will see the public and private sectors join forces to manage tourism.

The announcement came yesterday in a joint statement from the Cabinet Office following a meeting between hotel owners and senior Government officials.

"Hoteliers welcomed the creation of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, announced last week in the Speech from the Throne,'' the statement said.

"They enthusiastically endorsed the concept of Government/hotel industry partnerships in the search for solutions to the industry's concerns.'' The statement also reported that hoteliers, who were led in the meeting by chairman Stephanie Sonnabend, of the Sonesta Beach Hotel, presented an analysis of the industry's latest financial and occupancy figures.

These emphasised "their urgent need to cut costs in order to maintain the health of the tourism industry''.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell also outlined his department's efforts to get more airline seat capacity for Bermuda at more competitive rates.