bring all Island accommodations under one umbrella organisation.

And he has left the door open for possible discussions on Government support for the new association.

The news follows a landmark summit at the Elbow Beach Hotel last month, where almost all Island hotels were represented.

A new association will be created, or the format of the existing Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) is to changed soon -- creating one voice for at least 95 percent of all hotels, cottage colonies and guest houses.

It will be the first time in years that the hotels have been unified and management see the coming together as vital if they are to pull the industry out of the mire.

Mr. Allen said it would be unusual to give direct support to the private sector but said he would look at any request for assistance, if it came to him.

"If they put a proposal to us it would be discussed with the Ministry of Finance,'' he said.

He said he was fully supportive of the move by the accommodations, adding that he was aware that when they talked to the BHA, they were only addressing part of the industry.

"The industry is looking for a more cohesive voice that we can talk to.''