The Bermuda Hospitality Institute, which opened in April, aims to attract Bermudians young and old to work in the tourism industry.

Its new CEO Karla Lacey said in the past full careers and "side hustles" in tourism were seen as attractive but in recent decades many people had shifted to construction or International Business.

She hopes the BHI will be able to reignite Bermudians' interest in tourism.

"Bermuda is a beautiful country with a rich history and no one can take that away from us, it is our home," she said. "Tourism is all about ensuring people who visit our home enjoy their stay. It's not just about hotel rooms and dinners, it is about making sure people enjoy their travels across the Island and meet friendly people."

Yesterday, the BHI announced their first initiative the Summer Hospitality Programme, but Ms Lacey said year round they will be working to help locals make the right connections to get ahead in the industry.

Premier Ewart Brown, who is also responsible for Tourism, has long talked about the need for an organisation focusing on attracting young Bermudians to the industry. He pledged that one would be created in the run up to the 2007 election.

Earlier this year he added: "The BHI will serve to lead and encourage the development, growth and sustainability of Bermudians in the hospitality industry. It's goal will be to encourage young Bermudians to pursue hospitality as a career while simultaneously encouraging the current workforce of the merits of rejoining the industry or considering the hospitality field as a second career choice."

The BHI officially launched in April and is located in the Bermuda Hotel Association building on King Street. Since it has opened its door people have been coming in looking for help, Ms Lacey said.

This year they received a Government grant, but Ms Lacey said next year they will be looking to members to fund the institute.

The BHI's board of directors are Allan Trew, E. Michael Jones, Miriam Johnston, Nelda Simons, Greg Wilson, Carlita O'Brien and Kevin Monkman.