Bermuda's two Fairmont hotels took on 73 summer students this year — the most in recent years, the company said.

Fifty-three of the young people worked at the Fairmont Southampton and 20 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

Nelda Simons, regional director of human resources for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Bermuda, said: "Significant numbers of our students studying in diverse fields return to us year over year. We've also found that the experience is having an impact on students' future careers. At The Fairmont Hamilton Princess alone, half of our students are now studying hospitality."

Education Minister Randolph Horton, who is director of training at the Hamilton hotel, told students on the completion of their stint at the hotels: "In the future, we all will benefit from your understanding of the hospitality industry and its importance to Bermuda."

The students worked in 13 Fairmont departments, from front desk, housekeeping, landscaping, accounts, reservations and food and beverage.