The Department of Tourism and Transport have announced a programme which will ultimately turn all of Bermuda?s taxi operators into full-fledged ?Bermuda experts?.

The Blue Flag Ambassadors? Programme will be available free of charge to all taxi operators, but Tourism and Transport Minister Ewart Brown is encouraging all hospitality workers to sign up.

The programme, a ten-week course, will be run under the banner of the Community College Programme.

Dr. Brown said for those who prefer self-study, a guide will be available via the Department of Tourism and on its website in September. Self-study participants will be able to take the final exam at a kiosk at the Transport Control Department.

?Special benefits will be made available to all those who successfully pass the course and new modules and refresher courses will be added over time so that all of our hospitality workers continue to grow professionally as our industry and product evolves,? Dr. Brown said.

The Department of Tourism is now looking for an instructor for the Blue Flag Certification Programme.

An advertisement, which appeared in this week, listed qualifications for suitable candidates which include a keen knowledge of Bermuda Tourism, excellent knowledge of Bermuda?s history, culture and traditions, advanced communication skills, good organisational skills and training and teaching experience.