a joint commitment to reposition Bermuda's tourism product.

The meeting yesterday saw Premier Jennifer Smith, Tourism Minister David Allen, Finance Minister Eugene Cox, Tourism Board chairman Deleay Robinson and Labour Minister Paula Cox meet with the hotel owners.

Several heads of hotel chains were represented, including Canadian Pacific's Chris Cahill and Sonesta International's Stephanie Sonnabend.

Local hotels represented included the Harmony Club, Grotto Bay, Elbow Beach, and the Bermuda Hotel Association.

The financial status of the hotel industry and marketing and human resource issues were discussed, as were Hotel Association initiatives.

Both groups gave joint support to the Monitor Group which was also represented, a Government statement said.

The meetings were started two years ago and bring Government and the industry together for a full day of talks.

Both groups expressed a commitment to working in a spirit of friendship and trust.

Ms Smith said she was encouraged by the meeting as was Ms Sonnabend, who is chairperson of the Hotel Owners association.

"We felt welcomed and were able to talk frankly and openly in a spirit of cooperation,'' Ms Smith said.