Washington Post readers, who took reporter David Segal to task for his unflattering November 22 review of the Island, "Paradise with a Problem''.

"To put it bluntly,'' Mr. Segal wrote, ""Bermuda lacks buzz.'' The travel writer cited cost and British stuffiness, although the island was praised for its "low tackiness quotient.'' Tourism Minister David Allen's assertion in favour of resuscitating tourism by pitching a "new product'' was quoted. Said Mr. Segal: "Here's hoping Bermuda doesn't drop its shorts or do anything foolish to draw new crowds.'' However, area writers this week defended Bermuda tourism in the newspaper's letters column.

"David Segal is the one with the problem,'' wrote Karin Krchnak of Bethesda, Maryland, while Arlington and Rockville residents also championed local attractions.

TOURISM TOU