Government's commitment to helping their declining industry.

They met yesterday at the Princess Hotel with Government officials headed by Premier David Saul to discuss matters of "mutual concern'', a statement from the two groups said.

The hotel owners and operators were led by chairman Mike Mackie of Marriott Hotels and presented an analysis of their industry's latest financial and occupancy figures.

They also "emphasised their urgent need to cut costs in order to maintain the health of what all present were agreed is the most important component of Bermuda's economy'', the joint statement reported.

Meanwhile Tourism Minister David Dodwell outlined his department's marketing plan for the upcoming year.

And he noted that there was "an urgent need for a stronger partnership between the hotel industry and the Government in selling the Island abroad and in finding solutions to joint problems'', added the report.

The two groups also discussed plans to employ the Monitor Company to help refocus everyone involved in the tourism industry on the need to cooperate in improving it.

Finance Minister Grant Gibbons' second Budget contained a series of cuts in Customs duties on tourist affiliated products and other measures aimed at helping tourism and the hotel industry.

Dr. Gibbons said $500,000 would go to Tourism for work with the US-based Monitor Company.

The Hotel Refurbishment Act was also extended so hotels would only pay five percent duty on materials needed to put up new buildings or new hotels.

No new taxes were placed on the industry while Tourism's budget was increased to $31.7 million from $31.3 million a year ago.