The people of Bermuda were last night urged to get on board the plans for a new $250 million luxury hotel by applying for jobs to work there.

Tourism Minister David Allen said those already in the tourism trade should consider their possibilities, while others should start to enrol for courses and training.

At the launch of Tucker's Point, which is to be built on the site of the old Castle Harbour Hotel, Mr. Allen said he hoped the majority, if not all, of the 250 staff would be Bermudian.

He promised yesterday that all of the employees at Tucker's Point Club would receive first rate training and excellent prospects in return for hard work, dedication and commitment.

He said: "The developers of the new resort, which will introduce not only a new brand, but new types of vacation accommodations to Bermuda, have committed themselves to long-term training, and Bermudians already in the hospitality industry, and those considering careers in it, should now be thinking of the roles they can play in this exciting new enterprise.

"As part of the Concessions Act 2000, we are giving them (hoteliers) a significant percentage of the payroll tax back, but their training has to meet the minister's approval.

"Rosewood Hotels is among the leaders in the world and it will provide a first class programme. In fact, I believe, Rosewood may even be training some of their employees from Bermuda overseas.

"It is a superb oppportunity for people in the hotel industry or thinking about joining it, in Bermuda.

"People should start to act now. They should apply now.'' Tom Hendrick, vice president of development at Rosewood Hotels, said the group expected hard work and commitment from its staff, but promised to train and educate their employees to work at the highest level.

He said: "People will be hired a year in advance of the resort opening, so they can be fully trained in time for the big day.

"We have some very extensive screening and training programmes - we must have close to 200 programmes -- that ensure our staff offer a first rate service.

"We will send a trainer out here to the site, but we can also send staff to some of our other hotels around the world for training and experience.

"We will be looking for between 200 and 250, probably 250, people, and that is just for the hotel, and we are always looking for talent.''