Government plans to continue joint-marketing initiatives with hotels to better promote the Island.

This summer the Department of Tourism teamed up with hotels to promote $99 room sales at participating hotels.

The initiative was announced at yesterday's Throne Speech with Governor Richard Gozney saying: "The Government will also intensify its efforts to increase joint marketing by the Bermuda Department of Tourism and individual hotel properties."

The news was welcomed by Fairmont Hamilton's General Manager, Jon Crellin, who said: "Naturally, we are very pleased that Government has renewed its commitment to collaborative marketing efforts with hoteliers as we all work together to bring visitors to Bermuda during challenging economic times.

"In June and August this year, Fairmont participated in the Bermuda Department of Tourism's room sales, in conjunction with Bermuda Hotel Association and Bermuda Alliance for Tourism and other hotels on the island.

"Both were cost-effective, social-media and internet-based campaigns that yielded significant results for both hotels.

"By pooling hotel resources with those of the Government, we can better leverage our financial and creative strengths to the benefit of everyone on the Island and we look forward to continuing these efforts in the coming year."

During the Throne Speech the Governor added: "As fortunes wax and wane in the tourism sectors of the region and the world, Bermuda must remain competitive and upbeat in the growth of the original pillar of our economy.

"In this Session the Legislature will be invited to consider amendments to the Hotel Concessions Act to streamline the process by which concessions are gained and simplify the claims requirements to encourage smaller hotel properties to avail themselves of the benefits."