The Hospitality Professionals Association (HPA) is holding the eighth annual Tourism Appreciation Week in recognition of all those who work in the hospitality industry -- everyone from bus and taxi drivers to the housekeeping and hoteliers.

HPA -- formerly known as the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International -- are the main sponsors of Tourism Appreciation Week which is from March 15 to March 22.

President of HPA Suzanne DeCouto said eight years ago members of the association felt Tourism Appreciation Week needed to be launched to appreciate the visitors to the Island and the individuals involved in the hospitality industry.

"The week is a set thing and we have kept the activities that have been popular through the years like the soup competition, bar tenders competition and other bits and pieces.

"The one thing we did differently this year was not having the essay competition. We decided to have an advertising competition asking classes instead of individual students to create an ad that tells the community how tourism affects all of us.'' Mrs. DeCouto said in previous years HPA had almost 3,000 entries for the essay competition and "we hope this will be just as popular.

"Last year we introduced the first Hospitality Person of the Year which can go to anyone in the industry -- bus drivers, hotel employees, taxi drivers, tour guides, retail stores etc. -- they send in applications after they decide on one applicant.

"The applicant must have outstanding qualities and must be a person that we would like to see more of in the capacity of a mentor for kids. It's hard to pick one type of quality but the applicant must be in the hospitality industry and a resident of the Island.'' Mrs. DeCouto said the other aspect that is popular about Tourism Appreciation Week is the selection of Hotelier of the Year.

"We look at who is best suited for the award and all the presentations of special Bermudian-orientated gifts are made at the Tourism Appreciation black tie banquet which will take place at Sonesta Beach Hotel.

"We also highlight different people during the week for the work they have done.'' Mrs. DeCouto said the activities throughout the week definitely give those working in the hospitality industry a lift. "It shows them that they are appreciated for what they do and that they are doing a good job, and keep up the good work.

"It also shows people that are not in the industry that this is a good field to be in, and may be something they might want to be a part of.

"Hotels take part in the annual Hotel Olympics where different hotels race to see who is the fastest and neatest bed maker -- they also take part in a luggage rally, waiter race, and a napkin folding competition.

"And throughout the week everyone in the industry and tourists must wear the Tourism Appreciation Week button which is a smiling onion. The words on the button say `Welcome to Bermuda, We're Glad You're Here'.'' Activities Schedule Wednesday March 19 -- East End Day 12 p.m.: Official dunking in the St. George's Square.

12 p.m.-2 p.m.: Our popular "Flavours of Bermuda'' soup tasting contest will take place at the White Horse Tavern. Competing restaurants are: Carriage House, White Horse, San Giorgio, Temptations and the Wharf Tavern. Come and judge for yourself which soup is the best! Saturday March 22 We are Bermuda, The Event: On this day they will be hosting a series of events at the Bermuda College from 12 p.m.-4.30 p.m. The most popular event is the Hotel Olympics. Any attendees of The Event are to come dressed as a `Wacky Tourist' and win a prize. There will also be food demonstrations and competitions. A variety of food will be on sale including a soup stand.

`Hotelier of the Year' Black Tie Banquet at Sonesta Beach Hotel along with hospitality person of the year and the launching of a new award in partnership with the Visitor Industry Partnership. Entertainment by the travellers and other exciting entertainment! If you would like to get tickets for this fun event Bonnie McDermott at 236-6060.