Guarantee Scheme.

Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort director of operations, David Abraham, yesterday confirmed that the hotel will not take part in the visitor-attracting scheme for the second time in two years.

Mr. Abraham said the scheme "didn't add value for our customers''.

Marriott had already lowered its rates this year and had recorded strong occupancy figures for 1997, he added.

And Elbow Beach Hotel's assistant manager Terry Robinson said the South Shore resort was not participating in the room rebate and gift scheme this year due to limited inventory at the hotel which has closed rooms and sections in preparation for renovations this winter.

Meanwhile, Bermuda Hotel Association executive vice president John Harvey said yesterday the Association "supported the scheme since its inception'' and remained committed to it.

"Let's hope that wonderful days like today continue,'' Mr. Harvey added. "We don't mind giving gifts to our guests.'' Contrary to yesterday's report in The Royal Gazette , some hotels will give the Value Added Bonus (gifts of food or transportation allowance) instead of the ten percent room rebate, Mr. Harvey pointed out.

The Ministry of Tourism' assistant director of marketing Pat Phillip Bassett claimed that the "VAB takes the focus away from cash, making it more personalised and feasible''.

She noted that the Temperature Guarantee Scheme gave a more accurate picture of the atmosphere and environment.

But while the scheme was going well, Mrs. Phillip Bassett said it was being reviewed in line with the five-year Strategic Marketing and Business Plan for the tourism industry.