The Premier has announced the CEO and board of directors for the Bermuda Hospitality Institute (BHI).

Karla Lacey is to take the helm of the training institute which aims to encourage more Bermudians to enter tourism.

The facility will be located in the Bermuda Hotel Association building on King Street. Allan Trew, E. Michael Jones, Miriam Johnston, Nelda Simons, Greg Wilson, Carlita O'Brien and Kevin Monkman comprise the BHI's board of directors.

"I'm thrilled to be leading this organisation and to be heading its vision," Ms Lacey said. "Who better to welcome people to Bermuda than Bermudians. Who else should bear the responsibility to promote and showcase the beauty of our Island home? Every Bermudian is uniquely positioned to share with visitors our stories, our triumphs and our pride of place."

Ms Lacey is a former assistant vice president of corporate communications at BTC and senior vice president at Butterfield Bank. Her background also includes feature writing, the culinary arts and education.

As CEO she will develop public and private sector relationships and manage BHI initiatives. She will also give advice to those interested in the industry. Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown said although the industry was facing challenges he was committed to "revitalising Bermuda's hospitality industry".

"We've been relentless in our pursuit to ensure that the right entity was introduced in order to provide Bermudians with a vehicle to open doors for them in the hospitality area," he said. "The ultimate goal of the BHI is to encourage young Bermudians to pursue hospitality as a career while at the same time championing the merits of rejoining the industry."