adopted environmentally-friendly practices -- and save themselves money in the bargain, it has been claimed.

But hotels have to be careful that "going green'' does not turn off customers who may think hotels are going cheap on them and stinting on facilities.

Green campaigners believe an initiative, backed by the Bermuda Hotel Association, could see as many as nine premises certified for resource saving efforts.

Already an eco-resort featuring tents is to be built at Daniel's Head -- the site of the old Canadian Navy in Sandys Parish -- and Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson has organised a convention next year to help those organisations that want to make some concessions.

Many hotels already do their bit and some believe Bermuda, with finite resources, is well placed to tackle many environmental issues.

Water conservation, electrical energy saving, recycling of organic waste, re-use of towels and other laundry are just some of the ways hotels can save, not only resources, but also money.

In Jamaica, for example, several resorts have won Green Globe certification for their efforts. And closer to home, the owners of the Hamilton and Southampton Princesses, Fairmont/Canadian Pacific, are veterans with environmentally friendly hotels.

Small touches, like asking guests to throw towels for laundry on the floor and fitting energy saving lightbulbs can save thousands of dollars in large hotels.

There is already an award in Bermuda for hotels that make a green consideration, but Mr. Harvey warns it may be easier for larger sites to make grand gestures to the environment, overshadowing efforts by smaller properties.

And, he said, there is a balancing act between caring for the environment and treating your guests correctly.

"We do have guests who have high expectations, who believe the money they are spending ought not to be sacrificed,'' he said. "And we have people who are appreciative about what we are doing for the environment.

Hospitality consultant Leon O'Brien said there are US tourists who specifically look for hotels that are environmentally friendly.

"People want to conserve energy for their children and not waste everything at this time,'' he said. "Every hotel that has done this has saved money.''