A Bermuda retreat for young professionals is expected to boost visitors over Cup Match.

The event, organised by Generation Next, is expected to attract people from Britain, the Caribbean, Canada and the United States.

Karim Creary, a member of the youth group, said the retreat was designed to bring together an international mix of future industry leaders to network with Bermudian counterparts.

Mr Creary said: “This unique experience for young professionals hopefully will paint Bermuda as a world-class tourism destination and a global business hub.”

The young visitors will be exposed to Bermuda’s culture, history, beauty and tourism attractions.

Activities will include a guided tour of the island, a VIP Cup Match experience, a beach barbecue and a brunch with Zane DeSilva, the tourism minister.

Mr Creary added: “We will create an amazing milestone event that will cement our island’s position as a destination of choice for business and leisure visitors.”

He was speaking at the launch of the retreat at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club on Thursday.

Mr Creary said that Bermudian students overseas and young professionals in several countries would act as ambassadors for the inaugural event.

The retreat will be held from July 31 to August 4 at the Hamilton Princess.

Eron Hill, the Generation Next chairman, also launched the group’s new $10,000 scholarship.

Mr Hill said that the scholarship would help cut the number of students who could not afford to go abroad to study and that it was hoped to introduce more awards in the future.

Mr Hill said: “Generation Next recognises that true inspiration and facilitation of connecting talent with opportunities is of paramount importance.”

Applications for the scholarship, which will be awarded in August, will open next month.

Mr DeSilva backed the retreat and the scholarship.

He said: “I think this is fantastic. Anytime our young people get involved in such a positive initiative as this, it excites me ... I am very happy to encourage, to endorse, what Generation Next are doing”

He added that Bermudian businesses should throw their weight behind the group.

Mr DeSilva said: “This is one of the initiatives that I think can grow and grow.”

Pat Phillip-Fairn, the chief product and experiences development officer at the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said the youth retreat was in line with trends in Bermuda’s tourism.

Ms Phillip-Fairn said the 25 to 34 age group was the largest group of leisure visitors last year.