With the rise of international business, some people might say that Bermuda tourism has gone the way of the dodo bird and is no longer relevant to Bermuda’s economy.

If you have a strong opinion on this statement, you can express it at a Bermuda College lecture tonight called ‘Who Needs Tourism’ that will take a close look at tourism.

Organiser, Sajni Tolaram Professor of English and Film Studies in the Liberal Arts Department at the Bermuda College, said she was thrilled that the lecture coincided with the launch of the new Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Panellists will include Bill Hanbury chief executive officer (CEO) of the Authority, Chairman David Dodwell and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Karla Lacey.

“We had chosen the topic even before the formation of the Authority,” said Dr Tolaram. “We are pleased to be walking in step with the spirit of the times. Specifically, the Bermuda College lecture series serves as a platform for meaningful conversation in academia, in business, in the arts and civil society for the sake of community engagement for the college and the wider community.

“By extending our platform to this topic we are only too privileged and delighted to be able to host these panellists at this early stage in their organisation. Tourism is central to Bermuda’s infrastructure. It is very much woven into the Island’s history, its culture and its economy.”

She said the intention was not only to start a community discussion, but also to honour Bermuda tourism and its role on the Island.

Gerry Begeman, Senior Lecturer in the division of Business Administration and Hospitality said a lot of people ask if the Bermuda College still prepares hospitality workers the way it did in the old days when the facility was a hotel college.

“We want to say that we do still prepare students for the industry and we do still support tourism,” said Mr Begeman. “We have many programmes, the culinary programme in particular, and the hospitality management programme that is very strong. Our students benefit by the strength of the hospitality industry.”

He estimated that ten percent of Bermuda College students were studying hospitality while about 30 percent were studying business. He said often there was a cross over and those studying business ended up in some aspect of the tourism industry.

Mr Begeman said that the Bermuda College’s industry partners such as restaurants and hotels, were desperate to employ Bermudians.

“If students want a hospitality job there is one waiting out there for them,” he said. “The sky is the limit.”

The lecture will be tonight (Wednesday) from 7pm to 8.30pm in the North Hall Lecture Theatre. Entry is free.