promotional tours overseas.

With the Island currently showcasing in Canada and gearing up for a world travel event in France next month, hospitality officials have urged caution for those seeking instant results.

Many believe it will be at least three years before there may be any tangible improvement in tourism figures -- and see the revitalisation tours as laying the foundation for the future.

And Hamilton Princess general manager Michael Kaile said it was also important that the Government followed up this year's shows with more promotions, in conjunction with its hotel partners. "If people are looking for instant results, they are almost guaranteed to be disappointed,'' he said.

"When we do something like this you can't then turn around and say `we've done this, our game is over', it is only just beginning.'' And Mr. Kaile said it was vital that the industry worked with the Government in planning its campaign -- something which was rare with the United Bermuda Party -- to ensure it was a concentrated effort, and one with which everybody was happy.

On Monday, the latest tourism statistics revealed by the Department of Tourism showed another fall in US air visitors, but an increase in Canadian numbers.

Mr. Kaile said it was important not to ignore the market north of America -- which accounted for 33,000 visitors each year.

Having a ball: Tourism Minister David Allen whoops it up with a Gombey during the tourism roadshow in Toronto.