More hotels, more Bermudians and smarter advertising are the keys to revitalising the Island's tourism industry, according to Terry Lister.

Last night, in the most recent of a series of town hall style meetings organised by the candidate for Premier, Mr. Lister promised three new, major hotels will be completed by 2014.

"We have waited long enough, and it is imperative that we turn discussion into reality," he said. "Thus, we must support those interested developers who have the financial ability to close the deal."

Mr. Lister said hotels on the Club Med site, a site in Hamilton and Morgan's Point would all be completed within four years, with the Morgan's Point hotel becoming "Bermuda's Atlantis."

"The Atlantis resort put the Bahamas on the map," he said. "The things that I know about it are very exciting."

The construction of a PGA certified Golf Course on the Morgan's Point site would also help draw visitors to the Island, even during the off season.

"We have already enjoyed two years of bumper crowds at the PGA Grand Slam tournaments. The creation of a course of this calibre could bring hundreds more visitors to Bermuda.

He also said he wanted to reintroduce hospitality training to the senior schools so that students can get first hand experience in the industry.

"The industry is not just food and beverage," he said. "There are career opportunities in many areas, including accountancy, sales, human resources and golf course management.

"Every effort must be made to educate Bermudians about the desirable positions in hospitality. Too many people are not interested in the industry due to negative talk they hear, and often the people saying things have never worked in the industry."

The MP also promised to look carefully at how money being used to advertise the Island is spent, saying that Bermuda should focus more on advertising towards the people who are likely to come and spend money.

"Bermuda is an expensive location. We shouldn't advertise towards people who couldn't afford it," he said.

Around 50 people attended last night's meeting at the Midland Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church, which focused on the issues of tourism and transportation, both areas in which the MP said the Government could do more.

While he praised past Government initiatives to improve the Island's transportation, Mr. Lister called for a greater focus on energy efficient vehicles.

"I will mandate that all Government vehicles being retired be replaced with energy efficient vehicles," he said.

"This will show the public that Government is leading from the front on this greening initiative.

"I shall also propose that the Government revamp all licensing fees with favourable fees for the owners of energy efficient vehicles to encourage residents to purchase these vehicles."

He also said he would look into the feasibility of installing a ferry stop in Flatts Village and extending the hours that some bus routes run to encourage more people to use public transportation.

The candidate suggested that work be done to improve many of the Island's bus stops to allow for 'kneeling buses' to be used to help the elderly and the disabled.

"I think the transportation system we have is pretty darn good," he said. "Now we have to get behind the good ideas and make them work."