million contract with a US group of experts was signed yesterday.

Government and private businesses have each put up $500,000 into hiring the Boston-based Monitor Company which has advised countries around the world on improving tourism.

Over the next 16 weeks the company will work with groups and people involved in tourism with the aim of "turning findings into real benefits''.

It is possible the Company will then be employed for more work -- although no decision has yet been taken.

"Monitor is extremely pleased to be the facilitator for the process of strengthening Bermuda's tourism industry,'' said the Company's project director in Bermuda, Joseph Babiec. "We recognise the importance of this process to the public and private institutions which participate directly in serving Bermuda's visitors.'' Government was put in touch with Monitor by the Bank of Bermuda which helped set up the Competitive Action Group to help raise private funds and lay the foundations for Monitor's work.

Local recruits will help with the work which will include meeting with individuals and groups involved in tourism as well as workshops and seminars as Monitor seeks to have talks with as many people as possible.

It is intended to draw up an action plan to help convert findings into ways of bringing benefits to the Island.

"The project is designed to be forward looking. This is not about rehashing the past and assigning credit or blame. This is about Bermuda's future,'' said Mr. Babiec.

"This is about rejuvenating tourism and the repositioning of Bermuda as the premier resort for travellers looking for exciting and complex experiences.'' Geoffrey Elliott, deputy chairman of the Bermuda Land Development Company, sits on the steering committee which helped to raise private sector funds for Monitor.

He said Government and the private sector would learn from the first phase before deciding if there should be a follow-up, which would carry the same price tag.

"No decision has been taken about a second phase because we want to see the results of phase one, but it is the intention of everyone involved that there should be a second phase to turn this ship around.'' Last night Tourism Minister David Dodwell said Government was pleased to join the list of investors in Monitor.

"I am especially delighted because working with Monitor is a significant private and public sector project which fully appreciates that no one entity can be as effective as a team,'' said the Minister.

"The re-engineering of Bermuda tourism must recognise that attention to the overall product is just as, if not more, important than the marketing of the Island.''