it lost during the 1980s, it has to "upgrade and refurbish its tourism product,'' says the author of a recently completed study.

Brian Archer wrote the study entitled the `Economic impact of tourism in Bermuda 1992'. It explores the changing fortunes of the tourist industry comparing such things as tourist arrivals and spending.

But at least one hotel manager interviewed by The Royal Gazette said that although he agreed in principle with the report, he said that researchers often forget that the tourist industry is now facing competition that did not exist ten years ago.

"I agree with the Archer report but we have got to realise that the 80s have gone and will never return,'' said Sonesta Beach managing director Mr. David Boyd.

"Good rooms, and top class facilities are not enough, we simply have got to be competitive with other destinations.'' Mr. Boyd said that Bermuda fared well during the 1980s because other destinations were unable to compete on an even par with the Island, but that has changed with the growth of first class resorts in the Caribbean and Florida.

Mr. Stephen Barker, regional vice president for the Princess Hotels, echoed similar sentiments, but criticised the report for making too general a claim about all the Island's hotels.

"Our physical plant is kept in top condition,'' he said referring to the Southampton Princess. "We have built a new convention facility, a new lobby and a new interior for the Neptune lounge.

"Although the Hamilton Princess property is more than 100-years-old we are making a significant investment in its physical plant which will be carried out through next year.'' Tourism director Mr. Gary Phillips said that while he had not seen the report, the Ministry was aware of the need to be vigilant about their product because guests visiting Bermuda have been exposed to a wider variety of high class resorts.

Consequently this exposure meant that they expected more for their money.

"This makes it all the more important for us to continue to monitor the quality of our accommodations.'' he said.

Mr. Phillips added that the Ministry also aimed to lengthen the tourist season with such programmes as the `68 degree temperature guarantee', to try to ease the effect of layoffs on Bermudian workers.

"We have tried to make Bermuda a place for all reasons and all seasons,'' he continued. "But we introduced the programme to dispel the myth that Bermuda was cold, and to make tourists realise that Bermuda does not close down after Labour day.'' But attracting the visitors was not enough said Cambridge Beaches owner Sen.

Mike Winfield.

"We must be able to react to changes in the market,'' he said. "The tourism business is more competitive and complex than 10 years ago but we've got to invest in standards of excellence and get our plant and standards up to world class levels, because we charge world class prices.''