVERNMENT GVT TOURISM TOU