Despite Bermuda's dismal tourism statistics, an industry turnaround is possible this year if Government takes action immediately to lure back core markets and work with the airlines, Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell said yesterday.

Mr. Dodwell spoke out on the heels of Government's release of third quarter statistics for the year 2001 which showed a 17 percent decline in visitor spending, a 14 percent drop in arrivals overall and a 44 percent drop for the month of September.

The third quarter figures are the first to reflect tourism's gloomy state following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States which devastated the industry globally.

"One expected the dip to be there but not as precipitous a dip as appears in these statements," Mr. Dodwell said.

The most worrying aspect of the new statistics is the drop in visitor spending, he added.

"That has a higher impact on the Country because it is money that will not be coming into the Country.

"With a 17 percent drop, it's particularly worrying because it means jobs in that sector of the economy - retail and tourism - may be lost as a result," Mr. Dodwell said.

"This is the third consecutive year of a decline from a Government that promised a turnaround.

"My disappointment is for Bermuda and Bermudians really and I would call for the Minister (David Allen) and Government to share its plan with the community as to how it sees us pulling out of this disaster.

"The public needs to be aware of what is being done. On top of that, unfortunately, there is virtually nothing left in the advertising budget for the balance of the Government year at a time when we need it the most."

Mr. Dodwell also questioned the wisdom of Government's decision to contribute to a Caribbean tourism recovery - possibly to the tune of $100,000 - if there is no money available for regional marketing plans.

"We should spend what money we have on Bermuda first," he said.

Although Bermuda may face its greatest tourism challenge ever as global competitors will be pulling out all the stops to lure back visitors, Mr. Dodwell said he still believed the right policies could put the Island on the road to recovery.

He said a concentrated push in three areas might allow Bermuda tourism to experience a turnaround as early as this Spring.

Of primary importance is a "return to basics" by focussing on attracting Bermuda's traditional key market - the American eastern seaboard, Mr. Dodwell said.

Bermuda's marketing campaign should be aimed directly that area's 90 million people, "all of whom know Bermuda", he claims.

While Americans are considered "too gun shy" to travel after the September attacks, Mr. Dodwell said Bermuda can overcome that feeling by playing up its reputation for safety and its proximity to US East coast.

"I don't think they are as gun shy in terms of short trips especially to places they know are not terrorist targets," he said.

At the same time, Mr. Dodwell said, Bermuda retains appeal as a "foreign" destination with exotic flair.