Boring, overpriced, and in crisis.

A panel of five industry players last night held court before about 175 people at a Bermuda College symposium to offer their vision on the future of tourism.

Moderated by E. Michael Jones, Chairman of the Visitor Industry Partnership, and with the Minister of Tourism David Dodwell seated in the audience, each panelist took about ten minutes to offer their insights into the industry's current malaise before the floor was thrown open to questions.

If one were to take the Oxford Dictionary's definition of the word, it was indisputable that tourism in Bermuda was in "crisis'' said David Hamshere, President and CEO of the English Sport Shop group and a member of the Board of Tourism.

Global economics, price perception, competition, and a tired product have all conspired to take a toll on the Island's once ascendant industry.

"People see us too expensive and we're not delivering for the price. With bigger and faster aircraft we're now facing competition from places like Bali, Malaysia, and Thailand where people in those markets are happy to be earning $35 a week working at top hotels,'' said Mr. Hamshere.

The picture wasn't much brighter from the Coalition for Change's John Casling, who argued Bermudians have made the mistake of thinking "you don't mess with success''.

"But soon we found that plateau was followed by a plunge.'' And while Bermuda soon found itself facing a national crisis, Government avoided taking tough decisions, striking committee after committee until, "we have generated reams of paper instead of business''.

Mr. Casling called for a new policy governing cruise ships. Cruise lines were usually booked to over-capacity and could easily be in port all week long.

He also made a pitch for Government to consider gambling, saying hotels needed to offer new amenities to visitors and go after a younger, nightlife-oriented clientele.

"The future lies in the youth, in the family visitor, in the `let yourself go' crowd,'' he said.

The Harmony Club's Billy Griffith said the downward trend in tourism would be very difficult to turn around unless there was a change in outlook and attitude.

Within the last 25 years the rise of tourism in the Caribbean had a profound effect on Bermuda's industry.

"Compared to all these places Bermuda has become a high-priced, high-cost destination that can't compete.

In addition the Island was too dependent on the American market where 82 percent of the visitors came from.

"We can't be putting all our eggs in one basket. It's too dangerous,'' he said.

President of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, David Rowntree, said what was needed was leadership and a national strategy plan.

"Everyone is out there doing their best, but it's not good enough,'' he said.

President and CEO of BF&M and the Deputy Chairman of the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) Glenn Titterton told the audience more must be done to identify and exploit niche markets, like business travel.

And he took aim at Mr. Casling's proposal to allow gambling on the Island.

"We have to stay away from things like legalised gambling, a quick-fix solution. We must be careful not to mimic other destinations.''