with the appointment of three new members.

Bermuda International Business Association administrator Pat Philip Bassett, St. George Foundation chairman Louis Mowbray and former Chamber of Commerce president David Rowntree have signed on with the programme which aims to boost on-Island appreciation of tourism.

VIP chairman W.A. (Toppy) Cowen said: "With new people come new ideas and a determination to expand programmes to enhance local tourism appreciation and to increase involvement of the entire community in promoting tourism.

"It is important to note Bermuda must have an Island-wide atmosphere and setting that is consistently beautiful, safe and welcoming no matter where the customer is on the Island.'' The trio join present committee members Tourism Director Gary Phillips, Bermuda College Associate Dean Barbara O'Shaughnessy, Elbow Beach Hotel general manager Bill Shoaf, entrepreneur Carol West, VIP Administrator Suzanne DeCouto and Mr. Cowen.

"VIP is moving ahead with various initiatives such as Ambassadors to greet our visitors at the cruise ship terminals and the on-going commitment to welcome those at the airport,'' said Mr. Cowen.

"Other on-line projects will be announced shortly, however it is important for the public to know we are very much a part of the Five Year Tourism plan.''