Bermuda is on the threshold of a major investment into its tourism industry, Tourism Minister David Dodwell prophesied yesterday.

And he revealed that a hotel project on what was to be the Ritz Carlton site in Warwick might get under way soon.

He said he expected a 20 percent increase in the number of the Island's hotel rooms following the passing of the Hotel Refurbishment (Temporary Customs Duty Relief) Amendment and Change of Title Act.

The legislation, which is due to be debated in the Senate next, gives complete temporary relief from customs duty for new and existing hotels in respect of purchasing capital goods to be used in a capital investment scheme.

"This is a major step forward to help make hotels profitable and have reward for their risk,'' said Mr. Dodwell.

Government was not resting on these laurels, he continued, as a high level committee was meeting with hotel owners in order to determine other creative opportunities to help hotels.

One possibility, he disclosed, was tax incentive financing.

But over the next two or three years, continued Mr. Dodwell, Bermuda could see some 1000 hotel rooms being created.

First off there was the Camberley Hotel Company taking over the former club Med site and planning to build 275 rooms on the east end site.

The "exciting concept'' of creating a hotel in Hamilton at Par-La-Ville was "almost there'', said the Minister.

He noted that this would mean some 140 executive suites.

A further 125 units were accounted for in plans for an eco-tourism facility at Daniel's Head and Elbow Beach were building 60 extra rooms as part of its renovations in Paget.

Two hundred rooms were also possible at the Morgan's Point development in Southampton, he added.

"There is even the chance that development on the Ritz Carlton property might get under way,'' said Mr. Dodwell. He refused to disclose further information.

"Some things are happening there and the UBP intend to pursue it vigorously.'' These hotels were expressing confidence in Bermuda, noted Mr. Dodwell, and this confidence could result in jobs for the Island. "The man in the street will benefit from this,'' he said.

Tourism Budget debate: Page 4