Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert and David Dodwell of the Tourism Authority. *File photos
Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert and David Dodwell of the Tourism Authority. *File photos
Shadow Tourism Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert released a statement on Tuesday calling for increased action on the tourism front.
 
Mr Furbert criticized the OBA for their slow progress and lack of innovation on the tourism front, saying: "The OBA's slow progress in
putting together a functioning, fully operational Tourism Authority is very concerning.

 
"They have missed all of their promised deadlines and the news that the CEO won't be in place until April 2014 means that we'll have lost yet another season.
 
"At present David Dodwell is the de-facto Tourism Minister setting the agenda with apparently no oversight and no accountability and we have
heard nothing new or innovative from him since taking the reins.
 
"Instead, all we've heard is a rehash of the same failed ideas we heard from him almost 20 years ago. If after a year the only new idea produced
is floating the notion that tourists should be allowed to drive cars, than we are far from where we need to be in fixing our tourism product.
 
"We have yet to see the promised speed and efficiency of "the professionals" and Bermudians need to see action.
 
"We urge the Minister to appoint a Board for the Tourism Authority by the end of the month. This will enable a "many hands make light work" approach and perhaps spark new ideas and spur on that speed and efficiency that the OBA promised."