week in the midst of criticism from the Opposition that the Ministry lacked plans of action on where to take key areas of the industry.

"Our vision has carried us this far,'' he said in the House of Assembly on Wednesday night, "and it's going to carry this country well into the new Millennium.'' Mr. Allen blasted his Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell for displaying what he called inconsistencies and contradictions in his speech proposing Government take a more serious approach to tourism in the 21st century.

"He says we have no plans but later says I have lots of ideas,'' he said.

"I would like to know what the difference between the two is.'' "I like challenges,'' he said.

"And, let me tell you, we are focused on re-inventing tourism.

Mr. Allen said he was "thrilled'' Mr. Dodwell had "finally seen the light'' in recognising the fact that the Bermudian people are the most important factors in the challenge.

He added that the Shadow Minister's allegation that he had no plan regarding the airline industry did not hold water.

"Not only have we got a new Delta route coming out of Atlanta but we've brought the first new airline to Bermuda in years, plus a new gateway city.'' Mr. Allen also said he felt Mr. Dodwell had "quite a nerve'' in suggesting that Government had done nothing for the entertainment industry, "when the UBP did nothing for it for the whole time they were in power''.

And in defence of a radio ad campaign negatively comparing other tourism hot spots with Bermuda, the Minister said results from recent poles in the United States boded well.

He said 58 percent of those asked thought the ads told them something new about Bermuda and 87 percent of people asked felt they were appropriate ads for the Island.

Mr. Allen also insisted he and his staff were "doing quite well'' in formulating policy for the hotel industry.

"Then put it on the table if you've got it,'' was Mr. Dodwell's response from the other side of the house.

At Mr. Dodwell's earlier call for the setting up of a tourism authority, Mr.

Allen said: "We're not about to cast our responsibilities off into the private sector.

"This Government is one of leadership and we have a responsibility to keep our promises to the people.

"That's what we are going to do.''