The Fairmont Southampton resort has no current plans to close its doors for the winter, management said on Friday.

But the Island's largest hotel is looking at "every option" as it looks to survive what is expected to be a bleak period for tourism, according to Norm Mastalir, managing director of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Bermuda.

Mr. Mastalir put out a statement in response to a front-page story in Friday's Mid-Ocean News, which bore the headline, "Tourism blow as Fairmont Southampton ponders a winter closure".

"While it is true that the hotel is very concerned about the current economic environment, we are working diligently — both within our hotel and with stakeholders — to come up with positive solutions that will allow us to continue operations through this winter," Mr. Mastalir said.

"In considering how to move forward as a responsible business entity, every option has been considered but I assure you that there is no intention to close the hotel in any current plans."

He added that hoteliers, the Department of Tourism and others involved in the industry, would get together to formulate a plan "for bridging a difficult economic period".

"The hospitality industry and our hotels face some difficult times as we look forward to 2009," Mr. Mastalir added. "We will have to work hard together to get through, but I can assure you that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to succeed."