local banks to have them represent the company on the Island.

Diners Club, used more in European markets than in the US, expects to provide a competitive service here before the end of the year.

And some of Bermuda's top cottage colonies -- which have traditionally resisted accepting any guest credit or charge cards -- are reviewing their positions and could abandon that policy soon.

General manager of Horizons Ltd., George Wardman, said the time had come for the property to review their policy and he anticipates a decision to soon start accepting at least one major card.

Horizons may also give one card company exclusivity, he said.

The plush Reefs Beach Club, may make a change as early as the end of the year.

The Reefs has maintained a well-heeled clientele, a reservoir of repeat business that has returned to the South Shore property despite the no card policy.

And although the Southampton property's managers would concede to few complaints about their policy, informed sources now say a change is imminent.

Reefs owner, Tourism Minister David Dodwell, was yesterday off the Island and unavailable for comment, but there was more than a murmur heard mid-month, when the Minister spoke at a reception that celebrated the welcomed launch of a new, joint initiative between the Tourism Department and American Express to market and promote the Island.

There was some irony that the Minister had wonderful things to say about American Express and the new arrangement, while in his private business, there was no privilege in having an American Express, or any other card.

There are positive indications though, that that can now change. And it is not surprising.

American Express made no secret of the fact that they had been trying to woo the Tourism Department for many years, but had been turned away. They now will link their name with Bermuda in significant promotional campaigns.

It is just part of an aggressive global campaign that has heated up among card companies seeking larger market share. They have not been averse to negotiating furiously their price of admission, as merchants with enough volume or some other attractive advantage, haggle basis points off the discount rates.

Diners Club have taken a renewed interest in Bermuda as a market. They have been working to provide a better processing capability for this jurisdiction.

The next step would be incentives to advance the card's usage and acceptance.

Meanwhile, Cambridge Beaches managing director, Mike Winfield, said the Sandy's Parish hotel is standing firm on the card issue.

Mr. Winfield said: "Cambridge Beach's position remains consistent. We look at all of the guest services and at the moment we do not feel that credit cards are necessary. Everyone, including us, are constantly reviewing all matters affecting our guests, but at this point in time we don't see any reason to change our policy.

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