the launch of a fund to support hospitality education for Bermudians.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, David Allen said the new Hospitality Studies Endowment Fund is designed to uphold Government's commitment to ensure there are "no glass ceilings'' in the tourism industry.

The fund is part of Government's overall plans to revitalise and "re-invest'' in tourism and is expected to work with the Hotel Concessions Act which is aimed at improving the physical plant.

"The Hospitality Studies Fund has been established to focus Bermudians on the great career opportunities that lie in store for them as rebirth is given to this industry through a number of Government initiatives,'' Mr. Allen said.

Royal Caribbean Cruise line, which for decades has had liners visiting Bermuda, have agreed as part of a new contract to start the fund with $1 million donation.

Other companies in the hospitality industry are encouraged to contribute to the fund and a special fund committee has been formed by the ministries of Tourism and Education and the Bermuda College to administer the fund.

The committee will accept applications from those interested in pursuing careers in the industry or those hospitality industry workers who want to upgrade their skills.

"We have now taken receipt of the first installment of Royal Caribbean's financial contribution,'' Mr. Allen explained, "and we will be having an official presentation on all of the details of this programme for the general public's edification on February 22.

"We will be joined on that occasion by principals of Royal Caribbean International,'' Mr. Allen added. "This is an exciting new opportunity for Bermuda and Bermudians, and is one more building block in the foundation Government is building for a reborn Bermuda hospitality industry.''