Bermuda has been warned the rebirth of its tourism industry could be a long and complex operation -- despite an historic link-up between hoteliers and the Bermuda Industrial Union.

It could be at least five years before there is some light at the end of the tunnel as Government and its partners work towards a new Island experience.

But industry professionals are optimistic that the good times will return, with the work of the Monitor Company and hospitality partners all pulling in the same direction.

Sonesta president Dennis Tucker, who has been involved with the work of Monitor from the start, urged caution in how quickly a 20-year tourism decline can be turned around.

"There is a long way to go, Monitor have been helping us out with the challenges we face today,'' he said. "I think the work with Monitor has barely begun. There is no quick fix in trying to reverse the downward trend of tourism.

"I hope we can ride out the storm. There is nothing to stop us from improving the way we provide our service right away, but trying to get the message out there to visitors is going to take some time.'' Mr. Tucker was speaking during a week of three events hosted by Monitor, to give the industry and the public a grasp of how the Tourism Competitiveness Programme is progressing.

Monitor partners have long way to go The scheme is designed to give tourism industry management access to the skills they require to be more effective and to make sure they are networking with others in the trade.

Mr. Tucker said he believes the initiative is a step in the right direction.

"Bermuda has been in the tourism industry for 100 years and I think we are a mature destination,'' Mr. Tucker said.

"But over the last 20 years, Bermuda and the quality of its product has declined somewhat. And I think we have become complacent in catering to tourism.

"With the help of Monitor we are trying to re-focus ourselves towards improving the quality of our service.'' Canadian Pacific Hamilton Princess manager Michael Kaile agreed that a culture change can take a long time to implement.

He commended Monitor for the "invaluable'' work they had done so far and paid tribute to the Progressive Labour Party for keeping faith with the group -- which had been taken on by the United Bermuda Party -- when they assumed power.