A powerful group of European tour operators who sell holidays to Bermuda arrived on the Island last night for a crucial three-day presentation.

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and a severe slump in flights from America, Bermuda is stepping up efforts to win business from Europe.

Twenty-two European tour operators will be on the Island for the three-day marketing initiative, which Bermuda Alliance for Tourism (BAT) co-chairman William (Billy) Griffith described as coming at a "critical" time.

BAT, which features Government and the private sector, is working out a discount programme which will offer cheaper hotel rooms, and savings in transportation, restaurants and activities.

"We must put our best foot forward as each of these individuals have the potential of sending many visitors to Bermuda," said Mr. Griffith.

"Representatives of BAT have been working hard to co-ordinate a collective offer to European/UK residents and as we move to complete these details it is clear that what will be involved is a substantial discount from Bermuda's hotel community, discounts and a value added element from Government's transportation and activities, Bermuda activities in general, and restaurants and retail."

Tourism Minister David Allen and representatives from the Ministry of Transport met British Airways (BA) officials in London on Wednesday to discuss the Island's updated European promotion.

BA's Bermuda manager Philip Troake said the airline will offer cheaper flights to tour operators as part of the Island-wide initiative to offer better value packages for tourists.

He told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "The on-Island element is prepared to come to the wicket and BA is as well, its just a question of coming up with numbers that are agreeable.

Mr. Troake also revealed that BA is reinstating a seat sale to London which just ended which sees the cheapest fares beginning at $499 return. The sale runs from now to December 14, and another offer is currently running covering flights from the UK to Bermuda.

He also reaffirmed that BA is committed to its agreed winter schedule.