Tourism, the Hon. David Dodwell.

Hailing Mr. Dodwell as a man with a thorough knowledge of the hotel industry and a firm grip on marketing and operational strategies, hoteliers also paid tribute to outgoing Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge.

"I am 100 percent satisfied that David Dodwell can balance his various duties and will always place the welfare of Bermuda tourism above all else,'' said Bermuda Hotel Association president Mr. Steven Barker.

"The hoteliers enjoyed an outstanding working relationship with Mr. Woolridge and are confident that a similar bond and sense of unity will exist with Minister Dodwell.'' Responding to speculation that Mr. Dodwell could run into some conflict of interest as president of the Reefs Beach Club, a successful small South Shore resort, Mr. Barker said the new Minister was likely to implement strategies to bring more visitors to the Island. The success, he said, could have a possible impact on the Reefs but it would be only marginal.

For his part, Mr. Dodwell claimed his record spoke for itself.

"I think everybody in the this Country is in a conflict, perhaps myself more than others. But I stand on my own record. I've always put the Country first.'' Mr. Dodwell who is also chairman of the Tourism Board, claims he has not played an active role in the day-to-day management of the hotel for many years. But he vowed that as of yesterday, he would be stepping even further away from his involvement with the hotel. An additional management employee had already been appointed to work at the hotel, he said.

But Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade called the appointment "a major conflict''. Mr. Dodwell had a direct pecuniary and personal interest in his Ministry, he claimed.

"That certainly doesn't look good. That's not a good position to be in,'' he said.

Shadow Tourism Minister Mr. David Allen said he would be monitoring the situation carefully.

"I will be following it with interest over the next few days to see what appropriate measures should be taken to remove any conflict of interest,'' he said.

The Tourism Department, he said, had the power to grant permits and licences to hotels and cruise ships and decide where funds should be spent.

"He (Dodwell) is bringing a certain expertise but also a certain baggage, namely a conflict of interest,'' Mr. Allen said. "It is something that has to be discussed. It is fair to say that Mr. Dodwell has to be licensed by that Ministry.'' However, Mr. Allen admitted it was still "early days yet''.

General manager of Elbow Beach Hotel Mr. Michael Poynter called the appointment "extremely good''. The new Minister had an extremely good background for someone in his position, he said.

"From an outsider's perspective, anyone who owns a hotel has a terrific understanding of what the industry is about,'' Mr. Poynter said.

General manager of Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort Mr. Roger Borsink also applauded the appointment.

"I don't believe there would be any conflict of interest. He did a fantastic job in the hotel industry as chairman of the Tourism Board and will do an outstanding job as the Minister of Tourism. I am very pleased with the appointment.'' But he also praised Mr. Woolridge for doing a good job over some difficult periods.

Mr. Dodwell, who admitted that the Island had "lost its way a little bit'' has pledged to bring together different elements of the tourist industry including hotels, transport, the Chamber of Commerce and other tourism related organisations in a tight, mutually cooperative team.

"Every person in the Country needed to be involved in tourism,'' he said.

"It is time for a national movement toward rebuilding tourism...I have been a proponent of that for years.'' in.