A coordinator to roll out the red carpet to hotel investors will be appointed soon.

Government revealed plans to appoint a person to act as a first point of contact for potential developers and existing hoteliers who want to take advantage of concessions on offer.

The coordinator will vet applications under the Hotels Concession Act and will assist in the brokering of contracts.

In addition, Government announced in its Throne Speech that the hiring of the person will "free the Minister to focus on restoring the lustre to Bermuda's tourism product''.

The speech also said that the Hotels Concession Act, which the coordinator will work with, was intended to spur the re-invention of Bermuda's on-Island product.

And it added "Government proceeded with determination throughout 2000, laying a solid foundation for the rebirth of Bermuda tourism''.

Bermuda Hotel Association president Billy Griffith welcomed the move. He said: "I think that is an excellent idea because there are a lot of people who are not sure of the procedures. It would be good to have somebody to advise them, whether they would qualify for concessions or not.'' Moving with the times, amendments to the Timeshare (Licensing and Control Act) will be made to enable Bermuda to accommodate trends in the industry.

It will allow for interval ownership, whereby several people own a share of a condo or suite, instead of owning a period of weeks in a unit.

In a bid to encourage young Bermudians into the tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism is launching a Hospitality Industry Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, according to a statement, have agreed a $1 million incremental donation, and the Government is hoping there will be corporate contributions.

In addition, the speech announced the start of eco-tours to Nonsuch Island next year.

TOURISM TOU