Dozens of proud Bermudians have been chosen to serve as tourism ambassadors for the Island.Their ten-week role serves to enhance our reputation as one of the friendliest destinations in the world. The Royal Gazette talked to a handful of members from this year’s team to find out more of what the job entails and their exciting roles and responsibilities in promoting the Island as a top-notch destination.Eighteen-year-old Carolita Joseph, a student at Penn State University, said the job not only serves to pass on information to tourists, but to deepen her appreciation for our shores.Personally referred for the job by Tourism Minister Patrice Minors, she said: “When I went into the interview I saw the opportunity to develop my appreciation and understanding of the real Bermuda history and culture.”Miss Joseph said the most rewarding part of the experience was seeing how tourists are fascinated with something that residents live with every day. “It kind of has a knock-on effect, their fascination translates into my deeper fascination with the Island and you realise it is totally unique.”Andrews University student Jovan McLean, 19, said becoming a tourism ambassador taught him to be more confident in talking to strangers and the importance of being friendly and open.He said: “On a day-to-day basis our main priority is to cater to the tourists, which entails giving them directions and ideas as to what they maybe interested in. Also we suggest different places where they want to go and give them information on suggestions on transportation options.”Mr McLean said the most rewarding part of the experience was being able to meet and connect with a variety of different people. It is also great to be of benefit to the Island’s unique tourism product, he said.Senior Grenell Stocks boasted about how much she enjoyed the job each day. The retired nurse said: “I really love it because you get to talk to so many people.”She said the role was important “because even with the economy people have choices where they want to go. If they have a tremendous experience here they will want to come back. The influence we have is outstanding. We are in a position to make or break their trip because we are the first people they meet other than the customs officers.”Ashley-Simmons Martinez, who just completed her first year of college in Maryland, said her days were usually spent greeting tourist off cruise ships in Dockyard. The 19-year-old said being an ambassador and handing out maps and brochures to new visitors has made her want to pursue a career in tourism.She recommends for all visitors to visit Snorkel Park, Horseshoe Bay and the Dockyard Clocktower Mall and believes these destinations will make their trip worthwhile.“The job is important because when tourists come they do not know where they are going. They are usually confused when they get off the boat and I naturally just guide them and say, ‘this is the plan for this place’.”Esan Swan, 20, is studying communications and business at the University of Tennessee.While he wasn’t initially planning on taking up a career in the tourism and hospitality industry, he said: “I have found it interesting in a way. I didn’t know really what hospitality was but now I see it has a lot to do with customer service and there are a lot of business aspects going into hospitality.”He said he tries to encourage tourists to travel off the beaten path and explore less populated areas.Instead of suggesting Horseshoe Beach, he encourages them to visit other small beaches along South Shore, he said.