Overseas tour operators yesterday spelt out their concerns over Bermuda's tourism product at a summit meeting with hoteliers and Government officials.

The executives, from top travel companies across Europe, spoke candidly about some of the issues they say are in the way of the Island increasing its share of business from the continent.

High prices, costly transportation, lack of direct airlift and a scarcity of high-end entertainment were some of the factors which influenced the inability to sell Bermuda, they said.

And they warned against moving completely towards five-star properties, saying they needed a good variety of accommodations to offer to their clients.

Paul Shields, product manager for London-based Hayes and Jarvis tour operators, said: "There is no doubt that Bermuda has got to compete globally.

Everywhere in the world has moved forward with product and service. Bermuda needs to make sure it is not left behind.

"There is a need for a good mix of products, not just high end. You need a good spread of standard of accommodation.'' He added people wanted nice weather but also wanted a wide range of activities.

Maaike Reisinger of Kuoni travel in Austria questioned how Bermuda would attract the extra visitors it needed, with the range of attractions currently on offer.

She said comments about not having casinos, fast-food restaurants and strip malls were fine, but said it still wasn't clear how they would pitch Bermuda in Europe.

"The amount of people that come is very small because it is a very specific sort of person. If they want to increase the numbers I don't know how they want to do it.'' The frequency of flights was another issue raised, in particular the domination of British Airways.

Mr. Shields said there was a need for another carrier from a London airport.

"The Island will stand or fall on that frequency. If BA decide, for whatever reason to decrease, that would cause a major problem.'' And the lack of airlift from mainland Europe also proves a deterrent to potential visitors, according to Ms Reisinger.

She said people were put off by having to take a flight to London, before connecting to Bermuda.

Other tour operators, here for a three-day summit and familiarisation visit, criticised the high cost of taxis and asked why hotels could not run their own shuttle services.

Tourism Minister David Allen said hotels would not be allowed to run dedicated services between other hotels or attractions such as golf, because those opportunities would be offered only to Bermudian entrepreneurs.

They also said short weekend breaks from Europe was a possibility but said the lack of flights and available accommodation would be a drawback -- especially since such holidays are often booked at short notice and are commonly price driven.

Glyn Dixon, contracts manager for Thomas Cook holidays, said many of the tourism officials had talked a lot of sense about how they saw the Island progressing, but the key was now whether they could deliver.

And he said it was vital the Island got the marketing message correct for its image.

"What is it that Bermuda offers that other places don't have? It is not clear right now, we have got to work together to develop that,'' he said.