Bermuda's tourism heroes have been honoured in the hospitality "Oscars'' awards.

Hotels, housekeeping units and guest houses were praised for their excellence in several areas, providing a much-needed shot in the arm for the industry.

Premier Jennifer Smith, Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox, Health Minister Nelson Bascome and Tourism Minister David Allen all took part in the ceremony, which was also attended by Police Commissioner Jean Jacques Lemay, at the National Gallery on Thursday evening.

Ms Smith stressed the Government's commitment to assisting tourism get back on its feet.

"Bermudians have a reputation for hospitality and if this is well nurtured, Government has an incentive to strive to raise standards of accommodations for Bermuda,'' she said.

"Each of the Hotel Merit Awards has surpassed the minimum requirements. The results are a plus for the industry.

"This Government is committed to the revitalisation of tourism. We ask you all to join our efforts in achieving that goal.'' The merit awards are made for those accommodations that surpass more than the basic standards, getting top points for health, fire and tourism.

In addition there are distinctions for properties which have excelled but have not been able to reach top marks for all three sections.

The Buttery awards go to those places that have continued to upgrade their facilities and have maintained a high standard of accommodation over four years.

There are similar commendations for fire, environmental health and, for the first time, crime prevention.

Scooping the Hotel Merit Cedar Tree Award for guest houses for the fourth year in a row was Oxford House, and making it a real family affair was Longtail winner Royal Palms Hotel.

Ann Smith runs Oxford House and her son Richard Smith is in charge at Royal Palms.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs. Smith paid tribute to her staff and family.

"It means a lot to all of us,'' she said. "We are all very proud to receive the award. I have got three staff who I couldn't manage without. They work so hard -- I am very proud of them.

"I am very happy for them at Royal Palms, they have worked so hard.'' The top three awards, the Hotel Merits, also went to Barnsdale Guest Apartments, Angel's Grotto for the fourth year in a row and Willowbank. There was no award winner this year for large resort hotels.

Mr. Allen said the awards were a "badge of honour'' for the industry, and would enable those who worked for them to become role models for the community.

"There is nothing nearer to our hearts than the excellence in the industry, nowhere is it more important than in the hospitality industry and it is most vital in our hotels,'' he said.

"You are the shock troops on the front line and you will make or break us in your efforts.

"Nothing is more important than the product. You can do all the marketing overseas, but it all comes to nothing if the visitor doesn't get the top service.

"We must meet their expectations and exceed them.'' The Hotel Merit Award Winners were; Cedar Tree (guest houses) -- Oxford House.

Hibiscus (housekeeping properties) -- Barnsdale Guest Apartments, Angel's Grotto. Longtail (small hotels, cottage colonies) -- Royal Palms and Willowbank.

Buttery Awards; Greene's Guest House, Robin's Nest, The Reefs and Grotto Bay Beach Hotel.

Health Award; Waterloo House.

Annual Fire Award; Willowbank.

Crime Prevention; Stonington Beach Hotel, Hamilton Princess.

Fire Service Award 1998; Sonesta Beach.

Environmental Health 1998; Willowbank, Hamilton Princess.

Buttery Awards 1998; Aunt Nea's Inn, Barnsdale, Stonington, Marriott.