A new Product Development Bureau within the Department of Tourism will allow for “good, common-sense ideas” from ordinary people to be turned into action, according to the Chamber of Commerce.Peter Wilson, chairman of the Chamber’s Tourism Division, was responding to news of the announcement in yesterday’s Throne Speech.Government said: “The Department of Tourism intends to launch a Product Development Bureau, a temporary body to seek out innovative dynamic new excursions, tours and other enhancements of Bermuda’s tourism offering. The Bureau will hold a Product Development Conference to solicit initiatives from the public. By reaching out to the community, the Ministry hopes to receive ideas that originate from Bermuda’s best ambassadors, Bermudians themselves.“Having identified the best and most sustainable ideas, the Bureau, in partnership with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, local banks and others in the private sector, will seek to support successful entrepreneurs with commercial and promotional assistance.”Responding to the news, Mr Wilson said: “I think this is all very positive; but it is only the very beginning of a long process. The Division members enjoy strategic thinking, the generation of new ideas, and the translation of those ideas into reality. An idea is good but it is only meaningful when executed.“The generation of new ideas is essential for positioning Bermuda for the future; the planning process determines how you get there. The Product Development Conference is a significant part of that process.”He believes Bermudians have good ideas to help boost the tourism industry.“In the Division, we find that there are many good, common-sense ideas; our job is to take the ideas, make them practical, recognise that the Government has no or little funds, and package the ideas for implementation.” He believes many members across the board at the Chamber will be keen to attend the Product Development Conference.Government also announced in the Throne Speech that ten new public buses are on order for delivery this year and other options are being considered to increase the capacity of the ferry service. Problems with the public transport system have led to complaints from stranded tourists in recent years.Mr Wilson said: “There are clearly internal transport challenges that has been well-documented in the newspapers and online. The bus and ferry capacity also needs a huge amount of goodwill to make a real difference. On May 15 to 17 we will have some 6,000 passengers in Dockyard. By planning ahead we can try to create a good experience; at least we are aware of the facts, now we have to encourage the execution.”He added: “Stranded tourists are bad for our reputation and we trust that increased services will alleviate the problem.”John Harvey, of the Bermuda Hotel Association, said: “We are encouraged with the positive plans in all areas presented today, and pledge ourselves to work with the Government and the Tourism Board to implement and execute them.”