Government should not take all the credit for encouraging new hotel development and refurbishment, Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen stressed yesterday.

These development and refurbishment efforts were a vote of confidence for the Progressive Labour Party and the people of Bermuda as a whole, he said.

Mr. Allen was speaking after the United Bermuda Party unveiled its Keys to Partnership -- its plan for the Island's future.

"There's really very little new there. It may be new for the UBP but not the PLP,'' he told The Royal Gazette .

Under the heading of tourism, the UBP said it would be working with the developers of new and refurbished hotels to see that the projects opened on schedule.

In the document the UBP highlighted the Daniel's Head eco-tourism hotel; the re-opening of Club Med; the new hotel at Par-la-Ville, the new resort at Morgan's Point; and the redevelopment at Castle Harbour, Elbow Beach and Belmont.

Mr. Allen noted: "When it comes to these new properties the UBP constantly attempts to emphasise the idea that these new hotels are a vote of confidence in the Government.'' But he pointed out that the massive amount of investment being considered on the eve of an election was a tremendous vote in confidence in Bermuda as a Country, not just one political party.

"It is also a vote of confidence in the Government in waiting, all Bermudians and what Bermudians represent -- stability and level-headedness.

"This says volumes to Bermuda.'' The PLP had been meeting with the principles planning to develop the hotels and had been involved in detailed discussions, he said.

"They have gone over their plans with us in great detail.

"They are very interested in the PLP's thinking and support it. They recognise that there is a very real possibility that the PLP might form the next Government.'' In its election platform the UBP added that it would spur the development of more hotel and year-round, upscale leisure accommodations.

Mr. Allen highlighted the PLP's call over the years for tax incentives to encourage hotels to stay open through the slow periods.

The UBP also said it would be negotiating he creation of new flights through charters and regional jet services from the US.

And Mr. Allen pointed out that the UBP had long resisted the idea of charter airlines serving Bermuda while the PLP had pushed for it.

"This is the first time the UBP has opened the door to charters.'' And on the UBP's plans to forge new links with foreign businesses and governments in a bid to create exchange programmes for training and employment, Mr. Allen noted that Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott had called for Government to consider that idea a year ago in Parliament.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell disclosed yesterday that a link had been set up with Austria which would see hotel employees jumping back and forth between jobs in the two countries.

Mr. Allen said his colleague Mr. Scott had brought the idea of an exchange programme for hotel workers up a year ago. At the time he praised Marriott for having installed a programme at the Castle Harbour resort.

The UBP also said it would establish performances by Bermudian artists and entertainers across the Island.

"The PLP has long pushed for this,'' said Mr. Allen.

David Allen TOURISM TOU