Tourism ambassadors, school volunteers and “heroes of hospitality” received recognition last weekend for their contributions from the Bermuda Tourism Authority, in tandem with the Bermuda Hospitality Institute.

More than 150 members of the hospitality industry were commended at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess as the Island nears 400 people who have attended status as certified tourism ambassadors.

The hospitality and friendliness of Bermudians stood out in visitor surveys as the most memorable aspect of their trips, with tourists relying on the recommendations of locals for where to go and what to see and do.

According to a BTA statement, the data shows that “positive engagement with residents leads visitors to feel their vacation exceeded expectations”.

Karla Lacey, chief operating officer of the BTA, said the ambassadors’ knowledge of Bermuda’s history and its present-day offerings are what drive the Island’s success as a destination.

The Bermuda Hospitality Institute’s “Hospitality Skills — Life Skills” school programme, offered to children at P4, P6 and M2 levels, was also recognised, along with the START programme — a “skills, tasks and results training” certificate programme through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, which is aimed at high school students aged 16 to 18.

In addition, the community group Imagine Bermuda was commended for taking the nomination of April as hospitality month to champion local “heroes of hospitality”.