Hospitality Month was launched at City Hall this afternoon with an emphasis on experiencing Bermuda.

The Bermuda Hospitality Institute, with support from the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), has organised a raft of events and special offers to take place throughout the month of April.

BTA chief executive officer Bill Hanbury highlighted that some 320 people have now been trained as certified tourism ambassadors with the aim of enhancing the experience for visitors to Bermuda.

He said there were more opportunities for people to become certified as part of the National Service Standards Programme going ahead.

Speaking at the official launch, he said: “In the coming months, under the oversight of our COO Karla Lacey, the BHI will make the National Service Standards Program available to more people. If you enjoy engaging with visitors you will certainly enjoy becoming a certified tourism ambassador.

“In the meantime, there is something you can do to get ready for the tourism industry resurgence we are planning. During the month of April we encourage you to get out there and sample some Bermuda tourism experiences. Be a tourist in your own country. Maybe try something new like fly boarding, or create your own custom fragrance at The Bermuda Perfumery. Maybe take a walk on the improved railway trail in Hamilton Parish. Or perhaps re-engage in something you haven’t experienced in a while like a stroll through historic St. George, a trip to the St. David’s Lighthouse, or try a fish sandwich from Art Mel’s.

“Here’s our challenge to you: find some time this month to fall in love with Bermuda all over again, even if it’s for just a few hours. We want to see thousands of Bermuda residents immersing themselves at local beaches and attractions, restaurants and excursions. We feel pretty confident you’re going to love it and quite honestly I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Hospitality Month than to actually experience Bermudian hospitality.”