Tax relief, energy savings and gaming were among the issues discussed at a meeting of hoteliers and the Premier yesterday.

Government agreed to review the hospitality industry's financial performance on a quarterly basis to determine tax concessions, while the Premier also appealed for unity in the current economic climate.

Dr. Ewart Brown told hoteliers: "We are facing challenging times and we must all come together as a country and make a contribution to the revitalisation of the tourism industry."

Sales and marketing support, energy savings, the Hotel Concessions Act, gaming and immigration issues were the topics discussed at the forum at Tucker's Point.

A Department of Tourism spokesperson said: "All agreed that the continued cooperation between the Government, the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Bermuda Hotel Association is essential in order to survive the challenges caused by this global recession."

The Premier was accompanied at the meeting by Cabinet colleagues Acting Minister of Finance, Senator Kim Wilson; Acting Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Senator Walter Roban; and Acting Minister of Energy, Telecommunications, E-Commerce, Neletha Butterfield. Hotel Owners of Bermuda chairman Norman Mastalir said: "We are grateful for the support of the Government and the BIU as we face very difficult times.

"The Hotel Owners of Bermuda believe that with the ongoing support of the Government, Bermuda could recover much sooner than other destinations."

The forum of parties will continue to meet on a regular basis.