has drawn a mixed reaction from hoteliers.

Some believe the chance to tap into the extensive knowledge of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) could reap rewards for the Island as it bids to revitalise its traditional industry.

But others say Bermuda should not be hitching its wagon to the region for fear of muddying the waters in terms of its distinct overseas image.

Tourism Minister David Allen said the CTO had made a presentation to the Tourism Board, and his recommendations on whether the Island should join would go to the Cabinet for the decision to be made.

The CTO operates at ministry level and is involved in conferences, trade shows, marketing and information sharing.

The Bermuda Hotel Association directors met to discuss the issue yesterday.

BHA president Muriel Richardson said she did not want to say too much until she had more information.

However, she noted: "Bermuda has spent a lot of money making it clear we are not in the Caribbean. Maybe to throw our eggs back into that basket is not a wise move forward.'' Harmony Club president Billy Griffith said the possibility of joining had been discussed for many years, under both the Progressive Labour Party and United Bermuda Party.

"My feeling is that if Bermuda joins there is a lot of information that can be gleaned from others,'' he said.

"There are probably more advantages than disadvantages.'' Mr. Griffith said people who knew about Bermuda would not be affected by the Island joining, and those who did not know "would never know''.

And he said CTO organised some very well attended trade shows in the US that Bermuda could be involved in.

Cambridge Beaches president Michael Winfield warned that any inclusion of Bermuda under a CTO marketing umbrella could ruin much of the promotion work already done.

"One of the greatest difficulties we have marketing in Europe is that Europeans' perception is that Bermuda is part of the Caribbean and seasonally there is a difference.

"Anything that is going to bring us closer is unwise from a marketing point of view.

"We have spent a great deal of money working very hard to separate us from the Caribbean.'' Fairmont Hamilton Princess general manager and vice president Michael Kaile said if people felt it was important to show support and affinity with the Caribbean region, then that was a good enough reason to join.

However, he added, if that was not the reason, and it was solely for tourism's benefit, then some hoteliers may find that hard to accept.

"If you want to join this organisation because you feel very strongly in favour of people in the Caribbean, that is a reason to do it, but don't say you are doing it because it is a tourist initiative,'' he said.

Not saying: Tourism Minister David Allen