The Department of Tourism and the Hotel Association last night announced a new business plan and media strategy.

The announcement comes after two meetings in the past months to hash out a plan to get Bermuda's product in key markets. The plan involves television, print and interactive outlets, Tourism Director William Griffith said.

From Tuesday to Thursday, the DOT will conduct a major three-city sales blitz in the key Northeast US market.

All key travel agents and travel wholesale partners in Philadelphia, Boston and New York will be invited to 400th anniversary celebrations. The blitz will showcase new hotel products and packages for the coming season at the Mandarin Oriental in Boston, the Westin at Times Square and Philadelphia's Sofitel.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown will attend with hotel managers and salespeople from here. Local entertainment and displays will be on hand.

Mr. Griffith added: "The BDOT and the BHA are working in concert to find new creative avenues of business for the Island. The Department of Tourism recognises the need in this difficult climate to work closely with all stakeholders to achieve our collective goals."

Mr. John Harvey, Executive Director of the BHA, as well as the BHA directorship, added: "The Bermuda Hotel Association has every confidence in the Department of Tourism; their understanding of the market and their ability to put in place activity that will produce our fair share of visitors from key feeder markets."