Bermuda is about to make a great first impression.

Armed with nothing but old-fashioned Bermudian smiles and sporting aqua jackets emblazoned with "Welcome to Bermuda,'' a corps of six volunteer VIP Ambassadors yesterday took to the halls of the International Airport. Their mission -- to search and enjoy, to tell tales, to meet and greet the throngs of fresh-faced visitors come to bask in paradise.

The ambassadorial treatment is one of the first tangible steps in the Visitor Industry Partnership's battle plan to reclaim Bermuda's rightful place atop the tourist trade, VIP Chairman E. Michael Jones told The Royal Gazette : "The first thing we want our visitors to see is a smile.'' Coordinator Frigga Simmons says any Bermudian resident who can clear security background checks, enjoys meeting people and loves to travel can volunteer to be an air ambassador.

And the programme, once it's up and running, expects to have staff at the airport covering peak periods seven days a week, Mr. Jones said.

At 71, newly-minted ambassador Giff Stanton is more than willing to step into the breach.

A former marketing manager for Gosling Brothers, Mr. Stanton, who with his wife now operates the Marley Beach Cottages, well understands the role tourist dollars play in Bermuda's economy.

"We all have to get together to strengthen tourism on the Island; it's our lifeblood.

"In the past there was nothing here to greet people as they stepped off the plane. The first ambassador has usually been Customs officer but they've got a job to do. People do need assistance and a friendly face,'' he said.

Mr. Stanton learned about the volunteer programme through the Bermuda College's Seniors Learning Centre. He expects to spend between two to four hours per week helping visitors cope with problems ranging from lost luggage, transportation, airport services, and Customs procedures.

Somerset Parish resident Marjorie Swan is more than willing to contribute her 20 years of experience in the tourism industry to the ambassador programme.

"This is my contribution to the country,'' she told The Royal Gazette .

On hand for the induction of the first six ambassadors, Minister of Tourism David Dodwell yesterday stressed that a warm welcome sets the standard for successful visit to Bermuda.

Visitors, Mr. Dodwell said, can also look forward to enhanced airport services including a Bacardi soft drink bar, a "Welcome to Bermuda'' banner donated by the Bermuda Hotel Association and greater emphasis on information services located strategically around the Island.

Anyone interested in joining the ambassador programme can call the Visitor Industry Partnership office at 232-1215.