A meet and greet event by the Fairmont Southampton hotel to recruit prospective employees drew a “constant flow” of people yesterday, organisers reported.

Aaron Phillips, the marketing and communications manager at the hotel, estimated between 250 to 300 attendees flocked to the Bermuda Industrial Union hall to find out what jobs would be on offer when the hotel opened its doors next year.

He added: “We’ve had a lot of people foot-traffic wise who came in to sign up ‒ it’s been great. We’ve had people from all ages; we’ve had summer students come in, individuals who are transitioning in their careers.

“People are trying to look for something different.”

Cheryl Robinson, the assistant director of talent and culture, said the hotel would offer jobs in roles ranging from the culinary field to IT, marketing and talent and culture.

Ms Robinson was impressed by the level of turnout.

She said: “We had Bermudians, non-Bermudians, people that are seeking employment now and some seeking employment for next year when the hotel opens.

“We had quite a large turnout early in the day and now it has tapered off a bit but we are excited that so many people came.”

She said most people were interested in the culinary jobs.

Mr Phillips added that some were also interested in front-desk services such as concierge roles.

He said: “I think what was great today was that those who came were able to speak with people who are in those roles like finance, marketing and IT, and they were able to find out what they can do to get there.”

Ms Robinson said the hotel planned to invest and offer opportunities for young Bermudians.

She added: “We’ve been guiding a lot of younger Bermudians as to what courses or experiences they need to get for next year when the hotel reopens.”

Ms Robinson said that the hotel would hold an official job fair in October and planned to begin hiring staff early next year.

The hotel is part of the Accor Group, which operates 5,600 properties across the world as well as more than 57 global brands.

Mr Phillips said it could offer many incentives and opportunities to employees.

He explained: “With Bermudians able to join, it’s not what they can do on any day-to-day basis; it’s a career.

“They can either work abroad long term or do a secondment abroad.

“So they have the opportunity to venture out there and try something different as well.

“I think it’s a really great opportunity for Bermudians from a benefits perspective, to be able to do something they love.”

Mr Phillips added: “It was important to have this conversation now for this meet and greet, because it allows individuals to know what’s needed for the roles.

“For instance, if they want to get into a career such as in culinary, they could figure out from our head chef what they need to do to fill those roles.”

The Fairmont Southampton, which has been closed since 2020 owing first to the Covid-19 pandemic and then for the planned redevelopment, formally broke ground on the renovation in November 2024, with government and private-sector support that included a $75  million sovereign guarantee for the project.

Interior demolition and beach club utility upgrades have been under way since January, with about 50 local workers already on site and more to be recruited for the next construction phase.

Previously, the 593-room resort’s annual economic contribution was valued at more than $100 million and it represented about 25 per cent of Bermuda’s hotel inventory.