Budget travel guru Arthur Frommer says that hotels in Bermuda should be sensitive to the economic slowdown in the United States if they want to remain successful.

But Mr. Frommer, who publishes a guide to the Island, said even though Bermuda was expensive, it still offered value for money.

After speaking at the Society of American Travel Writers Conference at the Fairmont Southampton Princess on Friday, he told The Royal Gazette: "My own concentration has been on affordable travel and I am consistently looking for programmes that make Bermuda more affordable to the tourist.

"Our hope is that with the current economic slowdown in the US entrepreneurs in Bermuda will be sensitive to the financial needs of the American population.

"Americans are much more conscious about their spending than before and therefore any programmes that are geared towards that sensitivity are bound to be successful."

"If you are looking to keep up the business, you must look to the spending proclivity of the American tourist. Bermuda will continue to be an upscale destination, but even upscale destinations would do well to offer real value for the upscale tourist.

"I think generally Bermuda does offer value. No one complains they are being ripped off and Bermuda does an excellent job."

He added: "Bermuda is as beautiful as ever. I've been many times, and it keeps getting better. It is a glorious destination very much valued by myself.

"It has a unique role in tourism and I think it lacks for nothing. I am always impressed by the level of the tourism product, especially the feeling of the people of Bermuda who are employees in the industry. I don't think there is a more gracious welcome received anywhere else in world tourism."